Comments on: Obama and Egypt http://www.deliberatelyconsidered.com/2011/02/obama-and-egypt/ Informed reflection on the events of the day Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.23 By: Christian http://www.deliberatelyconsidered.com/2011/02/obama-and-egypt/comment-page-1/#comment-5455 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:15:23 +0000 http://www.deliberatelyconsidered.com/?p=2307#comment-5455 Jeff, I agree. The situation is an uncertain one, that can tumble into chaos if too much goes wrong. Of course Obama wants democracy in Egypt, but if he denounces Mubarak and Mubarak ends up remaining in power, then we’re in trouble. However, we should take seriously the question of whether the world would be better off if the United States were to openly denounce all regimes not in line with the fundamental tenets of our own government (i.e. democracy, freedom)? What would be the nature of the new geopolitical equilibrium that would eventually emerge? How would the “bad guys” adapt to the new stance of the United States? What would be their best response to the new situation?

]]> By: RWordplay http://www.deliberatelyconsidered.com/2011/02/obama-and-egypt/comment-page-1/#comment-5426 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:54:07 +0000 http://www.deliberatelyconsidered.com/?p=2307#comment-5426 Measured and telling.
The notion of balance is obvious but difficult particularly in a volatile situation such as Egypt, when one side acts when it sees an opportunity to advance its interests. What is in the best interest of the majority is always the question?

I do not see a unified opposition, nor do I see an articulate opposition, which is to say an opposition that can articulate the implications of running a state. I think Mr. Goldfarb sees what Ms. Matynia does not. Ms. Matynia wants the President to support “dignity and rights.” These are two highly subjective abstractions that imply a shared values and responsibilities. As ideas, they’re mirages, to actualize them requires substantial work and sacrifice. I’m not sure the “news-worthy” opposition quite grasp the work and sacrifice that is required to create a new government—we’re fortunate that our Founders did, hence a Continental Congress and a Declaration of Independence preceded the Revolution.

I do not see the body of men or women or any document representing the opposition and their intentions. As for Mr. Ghonim, to my mind, he represents the idealist phase of modern revolutionary action, and these figures are the first to be erased when the revolution actually takes place.

Saying this, I think the President has maintained the balance approach necessary for a sane “transition” of power.

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