by B. R. GOWANI
At the start of the Egyptian uprising, President Barack Obama should have dropped a friendly note to President Hosni Mubarak asking him to step down. This would have saved hundreds of Egyptian lives, prevented thousands of casualties, and would have made him a hero while changing the image of the US in the eyes of the Arabs.
It is not too late to send similar letters to other leaders in the Middle East convincing them to step down at the first sign of public unrest.
The letter
Dear Mr. President,
The Egyptian civilization, one of the oldest in the world, has contributed a great deal to human knowledge, arts, literature, and culture. Magnificent monuments like the pyramids have shown the world how human ingenuity and determination, in the absence of the modern technology and equipment, can achieve marvels of craftsmanship. The contributions of Egyptian women, including [Queen] Hatshepsut, [writer] Nawal El Saadawi, [singer] Umm Kulthum [Queen] Cleopatra have been enormous too.
It is sad indeed that your great country is going through some tough times. In your difficulty, you have the sympathy of my administration and people of the United States who are fully with you and people of Egypt in your hour of need.
You and your government have been great friends of the US for thirty years now. We whole heartedly appreciate your valuable friendship and help in our fight against the terrorists.
It was a lapse of the US intelligence agencies that were caught off guard when the people of Tunisia suddenly demanded that Zine El Abidine Ben Ali should step down. It was even more surprising that he listened to the people.
Mr. President, we fully understand your love for Egypt and its people. It is this love that translates into your concern to continue until September the great work you’re doing in order that the transition process does not encounter any problems. It is regrettable that your people do not understand this fact and think differently. Adding to our woes is the new technology that never sleeps and makes our days and nights miserable.
The US taxpayers have started questioning my government’s wisdom in continuing the $1.3 billion military aid to Egypt. It would be un-democratic of my government to ignore the people’s demands.
My government, the Israeli Lobby, and the right wingers in the US, Israel, Britain, and many media people would like to see you continue the good work you’re doing. However, the speed with which the events are unfolding in Egypt, under the constant glare of the world media, have forced my government to ask you to join me in being on the right side of history.
My government will extend all the assistance to you and your family members in getting out of harm’s way by providing US Air Force planes to fly you to your destination of choice. My government’s humble advice to you is to think about settling down in the Saudi Kingdom.
Please convey Michelle’s and my warmest regards to the First Lady and children.
Sincerely
Barack Obama
For communicating with the Gulf monarchies, he can change “Mr. President” to “Your Royal Highness” and the “First Lady” to “Queen” or “Her Majesty.”
B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com