Turmoil and Opportunity in Egypt

SUBMITTED BY: Earl Jose Shugerman who told us the following upon submission:

“I have a meeting next week with top people from the Focolare.
Representatives from Egypt and Palestinians from both sides of the border will attend.”

How does Egypt fit into the modern world? Please note that I am writing this the day Mubarak announced his resignation. I would like to present my perspective as an Israeli American. I have contacts both in Egypt and from people that have fled Egypt. Their descriptions of life in Egypt seem similar to those protesting in the streets. For many, life is bleak. Unemployment is high. Hunger is common. Basic services are limited, and the government is far from democratic.

Egypt is a unique country with a fascinating history. Officially it is called the Arab Republic of Egypt. It is located mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Most of us know about the antiquity of Egypt- most famous for its Pyramids, Sphinx and the fertile delta along the Nile.

The primary factor limiting economic growth is that only 3% of the land accounts for much of its economic base. Modern and Ancient Egypt are very similar in the sense that almost all of the country’s inhabitants live along the Nile delta. The major cities, including Cairo, are located in the same area.

The history of Egypt dates back 4000 years. During most of that time the country was either a monarchy, colonialist, or strong individual leaders- it is not redundant to say that the people of Egypt haven’t enjoyed democracy in the past. Therefore the people of today in Egypt are fighting for social, economic, cultural, and political rights.

Egypt has been officially named a “Republic” since June 18, 1953. However, it has been under Emergency Law continually since 1967 (with the exception of an 18-month break in 1980). Since 1981, Egypt has been ruled autocratically by Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, who came to power after the assassination of President Mohammed Anwar El-Sadat. Mubarak is currently serving his fifth term in office (28 years). Mubarak is the leader of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

Although power is nominally organized under a multi-party semi-presidential system, whereby the executive power is theoretically divided between the President and the Prime Minister, in practice it rests almost solely with the President who traditionally has been elected in single-candidate elections for more than fifty years. Mubarak has traditionally enjoyed the support of the military which exerts great power in Egypt.

The economy of Egypt is one of the most developed and diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and service at almost equal production levels. Egypt’s economy depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum exports, and tourism. The Suez Canal is its primary outlet to the world.

The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1970 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population, limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress the economy.

Modern Egypt is a country of haves and have nots. The people in the streets are clamoring for a better way of life in Egypt. Does the government have the answers? Will a change in government make a difference? I don’t believe that any of us can answer these questions, but that the people of Egypt have a right to ask for a better life.

The struggle for freedom in Egypt should be understood by all of us living in democratic societies. The results of the current struggle in Egypt could very well affect the region and the world as a whole. Many of us in Israel are concerned about the possible effects on regional security. Egypt and Israel share a long border and the first Israeli-Arab peace treaty. Many Israelis, hope that the peace will continue, but with a more democratic Egyptian society.

SUBMITTED BY: Earl Jose Shugerman who told us the following upon submission:

“I have a meeting next week with top people from the Focolare.
Representatives from Egypt and Palestinians from both sides of the border will attend.”