[Note: Using editorials as an indicator, this series presents views, understanding and attitude of the Urdu periodicals in India towards various developments concerning the Middle East. The selection of an item does not mean the endorsement or concurrence concur with their accuracy or views. Editor, MEI@ND]

Roznama Sahafat (Journalism Daily), Delhi
Editorial, 3 February 2011, Thursday
1. Israel’s Concern on Development in Egypt
The Israeli stock exchange dipped after public protests in Egypt were relayed on television channels. The Israeli embassy staffs in Cairo were flown back to Tel Aviv immediately, as the news came that soldiers have also joined the protests. This is not surprising for those who are aware of history and politics of the Middle East. Egypt is the most trusted ally of Israel among the Muslim countries in the world. It was obvious that any regime change in Egypt would be big news in Israel. The Muslim world had never been in peace with the Israeli-Egyptian alliance and naturally Egyptians did not like it because of the humiliation they have to suffer on account of suppression of the Palestinians by Israel. The Gaza Strip has border with Egypt but it is completely under Israeli control. Hosni Mubarak, who took to power after Anwar Sadat’s assassination, ruled Egypt with iron hands. The Israeli Prime Minister rightly said Israel is keenly following the happenings in Egypt and elsewhere in the region. Israel wishes that the political stability in the region continues. Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty thirty years back and Israel wants this peace to continue. It is a very sensitive time and all members of the Israeli government have been asked to avoid commenting on the situation. This Israeli concern is obviously not without any reason, the protests which are against corruption, unemployment and price rise during Mubarak’s presidency, also has the Egypt-Israel peace at the hindsight and this can spread to the entire Arab world. President Obama has also declined to back Hosni Mubarak, even though the US usually backs dictators friendly towards it. There was some support by the US initially but later it was made clear that Mubarak should heed to the demands of people. Obama’s personal belief may have played a role in such a policy. This has further perturbed Israel and it thinks that any other regime in Egypt may not continue the peace with Israel. The prediction that the sparks from the Tunisian revolution will spread to other parts of the Arab world, as articulated in this column since last week, has come true. Egypt is the largest Arab country with a population of eighty million. Any development in Egypt is bound to affect other Arab countries. The leadership of the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt is not entirely in the hands of one group and this shows that movements without leadership are becoming usual. The people are bringing revolution and choosing the system of governance. The heat generated by this revolution is being felt in Jordan, Libya, Syria and even in Saudi Arabia. It all started in Tunisia and perhaps it is a new phase of history.
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Dawat Online (Invitation), New Delhi
Editorial, 4 February 2011, Friday
2. The Situation in Egypt
The situation in Egypt is still the same after one week, people’s anger against the government and President Hosni Mubarak not just continues but has increased, even while the administration has improved. The protestors have made efforts to keep the demonstrations as peaceful as possible and so acts of looting and violence have not been reported. People have taken steps to prevent such acts. Peace committees have been formed in areas for protection of life and property. It seems that public has become very responsible even though like any other Arab country, majority of population in Egypt comprise of youth. Such responsible behaviour from youth is laudable. The protests on the one hand are marked with organized action while on the other hand commitment is also on display. The protestors are demanding a regime change and have not yet shown any sign of compromise on this demand. Hosni Mubarak on his part has tried to use all measures in his kitty to woo the protestors and asked them to go back. According to the reports these protestors comprise all sections of Egyptian society. This is not a voice from one section but from the entire country. The most amazing aspect is that even apolitical personalities, like artists, actors, singers, dancers etc. are also taking part in these demonstrations. Another interesting aspect is popular participation of women which has captured the imagination of the West.

The whole world is concerned about the prevailing situation in Egypt. It has affected trade and crude oil prices have started to rise and have crossed the US$ 100 per barrel mark. Egypt has almost paralysed, educational institutions have closed down, industries have stopped working, embassies are closely watching the situation and foreign tourists have cancelled their trips and even foreign nationals have left the country for their homes. Airlines have suspended operation. This has not just paralysed the Egyptian economy but has also affected other countries. The Suez Canal is one of the most important sea passages in the world and if it is affected it is bound to impact the world trade. It would also affect the flow of necessary commodities while it can also impact the current environment of peace. This is directly linked to the US and Israel and the system created by the US in Middle East has failed. It seems that the game played by the US in the region will not continue anymore. Its allies in the Middle East and North Africa are losing power one by one as they have no more role to play in the region. This has perturbed the West, which has engaged itself in debate and deliberations about the upcoming situation and plans are being made for keeping this public anger limited to Egypt.
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Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi
Editorial, 6 February 2011, Sunday
3. The Egyptian Revolution and the United States
The Egyptian capital Cairo has become the centre of attraction for the entire world since two weeks, where a ‘showdown’ is going on between peaceful protestors and the Egyptian government. The Tahrir Square in Cairo has become the battleground for a freedom struggle that is against anarchy, against external intervention and against the puppets of the US, against the Israeli occupation and against the corrupt elites who are busy looting the country. The whole world is against Hosni Mubarak who is depending on the Israeli support to save his chair. The Friday deadline given by the people has already passed but Mubarak has not expressed any intention of resignation. Unexpectedly, the US has indicated Mubarak to step down and President Obama has repeatedly said that Mubarak should respect the wishes of people. This is surprising because usually the US tries to protect its puppets to the last breathe. But in case of Mubarak, the US policy has been completely different from past precedence.

The reason behind this can may be that the US does not want to take any risk. The US supported the Shah during the Islamic revolution in Iran and even gave its support to the interim government constituted by the Shah under Shapour Bakhtiar. The US realizes that people of Iran hate it because it supported the Shah and did not respect the people’s emotion and post-revolution Iran became a major roadblock for American interest. The US now wants to be in tune with the people’s wishes and wishes to bring down the hatred towards US and Israel among Egyptians masses. The US wants Mubarak to go and wants an interim government to take over so that its interest in the region can be protected and people do not feel let down by the American policy. They want to protect the American interest and respect people’s wishes at the same time. It has also been reported that the interim government formula suggested by the White House under Vice-President Omar Suleiman has the support of Egyptian military leadership as well. The US has also advocated that the Muslim Brotherhood should be allowed to participate in politics and the ban on it should be removed. This is a surprising stand by the US and experts are looking at this American policy change from two angles. The first angle is that the US President Obama, as he has expressed earlier, wants to renew its ties with the Muslim world, while the second angle is that the US knows that it would not be possible to keep the Brotherhood out of power in Egypt if free and fair elections take place. The Brotherhood has a very clear policy towards the Palestine issue, and it would prove to be a supporter of Hamas. The Muslim Brotherhood is an old organization that has always advocated the policy for Muslims to get back to Islam. For a century this organization has been against sectarian, linguistic, regional differences, blind Westernization as well as Arab Nationalism. This organization has been perceived as a danger by all Muslim governments because it is against the Western puppets. The US knows it well that if such an organization comes to power in Middle East, it will be an end to the Israeli domination in the region. The US wishes to give an indication to the Muslim Brotherhood that it is not against their coming into power. However, another group of experts have a different opinion on the issue; they think that the US wants to buy time for its clandestine activities. The CIA is trying hard to prevent chances of any anti-Israeli government coming to power in Egypt. A government that sympathizes with Hamas and Palestinians would not be acceptable to the CIA and Mossad. They are busy in clandestine activities and it is likely that after Mubarak leaves, the military would take over, implement marshal law and once more suppress the wishes of people of Egypt.
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Roznama Siasat (The Politics Daily), Hyderabad
Editorial, 6 February 2011, Sunday
4. Clashes in Egypt
The protestors at Tahrir Square may not imagine the outcome of their efforts to depose Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak but the Arab countries have realised that there is a strong force behind this mass uprising. President Obama’s 2009 Cairo visit where he advocated a strong case for democracy in the Middle East may have resulted in the current situation. Hosni Mubarak has accused the Muslim Brotherhood for inciting the masses, while it is yet to be seen to what extent the fundamentalist Islamist organization succeeds in providing an alternative government for the people. The protestors at Tahrir Square include the Egyptian middle class. These peaceful protestors are very much aware that the Muslim Brotherhood is not the only alternative as it got only thirty percent of the votes in the last parliamentary elections. No doubt that it cannot give a shape to Egyptian democracy with the support of just thirty percent population. Mubarak is sure that the banned Muslim Brotherhood is behind the protests. The demonstrations became stronger on Friday where hundreds of thousands of people collected at Tahrir Square after noon prayer and marched towards the Presidential palace. Mubarak is not ready to resign as he thinks that the situation will not improve after his resignation and Egypt will fall into chaos. It was the popular pressure which compelled Mubarak to announce that he will not contest the upcoming presidential election but this could not satisfy the people. The people think that Mubarak wants to hand over power to his son Gamal, which would be a continuation of the same regime and policies. This would scuttle the democratic aspiration of people. Last Friday (4 February) was the deadline for Mubarak, and if violence breaks out after this, it would lead the whole Arab world into chaos. The European leaders are also concerned with the prevailing situation in Egypt. The US and the West see this as a success of their six decade old foreign policy goal of peaceful transition to democracy in the Middle East. The West has no interest in the Middle East except for oil and the Israeli interest. The condition in Egypt is a proof that the West is playing specific role in the region. Nobody could imagine that Obama’s 2009 Cairo message will take this shape in Egypt. Mubarak is a hated president because of his close alliance with the West and Israel. Anwar Sadat had to face the ire of people for his peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Numerous new payers emerged in the region subsequently and the Israeli and the US interests have also not remained same. The stand of the White House on the Egyptian situation brings us to the question of India’s stand on the developments in Egypt. India has not spelled out its stand on the situation but it would be of global importance. Mubarak’s rue has been marked with economic downslide and rampant unemployment while he is accused of accumulating wealth to the tune of US$ 70 billion. If violence breaks out in this struggle for transition of power then it would create huge problems for Egypt and the Arab world.
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Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi
Editorial, 8 February 2011, Tuesday
5. Political Deadlock in Egypt: A Cause of Concern
The protest against President Hosni Mubarak continues in Egypt. Hundred thousands of protestors have camped at the Tahrir Square, demanding immediate resignation of Hosni Mubarak. But power makes one blind, became obvious from Mubarak’s statements saying he would not resign. Egypt faces an uncertain future and the nation stands to lose from this political turmoil.

Cairo’s Tahrir Square has become the centre of protests against Hosni Mubarak for the past two weeks, while peaceful demonstrations continue in other cities of the country. The protestors, who have remained largely peaceful, should be lauded for their patience and grit. Some Mubarak supporters tried to invoke violence and attacked the peaceful protestors and even fired at them, but the situation did not go out of control. The anti-Mubarak protestors alleged that in fact the Mubarak supporters are plain-clothes policemen and intelligence agency personnel in the garb of pro-Mubarak demonstrators. Whatever may be the truth, Mubarak’s refusal to step down has prolonged the political turmoil in Egypt.

The announcement to constitute a committee comprising opposition and government leaders to deliberate on reforms is nothing but a hollow promise. This is the reason why many opposition figures including Mohammad ElBaradei have expressed their reservation on this announcement. The committee which would be constituted as agreed upon by the government and the protestors would look into the necessary changes required in the constitution for transition of power. The basic question, however, remains that when will this transfer of power take place. The way Mubarak has refused to budge despite American pressure and continuing public demonstrations can cause angry reaction. If any such problem occurs, it would be difficult to control. Even though the police are still under Mubarak’s control, the military has already made it clear that it would not fire upon the civilians. Despite such developments, Mubarak’s refusal to respect people’s demand may deteriorate the situation. The anger against Mubarak is such that the famous Al-Azhar University in Cairo has also advised Mubarak to step down.

Mubarak’s contention is that his immediate resignation would push Egypt into chaos, but this hollow claim has failed to impress the people as well as the US administration and the Al-Azhar. That is why the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has distanced herself from her envoy Frank Wisner’s statement that Mubarak should lead the transition of power as President. It is obvious that the US, realising the people’s anger, wants Mubarak to step down, but it seems that Mubarak is not ready to budge. The suggestion to constitute a joint committee is nothing but a trick to buy time and that is why the opposition has expressed doubts on government’s intentions. This has created an uncertain situation in Egypt, but to think that this can save Mubarak’s presidency would be nothing but foolish. The only question is how to compel Mubarak to relinquish power while keeping the protests free from violence.
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Roznama Urdu Times (The Urdu Times Daily), Mumbai
Editorial Article, 10 February 2011, Thursday
6. 11 February: 1979 to 2011
Today the Iranian revolution has competed thirty-two years. Allama Iqbal had predicted this revolution one century back saying, “I can see from this hole in your prison, the arrival of the righteous person, who will break the chains of slavery.” Mukhtar Masud, who was in Tehran on 11 February 1979 writes, “It is 7 o’ clock in the evening. The sun has set on the monarchy. I watched this setting sun from my own eyes. I saw it hiding step by step, with all its colour and details. I am a witness to the revolution in Iran. Earlier this was just a word for me, but now it has become a living experience for me.”

Shahid Murtaza Muthary has written: “The Iranian revolution proves that the country has transformed from a condition of uncertainty to an environment of self confidence. Uncertainty is a condition where a group loses confidence and self respect and gets away from its civilization. It does not recognize its strength and fears the end of future for the community. The regaining of confidence brings back its faith on itself, the lost sense of self respect is regained. It starts respecting its own history and civilization bringing back the confidence on its abilities. It leads to rely on patience and itself rather than asking for help from any worldly power.”

The Islamic revolution of Iran is a sign of Islamic awakening, but this also revives some dormant problems, which challenges this revolution and awakening. This causes chaos and tries to halt the movement of the revolution. In Iran also these hypocrites are trying to sabotage the revolution with the help of imperial powers but have not yet succeeded after 32 years of revolution. This is the biggest achievement of the Iranian Revolution.  Neither the war nor the terrorist attack that killed the sitting President, Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and other seventy parliamentarians could derail the revolution. The investment of millions and billions of dollars could not bring an end to the revolutionary Iran. A contemporary Iranian poet very much reflects this situation saying, “O’ the people who live under the light of revolution, you don’t know how much we have struggled and suffered to bring this light from the darkness of past.”

Once again a number of countries of the Muslim world are on the threshold of revolution which brings to the memory another couplet from Iqbal where he says: “I show my respect to this martyr by showering petals on the grave because the fate of a community is watered from a martyr’s blood.”
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Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi
Editorial, 11 February 2011, Friday
7. The Thirty-Second Anniversary of Islamic Revolution
The revolution of 11 February 1979 in the Middle East not just changed the politics of the region but also gave a message to the world, to come out of the control of super powers and gain freedom to establish a system of governance on their own conditions. At a time when the world was divided into two blocks, this revolution gave the slogan of, “Not Western, not Eastern, but Islamism and Republicanism”, which called for respite under Islam. This was the basis of success of this revolution and the US for the first time saw its ally being removed from a capital. The revolution continued to spread and the Middle East witnessed the birth of strong groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The Iranian revolution also gave the message to the Muslim world that the American politicians are enemies of Islam who indulge in conspiracies against Islam. This message spread to the world and now the US is not liked by Muslims all over the world. The Muslim masses are desperate to see the American puppet rulers, kings and dictators ruling over their countries depart. It is not that nobody thought of the Western conspiracies before the Islamic revolution in Iran but it never took shape of a movement, but with the efforts of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Hassan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb and Imam Khomeini, movements to establish Islamic system of governance started throughout the world. The Muslim Brotherhood was revived in Egypt and spread to Jordan and Yemen.

The way the movement to oust Mubarak from power was started, it looked as if he will not sustain for long, but Mubarak has shown lots of resilience. In fact this revolution would not be so easy because it could harm the interest of Israel which is the strongest power in the region. This delay is a ploy to buy time, so that the people’s anger subsides and another puppet could be put in place to suppress the opposition. The American support for removal of Mubarak is surprising, but this shows that the US wants to gain sympathy of the people of Egypt in case of a revolution. The CIA always has two ways of working, one group of agents work directly to protect American interest while another group of agents sneak into the ranks and files of any movement to take care of American interest in case of their success.

The Iranian revolution was a witness to this policy. At the one hand there was the SAVAK that tortured and killed the revolutionaries and there was Shapour Bakhtiar who worked for American interest till the end. On the other hand many CIA agents sneaked into the revolutionary ranks, that’s why after the revolution succeeded people like Banisadr, Massoud Rajavi and Qutubzadeh worked for American interest and against the revolutionary Iran, but they were exposed and dealt with appropriately. The American agencies thought that the cause of revolution in Iran is economic problems and the people do not adhere to any certain ideology. So the US termed it as a change in government and refused to accept it as a revolution. Again the CIA and Mossad are trying to term the movement in Egypt as against corruption, inflation and economic degradation. They think that the situation can be controlled with change in guard and economic reforms. According to the communists, the people take to revolution due to economic hardships, unemployment and social injustice. This may be true in some cases, but it proved to be wrong in case of the Islamic revolution of Iran and the people of Iran faced the economic sanctions with utmost patience. In case of Egypt also this western impression will prove wrong, and soon it will be known that the people of Egypt want to change the system and not just the government.
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Roznama Urdu Times (The Urdu Times Daily), Mumbai
Open-Ed Article, 11 February 2011, Friday
8. The Fall of another American Puppet
After Tunisia it was time for the American puppet in Egypt to fall. Like 11th February, 12th February has also become historical. The first phase of revolution took twenty-nine days in Tunisia, while the people of Egypt achieved this feat in eighteen days only. Even though the Vice President Omar Suleiman is as good as Mubarak himself, but the emergency will not continue anymore and the pro-Israel one party rule will never come back. The Supreme Military Council that took over power will not be able to highjack the revolution like the Algerian military. In case any such attempt is made by the military then nobody would be able to stop Egypt from a bloody revolution.

After Mubarak the first election which is expected in the coming months will see Al-Baradei as a candidate, but it is not sure if he will win. Al-Baradei may not be a Zionist agent but he also is a friend of America. If free and fair elections are held in September, after lifting of emergency, there is no doubt that the Muslim Brotherhood stands to gain. The sacrifice of Hassan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Maryam Jamila and others will not go waste.

The blockade of the Gaza Strip at Rafah border was practically removed the day protestors took to the Tahrir Square. The military should now respect the wishes of people, the Rafah border may not be opened legally before the elections but it would never be closed like in the past. This is a major setback for Israel. The US will be forced to relook at its Middle East policy. It may soon have to lose its miitary bases in Qatar and Bahrain. Israel woud try to fill the gap due to removal of American installations after the Egyptian revolution and the Turkish and Iranian situation. The Muslim world should get ready for the test of its unity. Yemen, Jordan and other Arab countries will soon have to witness not just historical but also geographical changes. God Willing!
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Dawat Online (Invitation), New Delhi
Editorial, 13 February 2011, Sunday
9. The Ongoing Crisis in Egypt
People’s revolt in Egypt has refused to die down rather it is going strong. It has gradually spread to the entire country and the world is getting anxious over the continuing crisis. Hosni Mubarak is facing more and more public pressure, while the advocates of peace are worried over the trouble in store. This anxiety and trouble is marked with lack of ‘moral impact.’ Those elements who never defied the regime in the past are now daring it to talk face to face. This is not an ordinary change. It is encouraging and troubling at the same time. This pubic uprising has entered into its third week now. Lot has happened in these fifteen-sixteen days. The iron man of Egypt, the 82-year old President, has lost his control. To satisfy the masses, he announced that he will step down in September, and not contest the next presidential election. He also announced that he has no intention to nominate his son as his successor. His family members have already fled to Britain. It has also been reported that Mubarak may leave country for medical treatment. It seems that this Marshall has lost his grit. Every measure that has been announced till now has been rejected by the protestors, who are demanding his resignation. Steps like dissolution of cabinet and promise for constitutional reform have failed to charm the protestors.

This public uprising has proved to be an earthquake in the Western corridors of power. The Western leaders are extremely anxious, which is very obvious from their activity during this period. US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicholas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron, all are worried and pressing Mubarak to control the public anger, take appropriate steps, not use force against the protestors and not try to suppress the protest by force. They are all eyes on the changing situation of Egypt and pressurizing Egypt to take reform steps, giving an impression that they sympathize with the people. They are urging the Egyptian leaders to take immediate measures, while Israel has expressed its reservation on this Western reaction. It remained poised initially and confined itself to observing the situation, but later it clarified its stand. They said to the visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel that it would not be right to leave Mubarak alone at this moment of crisis. Budging to the public pressure would be wrong, giving a signal to Mubarak to stay and remain adamant and not leave the country. They termed the American stand as inappropriate. Now the Egyptian leaders are showing courage and defying the US. The Egyptian Foreign Minister has refused to accept the American suggestion terming it as intervention in Egyptian domestic politics, as if they always took independent decisions. This has further complicated the situation.
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Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi
Editorial, 13 February 2011, Sunday
10. Another 11 February...
Is it a coincidence or God’s grace that a dictatorial government in Egypt fell on the same date as of the Islamic revolution of Iran. On 11 February 1979, when the Islamic revolution occurred in Iran, it was 13 Rabi al-Awwal 1399, of the Hijri calendar. On the same date of 11 February another country in the Middle East has seen the fall of government due to people’s uprising, a country which has a large Muslim population. This was either a coincidence or a miracle that the end of Mubarak’s regime came in the month of Prophet’s birth. This is a very auspicious sign that such a thing happened in this month. This is a God’s grace to the suppressed people who had suffered for long at the hands of tyrannical leaders. Another remarkable coincidence was that the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Hassan al-Banna was martyred on 12 February 1949. A victory march in Cairo one day before his sixty-second death anniversary, with the sound of “God is Great” all around, is a signal of end to the sufferings of the Islamists in Egypt. It is very much obvious that now Muslim Brotherhood will be a mainstream party in Egyptian politics. It is also obvious that Israel would not be able to suppress the Palestinians with Egyptian help if the Brotherhood comes to power in Egypt. These rays of freedom emerging from Tahrir Square will also enlighten the tunnels that work as a transit for food and necessary commodities for the oppressed people of Gaza Strip.

This is a first instance of an unarmed uprising in the Arab world that has succeeded in removing an authoritarian President, who was reared by the US on the Israeli fodder. The most important aspect of Mubarak’s resignation was the continuous pressure from the leaders of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE on the US to help Mubarak and save him, as they feared that it will affect many more countries in the region. However, it is surprising that the US could not oblige its allies. It may be wary of the fact that the staunch opposition to the Iranian revolution has not served much purpose. This positive behaviour from the US can have two reasons, a change in American Middle East policy or sacrificing Mubarak to protect American interest? It was also said that the US has sacrificed Mubarak, to replace him with another of their confidant. The US also thinks that the military which played a very positive role during the revolution will not allow any anti-American group to form government in Egypt. The US wants to avoid an Iran-like situation in Egypt, where people still hate the US 32 years after the revolution.

Omar Suleiman has taken control of the government after Mubarak’s departure and has appealed to the people to return to their homes and works and co-operate with the interim government. Tahrir Square witnessed victory celebrations throughout the Monday night. Cairo was filled with people and the air was filled with the emotion of joy and victory. Now it has to be seen what is in store, will there be another dictatorial leader ruing the country? Omar Suleiman is very close to the US and Israel. It would be clear only after some time whether there would be free and fair elections in Egypt or the military will share power with another dictatorial regime. Things can take any turn because this is a volatile region. Israel would not like a government in Egypt that sympathises with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. It is the people of Egypt who will play an important role in deciding their future if they continue with same enthusiasm they showed against Mubarak.

The battle for democracy at Tahrir Square has not just brought revolution in Egypt but has also terrified all the dictators and despots in the region, who are now devising strategies to suppress the voice of democracy that is echoing the airs of Middle East.
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Roznama Siasat (The Politics Daily), Hyderabad
Editorial, 13 February 2011, Sunday
11. Hosni Mubarak’s Resignation
The resignation of Hosni Mubarak and peaceful transition of power as per the wishes of the people is a victory for the democratic people of Egypt. The continuous protests by people throughout Egypt and especially in Cairo’s Tahrir Square for the last 18 days have forced Mubarak to relinquish power. The change towards democracy had become inevitable. Mubarak who was ruling for the past thirty years had to bow in front of the people’s power. The entire episode remained largely peaceful which is laudable. The people of Egypt got sympathy and support from all democracy loving people around the world. The anger against government was accumulating for the past one decade due to rampant corruption. Poverty and unemployment had reached intolerable level. The corrupt ruling elite became a curse in the eyes of common people. The only solution that remained was to force the dictator out of power to control the spiralling corruption and food prices and the people succeeded in their mission. The military also played an important role in pressurizing Mubarak into resigning. On Thursday, when Mubarak addressed the nation, people heard him patiently expecting his resignation. The military respected the wishes of people and finally Mubarak had to depart, setting out for Shram al-Sheikh. There is no doubt that Hosni Mubarak brought stability in Egypt and provided opportunities for middle classes to rise. However, he could not fulfil the people’s wish for a free and democratic polity. The West hijacked the Egyptian foreign policy. The US had a major role in Egypt’s internal and external politics, which had a very different confusing stand on the current crisis. It would now be up to the people of Egypt and the upcoming government to satisfy their democratic aspirations. However, if the political vacuum created after Mubarak’s resignation is not filled it will become a major crisis. The coming time will decide how the events of Egypt will impact the Arab politics. The Vice President Omar Suleiman while announcing the resignation of President Mubarak looked worried about Egypt’s future. The new cyber savvy generation of Egypt danced with joy upon hearing the news of Mubarak’s resignation but their democratic revolution can be termed successful only if the Egypt gets a good government now. Some prominent names that are doing the rounds of media for next Egyptian president includes Amr Musa, Secretary General of Arab League and former Foreign Minister of Egypt and Mohamed ElBaradei the former chief of IAEA and a leading force behind the movement for democracy. He termed Mubarak’s resignation as coming true of his dream. It would be the responsibility of the coming government to uphold the vision of modern Egypt realized by the founder of modern Egypt Gamal Abdul Nasser. The leader of interim government Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi will have to play a historical role for transition of power to the civilian government. The opposition parties, specifically Muslim Brotherhood, should take this opportunity to join the mainstream of Egyptian politics and play a positive role in taking forward the democratic aspiration of the people of Egypt. It is now the responsibility of Egyptian political leaders to give a corruption free and democratic system of governance to the people.
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The Etemaad Urdu Daily (The Confidence Urdu Daily), Hyderabad
Editorial, 14 February 2011, Monday
12. Hosni Mubarak.......What After Him?
The authoritarian regime of Hosni Mubarak has come to an end. He may have given stability to Egypt, but what kind of stability was there is now known to all. How visionary and farsighted leader was he is there for all to analyze. His actions during the last days of power created doubts about his mental health, he neither had idea about the changing world nor had an understanding of the prevailing situation. He remained in power for three decades but always chose the middle path and did not take any daring step. His economic reform measures were also half-hearted. He kept peace with Israel and helped it marginalize Hamas, for which he received US aid. Mubarak used the police to repress any voice of dissent. He enjoyed the fruit of power in the facade of democracy. Elections became a major tool of democratic face of Egypt. The gap between rich and poor increased during his reign. The governance and power was shared by big businessmen and industrialists during his reign through his son Gamal Mubarak. He promoted a culture where there was no concept of social welfare.

The way the people of Egypt have thrown out the authoritarian ruler has terrified other dictators in the region. Egypt is the focal point of Arab world. The youth revolution in Egypt has the potential to catch the imagination of youthful population of Arab countries. This is neither a case of foreign intervention nor a conspiracy as stated by some of the rulers. This is a genuine demand of the youth of Egypt who want to fulfil their dream of a free and democratic country. The Arab leaders should try to understand the meaning of power and freedom. The modern world cannot accept a patrimonial rule and power cannot remain confined to the elites. Mubarak misjudged the meaning of power and freedom and the result is there for everyone to see.

Mubarak has handed over the power to the military, which has promised to end the emergency immediately after the situation normalizes. But more steps would be needed for achieving a fully democratic system of government. Mubarak was an authoritarian dictator, who ruled with an iron hand. Now the power is in the hands of the Supreme Council of armed forces. So a true republican democracy is still far from having arrived. The fundamental demand of Mubarak’s resignation has been realized. Now the question is if the military will share power with political leaders for a smooth transition of power to civilian government? Egypt would for the first time become a democratic republic, which would require the services of experts from different fields. It has to be seen how the Supreme Military Council utilizes the services of such experts. The Egyptian military is respected by the people of Egypt but it will be important to see to what extent the military respects the democratic aspirations of people.

Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi is the senior most official of the Supreme Council of armed forces, who is also the Defence Minister, but the reports about him are not very encouraging. It has been reported that he is not a very enthusiastic supporter of democracy to promote a democratic system. Tantawi had a record of opposing political change. He was one of the most confidant allies of Hosni Mubarak. What decisions, acceptable to the democracy activist, are taken by him in such a scenario would be important.

A major shift in Egyptian foreign policy is not expected after Mubarak, but internal changes could be felt only after fundamental rights of people are restored, which would also help realize the changes in Egyptian society and the kind of polity it aspires for after Mubarak. As far as the Muslim Brotherhood is concerned, about which Israel and the West are most concerned, it just wants to be a part of politics and does not want to monopolize power. This is a much matured stand from the Brotherhood, which speaks of its plan to try and create space for itself in Arab politics through confidence building rather than trying something controversial.
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Roznama Hamara Samaj (Daily Our Society), Delhi
Editorial, 14 February 2011, Monday
13. Mubarak’s Resignation
The revolution in Egypt is a reality with Mubarak’s resignation. The eighteen day struggle of the people of Egypt succeeded with the removal of a repressive dictator. This should have happened much earlier but people feared more repression in case of a setback. But the revolution that occurred in Tunisia caught the imagination of Egyptians. The self immolation of the Tunisian citizen Muhammad Bouaziz sparked the revolution in Tunisia which forced its long standing President Zine El Abidine to leave and subsequently the Egyptian President also had to depart. Zine El Abidine fled the country within few days after the uprising but eighty four year old Mubarak took eighteen days of continuous protest before fleeing Cairo.

The people finally succeeded in forcing Mubarak out of power. Now Vice President Omar Suleiman is in charge. In fact the real struggle begins now because the revolution can be termed successful only if the real goal of pushing Mubarak out is achieved. Even though Omar Suleiman is in charge the main role would be played by the Supreme Council of armed forces which is the interim government. Now the main work would be the establishment of a democracy. A democratic system of government elected by the people should be the ultimate goal. The task is huge and will certainly be a gradual process. Mubarak’s thirty year rule has left the country gasping, the whole system has been corrupted and it would be the biggest challenge to bring back the country on a democratic track. If an elected government comes to power they would be accountable to the people. The beauty of democracy is that the rulers have to come back to the people to seek their mandate. Mubarak was an authoritarian dictator who ruled the country with his whims without any sense of accountability. Naturally people were feeling choked in such an environment. It was a volcanic eruption for Mubarak who was enjoying the fruits power for three decades. Now it has to be seen what course of action Suleiman and Tantawi take. It would be a smooth transition to democracy if they would have read the mood of people during the protest. In case they try to repeat what Mubarak did after Sadat’s assassination then it would be a big mistake. The people did not only demand Mubarak’s ouster but they want a democratic system and freedom of political participation. That would be the only solution to put back the country on the track of development and progress.

The Muslim Brotherhood will have to play an important role in the formation of a new government. They have already clarified that they did not want to monopolize power. This is a major statement by the Brotherhood which will go a long way in making them a political force in Egypt. Mubarak had expressed fears that the Brotherhood will take power if he leaves but the organization showed immense poise while taking part in the protests and did not try to hijack the people’s movement. It is a fact that if an elected government comes to power, it would be hard to ignore them. Any move to marginalize them can create trouble. Mubarak tried all his ammunitions to finish the Muslim Brotherhood from Egypt but it remained a force and the US and Europe always feared their coming to power. Israel also gave statement to support Mubarak saying that his removal will affect the Israel-Palestine peace process. Israel and the US fear that they may not be able to save their interest in the region if this religiously oriented organization comes to power. Now it would be important to see what course of action Omar Suleiman, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and the Muslim Brotherhood take to establish democracy in Egypt. If a strong democracy could be established then it would be an example for other Muslim countries where agitations are continuing. The whole picture would become clear only after some time.
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Translated and Compiled by Md. Muddassir Quamar

Md. Muddassir Quamar is a research student at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Email 

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy