The response of despots in Egypt is on expected lines. Egypt is not entirely dictatorial regime, there is a space provided for protest and so on (though one wonders if Army wasn’t neutral how things would be). It is almost a pseudo democracy so in a way a good study since the so called democrac
ies of poorer societies are of same nature. The ruling elite of such societies show certain classic symptoms Mubarak is only an extension of that. First and foremost we have to understand that they will go to any extent to maintain their power, this is consolidated by extending favour to few people (in most cases family and friends) thus a coterie of power is created which owe their existence and therefore their allegiance on the survivability of the system. Thus we have a powerful set of people who will do anything to scuttle any attempt to dilute their power, and therefore vested interest in status quo. Since they cannot be brutal (as it goes against posturing of liberalism- that get them acceptance in western world or shall we say the west prompts them into these characterisation for its own selfish reason. Also referred to as geopolitical compulsions in diplomatic circles, nexus is a better word), they construct premise that show them in positive light. This they take to a level of indispensability “we are the saviours or else you are condemned”. For this to work they have to create a credible adversary (it also helps to take attention from their own sordid dealings) and religious fundamentalists has become an easy alibi in recent times. Indeed it is the elite (the liberal elite, i need stress) who fuel fundamentalist forces these then leads to polarisation of societies and helps consolidation of power. Therefore they divert the attention from issues of common people, as also their own corruption, and make it a fight against extremists, which of course they are happy to lead. The problem is when genie refuse to go back to the bottle once the use is over (i am reminded of Binderanwale here).
Mubarak regime is attempting the same, they have propped up Islamists, wherein the presence of extreme element in the uprising was rather negligible. Mubarak regime for its selfish reason is giving credibility to these elements, in affect the as
pirations of common people that have united them against this despot is sought to be hijacked. It fits into the pattern quite easily. Now this is where the West will get uncomfortable (and so will many Egyptian) and will end up supporting Mubarak-who has already declared that without him the country will collapse. It is clear he is preparing for that eventuality. It is in the nature of elite scoundrels in pseudo democracies to be least bothered about people, and wouldn’t hesitate to take the society to dangerous precipice if that is what serves their purpose.
It is very sad the way things are spiralling, I think the Army will have to move in. It is no longer about Mubarak moving out. He will have to stand trial. This blogger requests international agencies UN or ICJ or whoever to get the banks declare Mubarak and families ill-gotten wealth. Actions should be initiated against banks for helping hoard these wealth. The countries (read Switzerland) that have policies that support these despots to loot money and deposit in their banks should be isolated from international community. People of Switzerland should be ashamed of themselves for living on the profit of ill-gotten money.
Meanwhile in some other part of the world
The worst never goes…are Italians such dumb fools. Amazing
ies of poorer societies are of same nature. The ruling elite of such societies show certain classic symptoms Mubarak is only an extension of that. First and foremost we have to understand that they will go to any extent to maintain their power, this is consolidated by extending favour to few people (in most cases family and friends) thus a coterie of power is created which owe their existence and therefore their allegiance on the survivability of the system. Thus we have a powerful set of people who will do anything to scuttle any attempt to dilute their power, and therefore vested interest in status quo. Since they cannot be brutal (as it goes against posturing of liberalism- that get them acceptance in western world or shall we say the west prompts them into these characterisation for its own selfish reason. Also referred to as geopolitical compulsions in diplomatic circles, nexus is a better word), they construct premise that show them in positive light. This they take to a level of indispensability “we are the saviours or else you are condemned”. For this to work they have to create a credible adversary (it also helps to take attention from their own sordid dealings) and religious fundamentalists has become an easy alibi in recent times. Indeed it is the elite (the liberal elite, i need stress) who fuel fundamentalist forces these then leads to polarisation of societies and helps consolidation of power. Therefore they divert the attention from issues of common people, as also their own corruption, and make it a fight against extremists, which of course they are happy to lead. The problem is when genie refuse to go back to the bottle once the use is over (i am reminded of Binderanwale here).Mubarak regime is attempting the same, they have propped up Islamists, wherein the presence of extreme element in the uprising was rather negligible. Mubarak regime for its selfish reason is giving credibility to these elements, in affect the as
pirations of common people that have united them against this despot is sought to be hijacked. It fits into the pattern quite easily. Now this is where the West will get uncomfortable (and so will many Egyptian) and will end up supporting Mubarak-who has already declared that without him the country will collapse. It is clear he is preparing for that eventuality. It is in the nature of elite scoundrels in pseudo democracies to be least bothered about people, and wouldn’t hesitate to take the society to dangerous precipice if that is what serves their purpose.It is very sad the way things are spiralling, I think the Army will have to move in. It is no longer about Mubarak moving out. He will have to stand trial. This blogger requests international agencies UN or ICJ or whoever to get the banks declare Mubarak and families ill-gotten wealth. Actions should be initiated against banks for helping hoard these wealth. The countries (read Switzerland) that have policies that support these despots to loot money and deposit in their banks should be isolated from international community. People of Switzerland should be ashamed of themselves for living on the profit of ill-gotten money.
Meanwhile in some other part of the world
The worst never goes…are Italians such dumb fools. Amazing
