U.S. Neutrality in Egypt Not Possible

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In The Media

U.S. Neutrality in Egypt Not Possible

Regardless of who takes over after Egyptian President Mubarak's resignation, the United States should do what it can to support a transition to genuine democracy and free and fair elections.

By Michele Dunne

Published on Feb 10, 2011

Source: Bloomberg TV

The expected resignation of President Mubarak is both an important and a perilous moment for Egypt, said Michele Dunne on Bloomberg TV’s Fast Forward. For the moment, the Egyptian military appears to be taking control, but it remains to be seen whether they will put Egypt on track for a democratic transition. Dunne commented that while the military initially played a stabilizing role, attempting to mediate between the protesters and the regime, they also permitted regime thugs to harass and harm the protesters. It is not clear whether the military will really ensure that the repressive methods of the regime will cease.

Looking to the West, Dunne said that the United States has had a long and deep relationship with Egypt. As a result of this history, it is not possible for the Obama administration to be neutral as events in Egypt continue to unfold. While the administration has been careful since crisis began, Dunne pointed out that it has called on the Egyptian state to meet the demands of the people. The people in Egypt are eager to hear what the United States says, Dunne said, concluding that it is vital for the Obama administration to support a transition to democracy and free and fair elections.

About the Author

Michele Dunne

Former Nonresident Scholar, Middle East Program

Michele Dunne was a nonresident scholar in Carnegie’s Middle East Program, where her research focuses on political and economic change in Arab countries, particularly Egypt, as well as U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Recent Work

Research
Islamic Institutions in Arab States: Mapping the Dynamics of Control, Co-option, and Contention
- +6
  Yasmine Farouk, Nathan J. Brown, Maysaa Shuja Al-Deen, …
Research
From Hardware to Holism: Rebalancing America’s Security Engagement With Arab States
- +8
  Robert Springborg, Emile Hokayem, Becca Wasser, …

Political Reform Foreign Policy North Africa Egypt

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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