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Middle East Analysis

Walking the Path to Reform With Egypt

By Francis J. Ricciardone, recently returned U.S. ambassador to Egypt (2005-2008). Interview with Middle East Bulletin, Part 2.

posted on 05/07/08

Egypt is a pivotal state in many ways. It is one of those dozen or so states in the world whose success or failure and choice of direction will influence choices by other people in their region. If Egypt can move toward a more liberal economy, more respect for international standards of human rights, toward international concepts of democracy, then it is indeed likely to influence other states, other peoples, to believe that they can accomplish the same. So, it’s a bellwether country. Beyond this, as a simple geographic proposition, Egypt is strategically important as long as we wish to project military, economic and political influence around the world.

So in the past few years, when we’ve tried to promote democracy and human rights as an integral part of our global strategy, I think we’ve correctly focused on Egypt as a pioneer state that really ought to succeed. Perhaps it’s for that reason, since we’ve seen progress that is not as fast as we and many Egyptians would have liked, and some outright reversals, that there’s been a high frustration level on both sides. As we have insisted, the Egyptian Government has said, yes, we need more democracy, we want more human rights, but we want it on our terms, in our way, in our time and on our conditions, and we will grow it from within. We’ll appreciate your advice and your assistance, but we don’t appreciate your cutting of our aid, or lecturing us, or trying to punish us into doing what you would like us to do on your schedule, in your way. So that’s been the frustration in the relationship of late. It doesn’t mean that the relationship is in jeopardy, but that tension has certainly been there. …

So how does the United States walk the line between the important strategic relationship it has with Egypt and the desire to see progress on democracy and human rights?

You walk that line by walking it with them, and showing some empathy. You begin by having a conversation with them at the leadership level and at the mass level, as well as with the English-speaking liberal elite, about their aspirations: Who are they? What do they want to become? Where do they want to go? What do the young people of Egypt want? And how do they all propose to get there? Access the full interview>>