The events in Egypt and Tunisia are a stunning testament to the roles individuals and social media play in setting off events that can potentially topple governments. What began as an act of protest through self immolation by a college educated, jobless man has sparked a series of protests that have toppled the Tunisian government and now threatens the Mubarak regime in Egypt.
The involvement of Wikileaks has been downplayed in the media; Leaked diplomatic cables between the U.S. and Tunisia detailing the extent of the corruption of the Tunisian government sparked protests there. These cables had a profound impact on the Tunisian people.
They added gasoline to a smoldering fire, the final catalyst was the selfless act of self immolation by Mohammed Bouazizi. This act inspired greater calls for open democracy and government across the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt and Tunisia have been dominated by pro-western dictators that have ruled with impunity for decades. These same countries have received billions in aid from the United States in return for favoring western policies and keeping a good relationship with Israel. Egypt receives over $1.5 billion in aid from the United States annually, much of which goes towards the military. Thus the tear gas canisters used on the protesters have been stamped “Made in the USA.”
The United States is in a very precarious situation. The current regime in Egypt is friendly to the West and Israel, but if protesters topple the government and the U.S. is seen as being pro-Mubarak, the relations between the two countries can deteriorate. Adversely, if the United States is seen as encouraging the protesters, many other countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia will become anxious due to the protests starting in their respective countries.
These could also threaten to topple their governments. This has become foreign policy tightrope in which leaning too far in any direction could have dire consequences. Needless to say, it is definitely not fun being Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at this moment in time.
What happens next in Egypt and the rest of the Middle East is yet to be seen, but the future implications are enormous. They will shape the geo-politics of the region for decades to come. The United States should end the appearance of hypocrisy in foreign policy and encourage and support democracy in the Middle East even when it is not in our best interest.
If, as a country, America does not support the liberation of all oppressed people, then it does not deserve them. Liberty and freedom are all universal rights that every human has a right to and should demand.
Alex Caraballo can be reached at acaraballo21@gmail.com.