"The Egyptian people aren't thinking about the U.S. as they take to the streets against the rule of Hosni Mubarak, but they will certainly judge how we have dealt with their insurrection. Based on our polling done there last summer, we do know that Egyptians are disappointed with President Barack Obama and have a decidedly negative view of U.S. policy in the Middle East.
The Obama Administration has been cautious, urging Mubarak to enact reforms and make way for a democratic transition from his 30-year rule, and using the billions in aid we give Egypt as leverage. We don't know exactly what is being said through diplomatic channels, especially with the Egyptian military, which relies on our funding and whose officers have been trained at U.S. military colleges. The protestors would welcome more overt and public support from the U.S., but given what we know about their opinions of us, they were not counting on it.
While the data I'm reporting here may portray alarmingly hostile attitudes toward the U.S., my experience with the region (I have been to Egypt eight times and we have done extensive polling in the Middle East for more than 10 years) makes me feel we can improve our standing with Egyptians and be a seen allies in a new, more democratic nation. I recall a conversation three years ago with a diplomat from a Middle Eastern nation who said of Arabs that "we love America. It's the U.S. we have a problem with."
The data is from a July 2010 poll Zogby International conducted for the University of Maryland." More
here.
I wonder if this is true first of all. Then I wonder that, if it is true, is the fear of the then reigning powers that responded in this way or if it truly is the way Egypt's people feel.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(528 posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
