The Egyptian people have spoken, and their dictator has resigned. After 30 years of Hosni Mubarak’s dictatorship, Egypt finally has a chance at becoming a democracy. It is a wonderful moment for a people who have struggled for so long.
Historically, our own government was on the wrong side of this struggle. We provided billions of dollars in military aid to a government that ruthlessly oppressed its people. Today, we have a chance to make things right. As the Egyptian people build their future, US policy should fully support their self determination.
The Egyptian military is now calling the shots, though military leaders have committed to implementing a democratic transition. Given our government’s relationship with the Egyptian military, we should ensure that official US policy supports that transition.
After 30 years of Mubarak’s dictatorship, the Egyptian people deserve nothing less than full democracy.