Egypt (choice blog)

I've been following the unfolding events in Egypt very closely. I read about the demonstrations, marches, protests, speeches, skirmishes, etc. I have to say that it really makes me proud of mankind. The amount and variety of people participating, and the way in which they're going about it, it's all so tasteful and just. Peaceful protesting is the only way to bring about lasting change. The fact that there are people from all walks of life is just astounding. There are businessmen in suits, there are poor dressed in rags, there are women and children, Muslims and Christians, all rallying together to stand up for basic human rights. It's not about religion or business practices, or some stupid political argument, it's about humans getting the rights that humans deserve. That includes everybody.

It's so unfortunate that most Western nations are so skeptical and tight-lipped about it. Sure, Obama finally said that Mubarak needs to listen to the people, but he never actually said he needs to leave office. The main reason the West is so cautious about this revolution is because it wasn't orchestrated by them. They might even be a bit jealous.

Take a look back to April 2003, shortly after the US invasion of Iraq. Whenever US troops tore down that statue of Saddam in front of a crowd of 100 or so people in Firdos square, they publicized the hell out of it. They went running around the globe with this video footage in hand, saying "Look what we did, look at how democracy is winning the battle against despotism." Now, after more than 1,000,000 people marched together through the streets of Cairo, peacefully demanding the immediate resignation of their President, Western nations are still hesitant to support democracy, to support freedom.

The Iraq war was not about democracy or freedom. If it really were, the US would be wholeheartedly supporting the Egyptian people in their struggle against tyranny. Instead, they're worried that whoever the Egyptian people choose as their new leader/government won't completely subscribe to US and Israeli strategies in exchange for a few diplomatic benefits. Let's stop being completely hypocritical, America, and let's start doing things for the good of humans, not political elite.