In Egypt, It Is Back To Square One

Egypt was ought to be a role model for other Arab countries – post Arab spring revolutions. After throwing out Hoshni Mubarak, a puppet ruler in the hands of USA, Egypt democratically elected its first leader – Mohammed Morsi, albeit belonging to Muslim Brotherhood, which was antithetical to the secular practices of previous governments.

In fact, Muslim Brotherhood which got the majority of votes in the elections held after the Arab Spring revolution, had its birth in Egypt. Brotherhood believed that the Quran and Sunnah should guide the functioning of individuals, families, communities and the state.

This organization which did not hide its anti-secular beliefs won many hearts of Arab youths and managed to form first ever democratic government.

Now after a year of governance, the organization and its poster child – Morsi, have both lost their credibility in the eyes of the same youth. Morse, who initially promised a secular government, slowly tried to infiltrate Muslim Brotherhood’s ideas and functionaries into many institutions of governance.

This did not go well with the educated youth, who saw their revolution being hijacked and used for political and religious opportunistic purposes.

The Arab Spring revolution was an outburst of anger and despair against despotic governments which deprived these youth of their rightful employments, quality education and opportunities to live a healthy life.

Muslim Brotherhood, in its zeal to impose Sharia, meted the same treatment to these youth as did the despots of the past.

Expectedly the second wave of anger again out-poured on the streets of Cairo when eight young protesters were killed by the Muslim Brotherhood goons this week.

Military which waited for an opportunity to oust Morsi, gave him an ultimatum of 48 hours to resign from the post of President. When he did not, Military ousted him unceremoniously and instated a senior judge in his place promising Egypt quick elections.

In Syria the same Muslim Brotherhood is supported by Western countries in their endeavors of toppling the Assad’s government. In Turkey, the government which thinks it has Army in its control should realize that it is secularism that ultimately wins hearts of the majority.

For now, Arab Spring doesn’t stop to spring surprises now and then. One may argue that democracy is the victim in Egypt, but democracy at the cost of secularism is the weakest form of government to run in the long term.