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An Internal Initiative In Egypt
Ibrahim M. Ouwais Al-Hayat 2004/03/22
The essential condition for the success of the American attempt to spread democracy is to know that all the Middle Eastern countries are not the same; some have no democratic institutions, others enjoy a judicial structure and adopted important steps toward liberalizing their economies and allowing a margin of political participation and freedom of expression; in addition to supporting the rule of law and basic human rights.
For instance, Egypt has been subject to a comprehensive self-assessment in order to carry out the necessary political reform.
The internal discussion revealed a national near-consensus about a gradual and sustainable reform operation through establishing sound democratic institutions: the presence of represented political parties, an independent judiciary system and an empowered civil society.
Another characteristic of the Egyptian experience is that the political reform is an internal operation. This does not deny the need for external support and help, while a dictation of the reform unacceptable. The reform operation in Egypt brought important fruits: liberal media, TV channels working away of the censure bureau, satellite TV channels and Internet and a respected judiciary. Civil society is growing and developing.
As for the equality between men and women, the Egyptian woman was politically active during the past century; she enjoyed all the political, economic and social rights. The Egyptian woman is now a deputy, a minister and a judge in the constitutional court.
This does not mean that Egypt became democratic; some issues still need to be modified. However, it is important to point out developments occurring in some countries in the region that should be taken into consideration within a long-term operation of political, economic and cultural shift.
Ever since the 1970s, the U.S. policy in the Middle East was characterized by reaching a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace through settling the Arab-Israeli conflict. This vision is an essential aspect in the U.S. values and principles.
As for the other aspect of partnership between the U.S. and Arab countries it is supporting the efforts deployed to carry out an economic and political reform.
The U.S. was always a major partner in these historical operations, and its role was even more efficient when it came as a response to the internal need and in cooperation with the leaderships of the region. In fact, the regional stability diminishes intervention in internal reforms.
Another problem is that some people encourage a radical and quick approach without establishing a dialogue with the governments or groups - considered defenders of reform.
While it is understood that there is a need to overcome the status quo in the region, the need to understand that reform is a historical and cultural operation that should be launched from inside in order to be sustainable, must be recognized.
* Mr. Ouwais is Chairman of the Egyptian-American relations council.
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