Topic: Situation in Egypt
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Patrick Awtrey
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Syria position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
The situation in Egypt is a complex and delicate issue, one that has dramatically evolved throughout the past two years. Initially the situation revolved around the instability that ensued during and following the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. Following this, Egypt conducted the first democratic elections in its history to select Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, as Mubarak’s successor. Though Morsi showed sings of hope, he and his party ultimately failed to initiate the social and economic reforms they had promised. Instead, they sought to impose Sharia law and began to monopolize power. In order to defend the newly established democratic order from this appalling display of executive overreach, Abel-Fattah led a military resistance. On July 3, after having served only a year in office, Morsi was forced from power and replaced by an interim government led by Adly Mansour. Though Morsi had suspended Egypt’s diplomatic relationship with Syria, the interim government has since restored it.
Now, the situation revolves around the vacuum of power that has begun to develop in the aftermath of these developments as Morsi supporters continue to resist and clash with the interim government. In the midst of this unrest, the government has responded very mildly with a series of arrests and the use of military force to defend itself. Though a small number of fatalities have resulted, the government has taken only those steps which are necessary to preserve stability. Early next year, Egyptians will have the opportunity to elect a new president in a second chance at democracy. In order to prevent recurrent turmoil, however, it may become necessary for the government to suppress the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters. Though many advocate for reconciliation between Muslims and secular activists, it must be ensured that those who abuse democracy are not permitted to repeat their injustices. This principle is vital to the viability of Egypt’s future.
Though some would disagree, potential suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood would not contradict the democratic process. To begin with, Morsi’s popularity and the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood were partially the result of traditional western imperialism, and his legitimacy was largely attributed to meddling on behalf of Brotherhood supporters such as the United States. To a larger are more obvious degree, Morsi was directly called upon as a product of the Arab Spring Movement. Unlike Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, however, he chose not to pursue the types of reforms that his nation so desperately required. Though Egypt and Syria were both subjected to the diffusion of rebellious sentiments, Morsi did not make genuine efforts to appease his opposition. As a result, he had no legitimate claim to the defense of his administration. Now, Egypt’s interim government and Syria both face the common enemy of opposition forces whose radical, religious ideology threatens to turn the clock backward on progress. Such a development would be contrary to the will of the Arab community.
Because the situation in Egypt is a domestic issue restricted to the boundaries of a single country, the United Nations ought to limit intervention that might influence the long-term outcome the conflict's long-term outcome. It must also trust in the interim government to overcome all immediate impediments to reform. This being said, the Syrian Arab Republic implores the United Nations to recognize the constructive potential of the interim government and assist in its establishment as the sole legitimate ruling entity until the next election takes place. Such measures, of course, must be taken to preserve Egypt’s fragile political framework.
Though we expect the committee to be largely divided on this issue, we believe that few nations will be able to refuse our humble and reasonable proposals. The end goal of all nations is to resolve the conflict taking place within Egypt, and most Arab nations are willing to support whichever side proves itself to be more competent. Even nations such as the United States continue to bestow monetary support upon Egypt regardless of the ruling party so long as it promotes reform or reconciliation. Regardless of whether Egypt receives external support, however, we believe that reform will ensue without the need for reconciliation; we maintain complete and utter confidence in the interim government and offer it our full support.
