The difference between democracy and liberalism is on display in the new Egypt.
Yaemine el Rashidi, writing in the New York Review of Books, is pessimistic, saying an alliance of of Islamists and military men is prevailing at the expense of pluralism.
Since its rise to power, the ruling military council, headed by Mubarak’s close friend Field Marshal Tantawi, has increasingly been criticized for its biased and repressive handling of the country’s affairs. Youth protesters and bloggers have been prosecuted and given jail sentences of several years; yet Tantawi’s regime has repeatedly stalled trials for corrupt government officials, who are sent to civilian courts with private lawyers or released on bail. The trial of Mubarak, and his transfer to Tora Prison where his sons are, have consistently been postponed, allegedly due to his fluctuating health. Few believe the trial—now set for August 3—or the transfer will happen.
Bobby Ghosh of Time is less negative, describing the ascendant Muslim Brotherhood as “Egypt’s best democrats”
The Brotherhood, meanwhile, is sitting pretty. It has offered to form a broad coalition with liberals and leftists in the elections, and promises that there will be no attempt to hijack the constitutional reform process afterward. “The new constitution has to be written by all Egyptians,” says Essam Erian, a top Brotherhood leader. “No one group should have a louder voice than the others.” This makes the Islamists look responsible and conciliatory, and is likely to play well with voters.”
Its hard not suspect the gender of the analyst plays a role in these differing liberal perspectives. Egypt’s new democracy may be a good thing, but it may be better for men than for women.
