SPHINX STIRRED ONCE MORE

We have been seeing political developments in Egypt since 1958 when Abdel Gemal Nasser assumed power and was an active member of the non-alignment movement with Pt Nehru and Marshal Tito of erstwhile Yugoslavia. He had a long stint when the Egypt not only made economic progress but was also a liberal society unlike its Arabian neighbours. However, he could not strengthen democratic norms and there was a huge disenchantment in the public at large. He was replaced by Anwar Sadat who also failed to meet people’s aspirations. Then came Hosni Mubarak in 1981 who called the shots till 2011.

Hosni Mubarak, quite opposite to the high expectations in the public, started behaving like an autocrat. The country took a nose-dive so far as the economic progress was concerned. Ultimately the people rose in revolt. For months together, thousands of people gathered at the Tahreek Squire and raised their voice against their President. Despite huge police and military deployment, the insurgency did not abate. Every time there was worse violence on the road. This protest activity later became famous as the  Arab Spring Movement. The movement succeeded in removing Mubarak. After a brief chaotic situation, general election was conducted and for the first time in reality, an elected govt assumed power in Egypt with Mohammed Morsi as the new President.

The history of Egypt of last nearly 50 years shows that the people at large, by nature, are of democratic bend of mind but to their misfortune, they reeled under autocratic regimes. With Morsi, they hoped that their dream of democracy would come true. But the president also belied their hopes. Like several other Arabian countries, Egypt also started moving on the same religious Islamic path. The Freedom & Justice Party of Morsi is the political wing of a rabid Islamic body named as Muslim brotherhood. The growing public disenchantment caused a serious concern in the army, which effected a bloodless coup and the deposed Morsi was put under house arrest in the Army Guard Club, Cairo. The Chief Justice of Egypt,  Adly Mansour was made ad hoc president till the fresh elactions.

There is an international uproar on the destabilizing of an elected govt. USA has urged upon the new president to ensure a speedy return to democracy. The African Union has removed Egypt from its membership. Violence is aggravating day by day. The UNO has to play a quick and active role to reestablish peace in Egypt, known for the oldest civilization.