Like a litter of foster children born of fear and neglect, the Jasmine Revolutions desperately need guidance. We witnessed the infant revolutions’ first steps toward freedom and first cries for democracy, but as the rallies sprout and spread, the responsibility falls on the older siblings to be good influences on the young.
I speak namely of Egypt, the second revolutionary state after Tunisia and the keystone of peace in the cradle of civilization.
Demands have been made and some answered, but the Egyptian revolution awaits proper leadership to guide the maturing movement. With an opportunity to set a precedent for revolutions region-wide, the impending parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for September and October, respectively, are paramount.
The renewal process in Egypt began March 19 with a vote on a package of constitutional amendments. About 77 percent of voters favored the package, which limits the Egyptian presidency at two four-year terms, relaxes requirements for presidential candidacy and a orders a new constitution to be written following parliamentary elections.
The altered requirements for presidential candidacy have opened many doors for aspiring candidates.
Mohamed ElBaradei, who announced plans to run for president under condition of the new terms of candidacy, was among the initial politicians to become involved in the revolution in Egypt.
ElBaradei’s political career consists of 12 years at the helm of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He worked alongside Hans Blix during the inspection of Iraq for weapons of mass destruction, which tarnished his relations with the U.S., and was among the prime detractors of Israeli or American action against the Iranian nuclear program.
His proposals of cooperation and interdependence in the Middle East — specifically concerning nuclear energy — remain idealistic, though history shows revolutionaries have an affinity for idealists. The fact that he doesn’t work for the Egyptian government directly and doesn’t live permanently in Egypt, however, are serious drawbacks.
The most prominent candidate thus far is Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.
Moussa worked for decades under former President Hosni Mubarak as a diplomatic adviser and representative to the U.N. until his promotion to Minister of Foreign Affairs, an office he held for a decade. Interestingly, he worked under Mubarak for years, but his reputation has not been tainted by Mubarak’s corruption.
It can be argued that his transfer from Minister of Foreign Affairs to his current position at the Arab League was enacted by Mubarak to remove a potential threat. Moussa had amassed such popularity in Egypt that a hit pop song was written about him.
Moussa’s work has, in large part, focused on Arab-Israeli relations and the American diplomacy therein. He praised the U.S.’ role in negotiations but called out its double standard in regards to Israel’s nuclear program and that of Iran.
Most important is his fervency for democracy. Democracy and reform are the two standards Maussn holds for Egypt’s future government, and he condones any religious involvement so long as it is democratically elected.
It must be noted that the victimized and feared Muslim Brotherhood will not have a candidate in the race but hopes to gain seats in Parliament. A bad omen for the secular, new Egypt, especially if under Moussa. Let the will of democracy be as it may.
The future of the Egyptian government stands on a tightrope.
Six months may not be enough time for parties to establish themselves prior to elections, but with too much time, the ruling military could become ingrained in the system. The paradox is that the Egyptians want a man with experience but far removed from Mubarak, which is impossible because Mubarak ran the government for 30 years.
Under the authority of a wise and experienced leader, however, the direction taken by a renewed Egyptian state could be a vanguard for fledgling revolutions elsewhere.
Clayton Crockett is a 19-year-old international studies freshman from Lafayette. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_ccrockett.
 
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Contact Clayton Crockett at [email protected]