Egypt’s transition to new order

Abdel Maguid Ahmed

Rabi' al-Awwal 20, 1434 2013-02-01

Letters To The Editor

by Abdel Maguid Ahmed (Letters To The Editor, Crescent International Vol. 41, No. 12, Rabi' al-Awwal, 1434)

While Egypt takes tentative steps towards a new order based on justice and fairness, the old guard continues to frustrate these efforts.

The people of Egypt are gradually making a transition from the old oppressive order to a new era that will hopefully be based on values of justice and fairness. President Mohamed Mursi still faces many hurdles. This was to be expected. As you have repeatedly pointed out in your magazine, the old guard is still entrenched in many important institutions — the military, judiciary, bureaucracy, police etc. — and they are able to frustrate the will of the people every step of the way.

Working within the old system has its pitfalls that are all too evident in Egypt. What is revealing, however, is that those who had gathered under the umbrella of the National Salvation Front (NSF) led by Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei have already exposed themselves. There is infighting about who is going to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Some groups are saying they do not want to cooperate with the remnants of the old regime while others, like the Wafd Party, have said they want to go their own way.

It is clear from their antics that this odd assortment of groups and individuals only came together because of their opposition to al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun. There was little common between them. They have exposed their hand and their foreign-inspired and supported agenda. It is for the people of Egypt to ensure these people do not get into parliament.

Abdel Maguid Ahmed

Los Angeles, CA, US