Let us learn from Egypt

Submitted by Gabriel Grosso (United Kingdom), Jan 24, 2003 at 10:13

Readers of this letter will probably think that I am mad. I am lucky enough to live in Great Britain, the world's oldest democracy, and I want American and European democrats to learn from Egypt. The United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy etc. probably feel superior to Egypt and want to keep their old laws and legal traditions. Well, dear friends, I can prove you that you are wrong.

Nowadays, Militant Islam is just as strong in North Africa as it is in strong democracies like the United States and France. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and the Philippines had to adjust to the presence of Militant Islam in their territories. This practically meant that in these countries security is seen as the most important human right.

I agree with this view. SECURITY IS A HUMAN RIGHT TOO. If they hadn't taken this approach, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco etc. would be already uder the rule of Militant Islam. Egypt and other similar countries had to change their definition of human rights in order to survive. Security is a very important and basic human right. Of course, I am disappointed about those Muslim immigrants who went through a rough interrogation in the United States. However, law-abiding Muslims have nothing to fear. If they are not extremists, then it will be relatively easy for them to defend themselves.

In praising the Egyptian model, I am not justifying their use of torture. All I am saying is that the USA, France, Britain, Belgium etc. need to wake up and recognize the new threat. What is the point of defending the human rights of religious extremists who wish to kill us all? However, do not take your anger on immigrants. Non-totalitarian Muslims deserve to be treated with respect and tolerance. Law-abiding Muslims are not to blame and should be accepted.

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