U.S.-Egyptian alliance vital to region

By Shams Ghoneim

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I recently returned from Egypt following several weeks there. I voted for the first time as an expatriate in the Shura Council's elections. I knew, though, that time is needed to effectively change the course of a nation.

I recalled my stay there in January 2011 as I watched in awe the spontaneous, powerful, and peaceful revolution sweeping Egypt. Muslim, Christian, Egyptians from all walks of life, demanded the ouster of a corrupt, oppressive president, downfall of his regime and justice against a brutal state police. They were met by live ammunition that killed an estimated 900 civilians and injured 6,000 others.

After 18 days, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down and was put on trial with others for crimes against Egypt. A temporary government was formed. In a March referendum, Egyptians voted overwhelmingly to amend the constitution, thus setting the legal groundwork for democratic parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, or SCAF, established itself as the governing authority with presidential powers. SCAF inexperience in political and administrative matters resulted in frequent errors in governing.

In November, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians flowed into Tahrir Square demanding removal of SCAF, its replacement by a civilian authority and an end to police abuse against protesters. SCAF took severe measures resulting in many casualties and violence against peaceful female protesters.

SCAF actions led to a perpetual state of protests and civil disobedience, paralyzing the country at all levels. Thugs infiltrating demonstrations caused havoc and destruction. The economy was in shambles with 40 percent of Egyptians living below poverty, a minority living in great luxury and a middle class virtually disappearing. Ongoing shortages of oil and natural gas, with huge increases in food cost became the norm.

Yet positive changes were taking place, moving Egypt slowly but steadily toward a democratic system of government. Political parties formed and organized ahead of elections. Eight million eligible expatriate Egyptians registered through a website

established by the High Election Judicial Commission. In Egypt,

50 million registered with 70 percent voting.

Muslim Brotherhood party won a majority of the votes in the parliamentary elections of the People's Assembly followed by the hard-line Salafi party and lastly by independents. The first free presidential elections in decades are planned for May.

Recently, some foreign-funded civil organizations were accused of receiving funds through illegal channels, and operating without registration in violation of Egyptian law. Judicial authorities indicted 43 people - including six U.S. citizens among 29 foreign nationals and 14 Egyptians - working for NGOs allegedly carrying out political activities outside the realm of legitimate NGO work. The main U.S. organizations involved were the International Republican and the National Democratic Institutes. Some in Congress and Senate were quick to threaten the Egyptian government with cutting all aid.

The United States and Egypt enjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on shared mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability, revitalizing the Egyptian economy, strengthening trade relations and promoting regional security. For decades, Egypt and the United States have worked together to expand Middle East peace negotiations, holding talks and the Middle East-North Africa Economic Conference.

U.S. assistance to Egypt's military modernization program, and Egypt's role as a contributor to various United Nations peacekeeping operations, continually reinforce the U.S.-Egyptian military relationship. Both nations participate in combined military exercises. Every other year, Egypt holds Operation Bright Star, a multilateral military exercise with the United States, and the largest military exercise in the region. Units of the U.S. 6th Fleet are regular visitors to Egyptian ports. (See www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm.)

A secure, economically viable and politically stable Egypt is critical to U.S. interests. In a region full of uncertainty and fluidity, the U.S.-Egyptian alliance must prevail.

Shams Ghoneim of Iowa City is the coordinator of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Iowa Chapter. Comments: shamsghoneim@mchsi.com.