Dr. Essam el-Erian says that “The Egyptian revolution faces ‘serious challenges' on its way to completing the democratic transition, because the latter means the beginning of a new Arab and Islamic era that represents a new addition to humankind, and that restores the true face of Islam, away from the unjust accusations of violence and terrorism [against it]". The above is part of an e-mail from the Deputy Chairman of the Freedom and Justice Party, which I had received after Eid al-Fitr, pursuant to a previous agreement between us, in relation to what I wrote about the economic and political conditions in Egypt under the Muslim Brotherhood's administration. I intend to publish everything I received from Dr. Essam, but I will comment today on five of the ten points he raised without opposing or rebutting them. Indeed, I agree with him on many things, and the disagreement between us is limited to a few specific points, perhaps because of my profession as a journalist and my decades-long residence in countries living under real democracy. Concerning the point I began my article with today, Islam is no doubt innocent of all accusations of violence and terrorism. I was involved in the defense of Islam for three decades, beginning with Prince Charles, heir apparent of Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Hassan, then-Crown Prince of Jordan, as well as with Prince Turki al-Faisal and Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Princess Lulwa al-Faisal, and many scholars, experts and moderate rabbis. Islam is innocent of terrorism, so much so that I refuse for this to be even subject for discussion. The source of such allegations is the well-known enemies. The terrorists in Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan are but a deviant faction of Muslims. However, these terrorists have undermined our arguments. After 30 years of work in the group for the dialogue of Islam and the West, we suspended our work under the World Economic Forum in Davos two years ago, when foreign members countered us with arguments that said, for example, that only two Israelis and Palestinians were killed in one week that claimed the lives of dozens of Muslims, in terrorist bombings in Baghdad, parts of Pakistan or Afghanistan. The terrorists in Sinai who killed 16 Egyptian soldiers while having their iftar were not ‘Zionists'. It is therefore the duty of the Muslim Brotherhood in government to combat the terrorism of the deviant faction, and to persuade all Muslims to fight and distance themselves from terrorism, and expose their barbaric ideology that has nothing to do with Islam what so ever. The Muslim Brotherhood is the most qualified party to wage this battle with terrorism and prevail, because true Islam lies at the core of their ideology. Other points raised by Dr. Essam included: - Egypt is witnessing unprecedented pluralism that reflects the diversity of the Egyptian landscape. Each day, a new party is emerging, and the popularity of these parties is reflected by free elections. - The army, police and intelligence services are national non-partisan institutions, and their members are prohibited from partisan action. - Egypt is rejuvenating itself after the state grew old and weary with a president that ruled for 30 years, and the youths represent Egypt's hope in serious development and social justice that can allow them to lead the Arab nation. I say that I have no objection to any of the three points above. Yet, what matters are actions not words. We all seek the good of Egypt and its people, but putting the country on the road to real democracy, and meeting the demands of a population that is fast approaching 90 million with limited resources requires effective institutions and leaders who almost need to be geniuses, because of the sheer difficulty of the task ahead. I have also noticed that Dr. Essam's ten points did not make any reference to the economy, to the extent that the word itself was not even mentioned. Nevertheless, I know that the Muslim Brotherhood always speaks of a renaissance with the economy at its heart, so I pray that they will succeed, because that will materialize as a success for us all. Once again I say: What matters are actions not words. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament also said, “The January 25 uprising was supported by God and involved the participation of millions of Egyptians". “It is unacceptable for dedicated youths or a small number of elite to claim to have been behind the revolution, as the [Muslim] Brotherhood was at its heart, with youths, MPs, men and women". This is true! Ultimately, what is important is for the uprising to bear fruit, because slogans alone cannot elevate the nation, or feed the hungry. So we wait for a better day. I shall continue tomorrow. [email protected]
