Time to act is now, US must stop waffling Monday, 31 January 2011 03:34

We are not overly surprised by the halting reaction of the United States, and the rest of the world (given the high stakes), to the events unfolding in Egypt. But we are concerned, too concerned, the critical moment just may slip by given the menacing possibilities in the streets all through Egypt if the US and the world at large waste too much time bogged down in deliberations while the country descends into chaos.

Egypt commands a huge influence in the Middle East and what happens there will have a powerful impact on the entire region. And for us the choice is clear: the people have spoken out and the world must listen.

It is instructive in this context to look back to President Barack Obama’s speech at Cairo University in 2009, shortly after he assumed office, and the promise he made to the Arab world.

“No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and legitimate workings of the political process above your party,” he said. It is time for Obama to act on those principles. The events not only in Egypt but also in Tunisia and other countries in the Middle East show that the region is going through one of the most turbulent periods in history. But also that the one that holds the most promise. Obama is definitely seized of the events in Egypt, holding daily briefings with his cabinet including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton but the outcome does not seem substantial. The US reaction in fact is quite weak especially when it comes to asking President Hosni Mubarak to step down.

It is not even close to what Egyptians would be satisfied with. The US, in its own interest and as a close friend of President Mubarak, should persuade him to step down.

Mubarak’s insistence on staying in power could have dire consequences not only for that country but for the entire Middle East. The lack of an open-minded approach and the adamant attitude of one person should not be allowed destroy the peace and stability that the region longs for.

Obama must make good on his “of the people and by the people” speech and assist in the peaceful transition of power in Egypt. The US should show the Arab world that they support the people in their cause.

For President Mubarak, if he plays his part right, he can still secure a place in history as a man who put the lives and well-being of the people ahead of his personal interests by ceding power instead of the villain he would otherwise become. Time to act is now. For the US. For Mubarak.    THE PENINSULA