The 18 Arab countries stretching from Saudi Arabia to Morocco have more than 25 crore Muslims and they inhabit the heart of Islamic world. Most of the countries were under colonial yoke up to the middle of the 20th century. Even after regaining their independence they were very badly under the influence of Western powers. Dictators, autocrats and western cronies were at the helm of affairs in these countries.
After six decades long subjugation the Arab peoples have decided to throw the yoke once for all. Egypt is the most influential country in the Arab world, and what Egypt thinks today the whole Arab world thinks tomorrow. Egypt has only partly succeeded in its revolution as the Supreme Council of Armed Forces, full of the former trusted lieutenants of the deposed regime, is calling the shots. Egypt’s decades long period was marked with worst abuse of power, draconian laws, acute corruption, arbitrary decisions, human rights violations and a crippled judiciary. The police force was so brutal and dehumanised that it is either beyond reform or requires thorough cleansing.
Muslim Brotherhood is the most organised, disciplined and morally strong party in Egypt. If free and fair elections are held, it is expected to either sweep the elections or have a formidable presence in the parliament. Economy is in bad shape in Egypt. Therefore the help of $4 billion from Saudi Arabia is welcome but it may have strings attached which may include help to the local Salfis who think democracy to be against Islam. If revolution fails to achieve its objectives in Egypt, it will have very negative repercussion for the entire Arab world.
Egypt’s civil society, pro-democratic parties and Muslim Brotherhood need to exert every nerve to strengthen the revolution and make it achieve its objectives of throwing out the vestiges of old autocratic regime and usher in a democratic Islamic system.
Already there seems to be a consensus on basic Islamic structure of law, a strong legislature, restricting the powers of executive, independence of judiciary and protection of freedom and basic human rights, equitable distribution of resources and free press and media.
If Egypt comes out of the present crisis and emerges as an ideal Islamic democracy, it would prove to be a beacon of inspiration and guidance for the entire Arab world.