Egyptian Government: Should America Get Involved?
Should America get involved in Egyptian affairs of state? This question, like many others regarding such an issue needs to be defined for further discussion. Just what constitutes involvement?
When considering Egypt, keep in mind that this country is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Its culture, mores and political structure has been in development for many thousands of years. From the pharaohs to the pan Arab nationalism of Nasser, Egypt has weathered many political storms.
The rise of Anwar Sadat and his refutation of Nasser’s nationalistic policy and his willingness to engage in progressive peacemaking served Egypt well and this trend continued under the tutelage of Hosni Mubarak. During the last 40 years America and Egypt have stood side by side on many different issues affecting not just the two nations, but concerning the Middle East as a whole.
Without this close cooperation, the whole process of the Middle East peace accords simply could not have occurred. Having the benefit of hindsight think how the 1970s and 1980s may have unfolded in the Middle East. Without these two nations standing as a bulwark against radicalism, the map of the Middle East would be quite different today.
In short, we cannot afford to be disengaged from a country that is considered by many other Arab nations as a bellwether. Egypt stands in the unique position amongst its brother Arab nations as a facilitator of peace. A close positive working relationship benefits countries, the immediate region, and the entire world.