Egypt Under the Magnifying Glass of the West

Post-Mubarak Egypt is passing an extraordinary period; besides the activities of the political factions and the people to realize their uprising’s demands and endeavors by the army and the politicians to hold on to power, the activities of extra-regional players are also a significant issue.

Meanwhile, most activities are undertaken by the Americans, who, through assuming multiple poses and even allocating $150 million in financial aid to the ruling military government of Egypt, are seeking influence over developments in this country. European actions, alongside those of America, are also significant, a sign of which might be observed in the travels of Catherine Ashton, E.U. high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and David Cameron, the British prime minister, to this country.

Many political observers consider the meetings and other Western activities as an effort to manage and direct the new developments in Egypt in accordance with the West’s interests. Many times, in their formal positions, European and American officials have expressed their dissatisfaction over the likelihood of the Islamists assuming power. Though they appear to repeatedly support popular demands, they desire the continuation of the current political process with trivial changes. They ride with the tide of the popular uprising, leading it within the format of alleged Western democracy through journeys, diplomatic and economic consultations and any other possible means in order to prevail over the future of Egypt. Similar activities may be seen in their approach to Tunisia, where after the overthrow of Ben Ali regime, the Western countries are proceeding with their plot of domination through a diplomatic campaign.

Certainly, it should be noted that Western unity against Egypt and Tunisia is limited to checking the acquisition of power by independent, Islamist governments in these countries. Otherwise, there is a veiled competition between the parties for further exploitation of the current situation.

The other point is that the Westerners identify the Egyptian uprising as a frontispiece for the crises faced by their allies and other developments in the Middle East. Through controlling the developments in this country, they intend to exploit them for the purpose of tackling other developments. On the other hand, by directing the public’s eyes toward Egypt, they endeavor to some extent to lead them away from the problems in other Arab countries.

Another issue for the West, after Mubarak, is maintaining the security and the demands of the Zionists. They identify the developments in Egypt as a major threat to the Zionist regime. Through comprehensive activities and by any possible means, they plan to protect its interests and drive Egypt along the same path as in Mubarak’s era.

Anyway, it should be mentioned that the European look on post-Mubarak Egypt is one of worry. At the same time, they try to seize the uprising under various pretexts, a sign of which may be observed in the positions of Western officials about the arrangement of power in Egypt.