Change of Reign in Egypt: Mohammed Morsi Becomes Country’s First Democratically Elected President

Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) leader Mohammed Morsi has won the presidential election runoff, defeating the independent candidate Ahmed Shafik, the last prime minister to the deposed dictator Hosni Mubarak, with 13.2 million votes out of 26 million, a share of 51.2 per cent on a turnout of just over 50 per cent.

However, the outcome of the election does not settle the standoff between the Brotherhood and the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which did not even wait for the result before taking a series of steps which some Egyptians have called a constitutional obscenity. One crucial move was made by the constitutional court, made up of judges from the time of Mubarak, which unilaterally dissolved the national parliament. That body – elected between November 2011 and March 2012 in Egypt’s first-ever free polls – was to write a constitution for the new state.

Armed Forces’ Tradition Broken

Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi will not enjoy the extent of modern, pharaonic powers exercised by Mubarak: those have been curtailed by a military establishment which will decide just how much he will be able to do in government.

Still, the US-trained engineer's victory in the country's first free presidential election breaks a tradition of domination by men from the armed forces, which have provided every Egyptian leader since overthrow of the monarchy 60 years ago, and installs in office a group that drew on 84 years of grassroots activism to catapult Morsi into presidency.

First Civilian Head of State

An engineer turned politician, Mohammed Morsi has come a long way to become the first freely elected President of Egypt that saw its strongman Hosni Mubarak being ousted in what is now famously called Arab Spring. Although, not their first choice as a presidential candidate, the powerful Muslim Brotherhood threw its weight behind Morsi, 60, the chairman of its FJP. A champion of Brotherhood's famous slogan - "Islam is the solution" - Morsi describes its policies as having "a moderate Islamic reference". A more quietly-spoken man, Morsi got the support of Brotherhood's grassroots network and what is often referred to as an highly organized campaign team.

Morsi’s win in an election widely seen as free and fair suggests that the 84-year-old Islamist group — which began as a secret outfit, often resorted to violence and was continually suppressed and driven underground — remains Egypt’s most influential party, drawing its support from all corners of society.

On the one hand he has been directly chosen by the people, but on the other there are fears that his regime may sooner than later push the country to a hard line form of Islamic rule. Since it is too early to speculate with any amount of certainty, it is better to simply use the material at hand and peep into the possibilities ahead.

To begin with, Morsi is Egypt’s first democratically elected President — and that fact needs to be heartily endorsed. He is also his country’s first civilian president, and thus his election presents a strong break from the past where men in uniform imposed themselves on the nation as its rulers. This again should not be a cause of concern for New Delhi because it will now have to deal with elected representatives rather than military generals. Of course, India never seemed to have had much of a problem with the earlier Hosni Mubarak Government, but that regime is now history and the former has to now do business with a new set of people that has a popular mandate at least.

New Prez’s Manifesto

Morsi has promised a moderate, modern Islamist agenda to steer Egypt into a new democratic era where autocracy will be replaced by transparent government that respects human rights and revives the fortunes of a powerful Arab state long in decline. He is promising an "Egyptian renaissance with an Islamic foundation."

Yet the stocky, bespectacled 60-year old, appears something of an accidental president: he was only flung into the race at the last moment by the disqualification on a technicality of Khairat al-Shater, by far the group's preferred choice.

With a stiff and formal style, Morsi, who has a doctorate from the University of Southern California, cast himself as a reluctant late comer to the race, who cited religious fear of judgment day as one of his reasons for running. He struggled to shake off his label as the Brotherhood's "spare tire."

However, questions remain over the extent to which Morsi will operate independently of other Brotherhood leaders once in office: his manifesto was drawn up by the group's policymakers. The role Shater might play has been one focus of debate in Egypt.

Undoubtedly, the historic nature of the win can hardly be underestimated. Given Egypt’s size, historical importance and cultural and political preeminence in the Arabic-speaking world, it is not unlikely that an Islamist democracy advocated by the FJP, the Brotherhood’s political wing that Morsi led to a signal victory, can potentially become a model for West Asia and North Africa.

Future Equation

The FJP has been issuing statements that it proposes to offer a liberal regime and honor past accords and agreements. Morsi is also reported to have emphasized over and over again that he would ensure that international commitments agreed on are not dismantled. This is good news, but the challenge for the new president will be to implement his promise in the face of pressures that he is certainly going to face from hard line factions within his party and others as well to chart a new and probably more confrontationist course of action.

The victory of the Islamists, whose offshoot HAMAS rules in Gaza Strip (also having got there through an election), cannot but be bad news for Israel, which has operated a peace agreement with Egypt’s military rulers since the days of Anwar Sadat, and whose political position has defined the conflict in the region for 60 years.

For the millions of Egyptians who endured savage repression for decades and then brutal violence when they rose against the erstwhile dictatorship in 2011, the democratic election of a president is a major step forward.

Indications of the past days are that Morsi will use moderate Islam as a reference in framing his policies. He can do otherwise only at the cost of alienating Egypt’s existing and potential allies across the world and destabilizing the uneasy peace that exists between the Arab world and Israel.

Whither Middle East Peace Process?

US President Barack Obama, during his maiden visit to the Middle East in May 2009, delivered an important speech in the Egyptian capital -- Cairo. In that address, Obama said that Israel would have to suspend the construction of its legal settlements on the Palestinian lands on the West Bank for the restart of Arab-Israel peace talks. Almost instantly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had rejected the proposal of the US President. The Israeli prime minister said that the building of the settlements was suspended for one year that means up to September 2009 during the tenure of President George W. Bush and after expiry of the timeframe Israel will again start the construction. President Osama had to withstand that insult silently. It had become clear that the Fatah party government of Palestine would not sit for peace talks unless Israel stopped building settlements.
Arab-Israel Conflicts
Since then, Israel has established a good number of new illegal settlement areas on the West Bank and the captured East Jerusalem and built several thousands of structures on the Palestinian lands. Rather arrogant and aggressive Netanyahu and his government blamed the Palestinians for the capture of lands. The argument of the Israeli government was the Palestinians are divided, among them the HAMAS is determined to eliminate the existence of Israel, so no peace talks are possible with them. As the United States and European Union (EU) have recognized HAMAS as terrorist so the plea of Israel is acceptable to them. In the internal politics Obama has earned the wrath of the US capitalist over his national health bill. And his popularity was nosedived.
In addition, Obama did not get enough opportunity to think over the Middle East as he lost majority in the Congress in the midterm polls. Moreover, he will have to seek votes in November 2012 to become the US President for the second term. Obama knows it very well that it will not be possible for him to win the election by annoying the 'most powerful' Israeli lobbies in the US. And as a result, he prefers keeping mum on the issue of Arab-Israel conflicts.
Unexpected Address
President Obama on 19 May gave a completely unexpected statement at the US Department of State. He had definitely an intention of revising to some extent the present anti-US policy in the Middle East. At the beginning of the so-called 'Arab autumn' process the US seemed to be against the trend. But as the development began going out of the control of the US policy Washington welcomed the revolution in Tunisia and Egypt one after another. But in other places the United States is still lagging behind the pace of developments. Washington was in a dilemma for a long time regarding the mass upsurge in Yemen and Syria. Huge criticisms were raised in the US over mysterious indifference of the Obama administration to sending of Saudi Arabian troops to quell rebellion in Bahrain.
In his State Department address, Obama made attempts to minimize those criticisms. He said: 'The US welcomes those changes that expand the scopes for self determination and opportunities- there should not be any doubt about it. For many decades we have been admitting the no change in situation of this region or the Middle East, but now we have gotten the chance of following the path through which the world could advance in the right direction.'
Obama in that address further said that the basis of the Arab-Israeli crisis would be a 'secured Israel' and on the basis of an independent Palestinian state, and the borders of the two states will be along the demarcation line that was before the 1967 war. But Obama said that some changes along the common borders here and there were possible on the basis of mutual understanding.
On 2 May, the US commandoes swooped on a residence at Abbottabad in Pakistan and killed Usama Bin Ladin. Since then popularity of Obama has jumped high repeatedly. The US President might have thought that he would implement his 2009 Cairo address riding on this popularity. Besides, he might have realized that Israel has been using the peace talks with the Palestinian as a technique of killing time and the crisis will no be solved this way. Now he is thinking over the 2002 Saudi proposal. In that Saudi proposal it was stipulated that the borders of Palestine and Israel will be fixed along the demarcation line of 1967 and all Arab states will recognize Israel simultaneously.
Bad Tempered Dialogue
The US foreign policy is not determined in Washington. This is determined in Israel and the Israelis secure this control by dint of the strength of the Israeli lobbies in the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was scheduled meet the US President in Washington on the following day of the speech of Obama. Prior to his departure for Washington, Netanyahu announced that the 1967 borderline was not acceptable to Israel. He said that the ground realities have under gone many changes (because of illegal Israeli settlements) since 1967 and those changes cannot be ruled out. In other words, he said that the Jews (those came from Europe) had the right to build settlements in the areas where they have settlements during the Bible era that means in entire Palestine.
The Jewish people in the United States could hardly be one-thirtieth of the total population. But in pursuance of Zionist conspiracy, they have taken control of the US politics, economy, and media. Of them, the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is the most powerful group. It being said that no bill in the US Congress could be passed without approval from the AIPAC. Obama might have thought that he will be able to create influence by addressing the AIPAC conference. The AIPAC conference silently heard the speech of Obama. But when the US President referred to the 1967 borderline they raised voice in unison to condemn him. To pacify the anger, President Obama was compelled to announce that the United States will oppose the Arab proposal in the UN General Assembly in September 2011 for giving recognition to the Palestinian state.
Netanyahu also addressed the AIPAC conference. In his address, the Israeli Prime Minister said that the 1967 borderline was not acceptable to his country for security reasons. He had again referred to the Jewish settlements in the Bibal area. And it is needless to mention that the address of Netanyahu was welcome amid repeated clapping from the audience. Netanyahu has again demanded that as a condition for establishing peace Israel must have to be recognized as a Jewish state. His proposal means forfeiting the birth right of the Palestinians, expelled from Israel, in returning to their homeland, which the United Nations accepted for many times. The proposal will give Israel the liberty of expelling nearly 2 million Palestinian from that country. The Palestinian will accept the proposal.
On 24 May, Netanyahu was more cordially greeted in the joint session of the two houses of the US Congress than the AIPAC conference. During his address to the House, both the Republican and Democrat members of the Congress gave him standing ovation 18 times. By this time, Obama and Netanyahu held face to face meeting in the White House. According to available information, their discussions were exciting and bad tempered.
Split in Western Alliance
However, Obama was given rousing receptions during his visit to Irish Republic and the United Kingdom. He earned the rare distinction of addressing the joint session of the British Parliament in Westminster Hall. Before him no US President was fortunate to address the joint session of the British Parliament. In his address, Obama traditionally raised the Palestinian issue and said: 'We (US and Europe) are united for cause a secured Israel and an Independent Palestinian state.
But Obama knows it better that the Europe is now not united with the United States on the Palestinian issue. Virtually Europe is getting more intolerant with each passing. So long the Arab-Israel issue has been under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States. It was true that a quartet was formed on the issue comprising the United Nations, EU, Russia, and the United States. But that quartet was absolutely ineffective. Former US President George W. Bush appointed his cohort in misdeeds -- Tony Blair -- as the representative of that quartet. It seemed from the statements of Tony Blair that protecting interest of Israel was his prime concern. He is going to Jerusalem off and on and Israelis are receiving him very cordially. It being heard that Tony Blair has been benefiting for her relations with Israel.
Now the EU could have realized that the US foreign policy is determined in Tel Aviv, not Washington. And as a result, no just solution of the crisis is possible by the United States. Some of the EU countries believe the Europe now will have to take responsibility from the United States the initiatives of solving the Arab-Israel crisis. Some of the EU countries, including France, have hinted that they are ready to recognize the independence of Palestine if it is unilaterally declared by the Palestinians.
The Europe has some special advantages also. The Israeli lobbies are very active in Europe particularly in France and Germany. But they are yet to become so stronger like the AIPAC in the United States. In addition, the progress of Israeli economy still largely depends on Europe. Israel is enjoying the duty free access to Europe in exporting goods like other EU members. That means Israeli Prime Minister will find no courage to show his red eyes to the Europe the way he has been demonstrating his audacity to hackle the US President. Under the above circumstances, the people, who support an independent Palestinian state inside Israel, will be encouraged.
Recent Development
Meanwhile, a significant change has taken place in the situation of the Middle East. Israel has been successful in laying a siege to Gaza for long four years with active support from the Hosni Mubarak government of Egypt. That the Egyptian Government acting on behalf of the Israeli Administration has closed down the Rafa Crossing on the southern frontier. But a post-revolution Egypt is not ready to act as a guard of Egypt. Egypt opened the Rafa Crossing on 28 May. Most countries in the Middle East are now witnessing mass upsurge. The friends of Israel in Europe believe Israel will be more friendless if 'Arab Autumn' gets perfection. Under the above circumstances, it will be better for Israel to reach a settlement without killing time.
The Arab League, at a meeting in Doha on 22 May, has decided that despite objection from the US they will move a resolution in the UN General Assembly in September for giving recognition to an independent Palestinian state with the border of 1967. That resolution will create very complex situation for the United States. Under pressure from Israel, the United States will try to oppose the resolution. However, most countries in the world are likely to give recognition to the Palestinian state. The public opposition of so many countries will surely hamper the international dignity of the United States.
Only one option has been left for Washington to adopt. The option is supporting the Arab League resolution. If the United States fails, Washington should abstain from voting against the proposal and handover initiatives of resolving the Middle East crisis to the EU.

Uncertainty in Arab World

After the wave of awakening in the Arab world caused the dismissal of governments of Egypt and Tunisia, public consciousness has taken Libya in its embrace. People of Yemen and the Gulf region are also agitation in full steam against their rulers, as in Libya. If we consider this to be a revolution against the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi, then we would not be far wrong. Agitators have taken Eastern Libya under their control.

Gaddafi's Aggressive Attitude
From the very beginning, Gaddafi has adopted a ferociously aggressive attitude to save his administration. The pro-Gaddafi faction is going strong against his opponents. Air force jets are bombing Benghazi and its adjoining areas, which were so far under the control of anti-Gaddafi forces, and a large section of the army still seems to be faithful to Gaddafi. While police are quiet, the army has adopted an irresponsible attitude.

In Egypt, instead of summoning army commanders, Hosni Mubarak had himself taken command of army headquarters, and tried to bring the army around to his side. Being unsuccessful in this attempt and realizing that he was helpless, Mubarak surrendered power. If this situation had existed in Libya, Gaddafi would also have felt helpless and fled the county.

Ferocious Attack
It has been a tradition in the Arab world that clans or dictators have ruled them. To run dictatorships, rulers have formed their own political parties and to throttle the voices of opposition and to continue their dictatorship through family rule. In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak had tried to create a dynasty by appointing his son as successor. This is what Abdullah Saleh has done in Yemen. Gaddafi had wanted to adopt his son Saif al Islam as successor, and cleared the path for him. It is this Saif who is responsible for the ferocious attack on agitators. The present situation is leading to further awakening of the Arab world.

The time has come now to move on. It just may be that Gaddafi stems the tide against him temporarily by brutal methods he has applied so far, but you cannot suppress the voice of people indefinitely by brute force. The dictator will have to make compromises. The history of Arab people has shown that before the advent of Islam, frequent fights used to take place over petty matters and blood would flow. This has been the Arab way. It is Islam that taught them brotherhood, showed them the difference between right and wrong, and taught them to rise against injustice. Islam also taught them to stay away from corruption.

Grip of Disaster and Ignorance
As long as these Arabs stayed close to their religion, they ruled the world. History has no example to compare with the march of Islam. But as soon as dictatorship started in the Arab countries, they came under the grip of disaster and ignorance, which started spreading. Instead of going into details to confirm this, a glance at histories of Muslims countries will suffice.

This area has been blessed with oil, and is flushed with petroleum wealth, which can influence any international organization, but the reality is that they are in the grip of superpowers. The main reason for this is personal dictatorship, which has put them under 'superpower' control.

Solution to Problem
The solution is that Arabs should have a re-look at their governments. What they have as government is definitely not Islamic. People's participation is essential in running a modern government. The sword of Damocles is hanging over the heads of Arab Governments, and Western powers are taking advantage of their predicament. It is essential that people participate in running of government.

Middle East Developments After Egyptian Revolution

Call it sheer coincidence or an act of providence that dictatorship in Egypt fell on the very same day when the Islamic Revolution had succeeded in Iran. When the Islamic Revolution knocked at the doors of Iran on 11 February 1979, it was, according to the Hijri (Islamic) calendar, the 13th day of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal of 1399. Exactly on 11 February, people's revolution knocked at Egypt, the largest Islamic country by population in the region. Call it a coincidence or a miracle that when Egyptian people received redemption from the unholy rule of Hosni Mubarak, it was the 8th of Rabiul Awwal there.

Emergence of Significant Change
In this holy month of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, emergence of such a significant change is an occasion for great joy indeed. Certainly, for the sake of His beloved, Allah bestowed independence on Egyptian people, who had continued to be oppressed for centuries. There is yet another coincidence. On 11 February 1949, the prominent revolutionary of Egypt, Hasan ul Bana was shot and martyred. It may be recalled that it was Hasan ul Bana who had founded the Ikhwan ul Muslimeen (Islamic Brotherhood) movement in Egypt. On the eve of his 62nd death anniversary, the celebrations and "God is great" slogans, recalling the sacrifice of that great leader, bore fruit and Islamists who had been targeted and oppressed in Egypt, they received emancipation.

Now, no government in Egypt can be formed by ignoring and sidelining the Ikhwanul Muslimeen. It is also a well known fact that should Ikhwanul Muslimeen form the government, Israel would not be in a position to carry out its oppression and tyranny against the people of Palestine, as it had been indulging in with the tacit support of the Egyptian government. In short, the sun of independence that has risen at Tahrir Square, its light would reach even in the darkest alleys and tunnels, through which food articles and other essential commodities were being supplied to the poor and oppressed people of Ghaza, that too without the knowledge of their government.

It is the first time in the history of Arabian countries when the people without resorting to any kind of arms and weapons, removed a powerful president with their sheer grit and determination. It was the same powerful president who was carved out of the stone of Israel and given a huge stature. The most significant aspect of his resignation is that the United States was under constant pressure from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates rulers to extend support to Hosni Mubarak and to save him from being dismissed, because such a situation would have an impact on all countries in the region. Yet, one doesn't know why the United States paid no heed to its allies.

US Interests in Region
It was, perhaps, due to the reason that the United States might have realized that should it strongly oppose the people's revolution in Egypt, like it did in the case of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, its interests may suffer in the same way as they did in Iran. The United States adopted such a positive attitude in the case of Egypt that those who love justice began to ponder whether the United States has taken a decision to snap links with Arab countries and to cripple them. Or by sacrificing Hosni Mubarak, the United States is endeavoring to safeguard its own interests in the region.

There is a common feeling that the United States wants that notwithstanding the stepping down by Hosni Mubarak, his successor must by all means be a US agent. It also is certain that the army, which played an extremely positive and an impartial role during the Egyptian revolution, will never let any anti-US power to assume power in Egypt. It was because of this consideration that the United States continued to enact the drama of supporting the people in Egypt so that they may not get infused with the same kind of hatred against the United States as that in the case of the people of Iran, which continues to hurt even after thirty two years of the Islamic Revolution.

After Mubarak stepped down, Vice President Omar Suleiman has taken over the power and he has called upon people to vacate streets now, and return home. He has also appealed that people should cooperate with the interim government. At Tahrir Square, people continued to celebrate their independence throughout the night on Saturday. It appeared that entire Egypt has converged into Cairo. The people were greatly enthusiastic in merry making. It is a matter of conjecture as to what kind of a treatment would the people get during the next a few days. Will it be that after the departure of one despot, another tyrant and oppressor has taken over the reins of the government?

Undemocratic Government
Omar Suleiman is said to be very close to Israeli rulers. He also happens to be one of the most liked Egyptian by the United States. It may become clear during the next couple of days whether the path gets paved for holding independent elections in Egypt or another undemocratic government gets installed by including the army to share power. In fact, there is nothing impossible in this region. It is because the interest of Israel, the most powerful country in the region, is linked with Egypt. It would never like to see the installation of a government in its neighborhood, which may have good relations with the HAMAS, Hezbollah and Iran. Yet, all its planning cannot fructify till the time the very same enthusiasm and the very same sentiments continue to be harbored by the people with which they have crippled the most important puppet of Western imperialism.

The war of independence fought in the Tahrir Square has not only brought about a revolution in Egypt alone, but has made dictators who had turned entire Middle East into a death trap, to sit up and burn midnight oil. All of them are now pondering and contemplating as how to suppress and stifle the rising voices for democracy.

Revolutionary Typhoon Reaches Libya

After the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and Bahrain, Libya is in the grip of a wave of 'People's Revolution.' After 41 years Colonel Gaddafi's rule, Libyan people are desirous of removing him. But it is a matter of pity that in the antithesis of Egypt, leaders of Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya are clinging on to power and making all efforts to crush the revolution against them, in their greed for power. In this, the most aggressive and harsh attempts are being adopted by Libya's Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, where the army is firing live bullets upon unarmed protesters.

Background
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is no ordinary leader. He is famous for his irrational and erratic behavior. Whenever he goes on a foreign tour, he takes along with him a tent and stays in that only. He says he wants to be close to the roots of his tribe, and this is the reason for his erratic behavior. In 2007, when he was in Paris, a tent was put up for him in the Presidential palace. Next year, he adopted the same practice in Rome. This is the reason that he does not make many foreign tours because problems arise because of his penchant of sleeping in tents. In some countries, there were objections to this behavior. Another problem is that he is constantly surrounded by female bodyguards.

After the defeat of Arabs in the 1976 war at the hands of Israelis, there was wave of military coups in Arab countries. During this period, on 1 September 1969, Gaddafi took over reins of power in Libya. He considered himself to be the true legatee of Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser, and started issuing statements of his intention to destroy Israel and defeating the United States. But with time, his attitude began to change and the reality of the Arab predicament started dawning on him, and he started feeling helpless between Israel and the United States.

Public Determination
The people's protest in Libya has entered its sixth day. Fifty religious leaders have appealed to the army not to kill its own people so mercilessly. Only time will tell how much effect this appeal has had on the army, but the public determination seems to have grown with the army attacks. There is one trait that seems to be common between Colonel Gaddafi and former Egyptian President Honsi Mubarak that both of them have clung on to power for a long time, and both wanted to make their sons their descendents. Hosni Mubarak had a dream of seeing his son Gamal Mubarak succeeding him, and Gaddafi dreamed of handing over power to his son Saif-al Islam (The sword of Islam).

The wave of revolution has spread to Bahrain and Yemen where people want a change in administration. People of these countries are facing army bullets, which has made leaders of all other countries very afraid indeed. But these bullets have not been able to stop the people's march. The casualties in Bahrain have crossed the 100 mark. In Yemen, the agitation against President Ali Abdullah Saleh has gained speed. Like Colonel Gaddafi, Saleh is adamant to cling on to power. He says he will not leave the country, and breathe his last there, but will not surrender power. Keep in mind that the Egyptian president was also adamant not to surrender power, but he finally had to bend his knees in front of 'people's power.'

US Losing Hegemony
The country that is most worried by this wave of revolution sweeping West Asia and Libya is the United States. Although European countries are also worried by this wave, their worry is confined to supply of oil only. The United States is worried about losing its hegemony in West Asian politics.

If all revolutions brewing in this area succeed, then the area's map will change beyond all recognition. That is the reason that the United States will make all efforts to replace one stooge with another so that it can protect its protégé, Israel. The real purpose of this revolution will be achieved only when true democracy is established there, and these US puppets are removed.

Revolt in Egypt

The efforts made by people of Tunisia have at last succeeded. People in this North African country had fallen victim of exploitation and tyranny of a family dynasty for more than three decades. President Zine El Abidine Bin Ali had to flee the country after having accepted his defeat in face of popular protests.

It was one of the African countries, which had accepted and embraced Islam in the seventh century. The western borders of Tunisia are adjacent to Algeria, and in the northeast to Libya. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the coasts of the Medetterian Sea. The countries remained under Islamic occupation until 1870. After that, the country turned into a French colony when the French hatched conspiracies against it.

During the Second World War, Tunisia turned into a war field and was targeted by the Italian and German armies. Though Muslim institutions had nothing to do with the war, they bore the brunt of the war. The country remained under the occupation of Hitler and Mussolini for a long time. Later, it was taken over by the allied forces and it became a French colony yet again.

In 1957 Tunisia became an independent country and France handed over the presidentship of the country to Habib Bourguiba, who ruled the country for about twenty years. Later, physicians advised him that he was no longer in a position to rule the country. Without any protest he peacefully handed over the government to Zaine El Abidine Bin Ali. He turned the country into his own property. The country has a population of approximately 10 million. There is, although, democracy in the country, and Zaine El Abidine Bin Ali had been recognized at its duly elected president.

Large-Scale Rigging
During the 2009 elections, he was declared elected with an overwhelming majority. He secured 90 percent of the total votes cast yet the people were not happy with these results as they felt a large-scale rigging was done in the polls. Since he enjoyed the support of Western countries, one could muster courage enough to dethrone him from power. Encouraged by the blindfolded support of the West, he ruthlessly exploited this prosperous country to fill his own coffers.

It is worth a mention that the per capita income in Tunisia is higher than that of the Middle East and other Islamic countries in Africa. It is 40th in the international list of prosperous countries. Having become disillusioned with the family dynastic rule, the people there decided to bring about true democracy in their country. They revolted against him during 2010, but the army and the police under Zaine El Abidine crushed the revolt mercilessly. Even newspapers got stifled. Every newspaper was ordered to carry the Zaine El Abidine propaganda and publicity in at least 90 percent of their space and carry international reports in the remaining 10 percent.

Oppressive Government
The tyranny of the government increased by the day. At the same time the protest by the people continued to escalate and gain ground because of the sacrifices made by them. People bore every kind of tyranny perpetrated by the government but did not succumb to the oppressive government. At last, the president, along with his family had to flee the country. Though the situation in Tunisia is yet to get normalized and no stable government could be formed because of lack of leadership, it is a certainty that the fugitive president has no hopes to make a come back. If the dares to return, he would be arrested and put in prison. People of Tunisia have issued a red corner notice against him through the Interpol.

It is said that a person gets inspiration by seeing others do a thing. The same is happening is yet another African Islamic country, Egypt. People in Egypt have taken to the streets against the President, Hosni Mumbarak and his dynastic rule. Egypt is a country, which links two continents. It has the largest population in Africa and the Middle East. There are about 80 million people. Amongst them 90 percent are Muslims and ten percent Christians. It i s also one of these countries, which had embraced Islam during the seventh century. It remained an Islamic country until the 18th century, but during 1798, Napoleon took it over for a short span of time. During the 19th century the kingdom of Usmania, made the French army to leave the country. Thereafter the Islamic country had to bear the brunt of the First World War and then the British took it over.

US Intervention
It achieved independence in 1922 and during 1957 it was declared as Islamic Republic of Egypt. It was a rare privilege of the country that it got a stalwart Islamic leader in Abdul Gamal Naser, who made a futile attempt to take on the Zionists. After it was defeated by Israel, Egypt no longer remained an Islamic Republic but turned into a puppet of the United States. After the assassination of President Anwarsadat, Hosni Mubarak took over the reins of the government, a democratic despot.

Since then, he continues to come out successful at every husting and he claims to be the ruler of a democratic country but he is looking after the interests of Israel in the Middle East to the best of his ability. The Muslim populace in the country is not only troubled by the irregularities but are also frustrated with the role played by Egypt in the blockade of Ghaza by Israel. Moreover, after the attack on a church in Alexandria early this year, Christians retaliated against Muslims. This also annoyed people.The Muslim population decided to dethrone the pro-West government of Hosni Mubarak. They organized anti-government demonstrations in Cairo, Alexandria and other Egyptian cities.

These demonstrations are so hugely intense that the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) has advised the family of Hosni Mubarak to leave the country. After that, the son and the daughter-in-law of Hosni Mubarak fled the country. The demonstrations are becoming more intense and the observers believe that he would have to abdicate. If it happens, there would be paradigm shift in the situation in the Middle East and there would be a fresh headache for Israel.

Sign of Hope and Change in Egypt

Former International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohammad El Baradi is a sign of hope and change, and his arrival in politics shows the awakening of Egypt. It can be assessed from the fact that thousands of people, despite of warning by security forces, broke the circle of fear and accorded a warm welcome to Mohammad El Baradi at the airport.

The Egyptian people gathered there were not professional politicians; rather, they were men and women from every walk of life. Among them were Christians as well as veiled women. According to a political writer Fehmi Hawedi, El Baradi's reception is a reaction to the autocratic democracy of Egypt.

The Egyptian people are not welcoming him as a politician, rather, because he is not Hosni Mubarak or Jamal Abdul Nassir. President Hosni Mubarak has welcomed the candidature of Mohammad El Baradi for the President ship; although it is being heard in the political quarters of Egypt, that son of Hosni Mubarak is being prepared as new President.

Despair and Deprivation
An end to the rule of President Hosni Mubarak apparently seems difficult, but for the first time, after three decades of his rule, Mohammad El Baradi has emerged as a strong presidential candidate. The Egyptian people, fed up due to monotony, want a change and if given a chance to freely decide, they can bring in a new President.

A leader of Akhwan-ul-Muslameen, Mohammad Habib, referring to the constitutional complexities impeding El Baradi's way, said that according to Egyptian constitution, it is mandatory for a presidential candidate that he should be head of a political party for at least one year and that party should be in existence for a minimum of five years.

On contrary, an independent presidential candidate requires support of at least 250 members of both houses of parliament and municipal councils. President Hosni Mubarak has a strong hold over all those places, at them moment, even then the Egyptian people are taking Mohammad El Baradi as a savior, who can perhaps liberate them from present scenario of hopelessness, despair and deprivation.
Beginning Friction
Friction between Islamic and non-Islamic forces is evident in other Muslim countries too, including Pakistan and Turkey. No one can dare to oppose Islam openly in Pakistan. Political leader here is compelled to refer to Islam because of public trends, but most of the political leaders from treasury and opposition benches follow Islam seldom. Remnants of secular Kamal Ata Turk and Asmat Anono, are finding it hard to tolerate the pro Islam government of Prime Minister Tayyab Ordagan, which came into power after a long time.

Tayyab Ordagan government was established with the support of people, but non religious elements in Judiciary and Army are burning midnight oil in conspiring to bring it to an end. A few days ago, 52 retired and serving officers of Turk Army have been arrested for conspiring against government of Tayyab Ordagan. They were planning to get into power by means of military coup, after proving the failure of government, through carrying out bomb blasts in the mosques.

Supports Secular System
It is made clear here, that secular Turk Army has dethroned four political governments in last 50 years, and is conspiring against incumbent government also. They don't want that Turkey, once a Muslim country, which became a directionless secular country of Europe when their supreme commander Mustafa Kamal Ata Turk ended the Khilafat-e-Usmani from Turkey, to revert to Islam.

Unluckily, the Judiciary of Turkey also, supports the secular system. Anti-Islamic forces fear that Islamic culture can rejuvenate from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt and Turkey, if after the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan, a pro-Islam government is formed there and a real Islamic system is enforced in Pakistan. It seems impossible now, to stop the rising wave of awakening in the people of Muslim world.

Need For Change in Egypt

Renowned nuclear expert and former International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohammad El Baradi has announced to take part in the politics of Egypt. He was accorded a warm welcome, last Friday, when he reached Cairo, after getting relieved from IAEA. The people raised slogans of democratic change in Egypt.

It is cleared here that, like many other Muslim countries, Egypt too has so called democracy, but after the assassination of President Anwar-us-Sadaat, in October 1981, Hosni Mubarak became the president of Egypt and is still holding that position. Following the footsteps of his successor, he is happy to maintain cordial relations with USA and diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Egyptian people want a change in this policy as well as that of their President, but their "hard-line democratic system" imposed by Jamal Abdul Nassir in the country, doesn't allow any change in the country at the moment.

Pro-Islam Movement
The Egyptian people are sensing the possibilities of change, in the form of El Baradi, which are feeble at the moment, but may gain strength in future. Last week, Mohammad El Baradi, after pronouncing his candidature for the President, met the spiritual leader of Akhwan-ul-Muslameen, the biggest pro-Islam movement of Egypt. Akhwan-ul-Muslameen has 88 out 554 seats in the Egyptian Parliament. Mohammad El Baradi started his campaign after a meeting with sheikh of Al Azhar University.

Country's Future
Fifteen political groups of Egyptian opposition have announced their support for El Baradi, including Amar Musa, chief of Akhwan-ul-Muslameen and Arab League, in spite of the fact that he had intended to take part in presidential election in 2009.

Amar Musa, while addressing the American university of Cairo, said that every body wants a change, we are concerned about the country's future, and desire for change and struggle for it, is our right. Whether El Baradi, is elected President of Egypt or not, it is important at the moment that he will bring breathe of fresh air in the presently suffocated political environment.