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| Photo credit: Al-Jazeera English |
This interview presents an excellent example of what I'd like to see more of in the media: keeping it real. As the questions are thrown at the interviewee, they are backed up by cold hard data and a persistence that only wanes when the interview tries to surpass the five or six vague policy remarks from by the U.S. Department of State. I think the U.S. is in a tight spot in this situation, and that we should probably try to tread lightly as these events unfold. We have a history of making a mess of things in the Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, our fervent support of Israel, etc.).
However, I'd like to be able to say that we were able to do something tangible to aid the protesters in achieving some of their goals, rather than making the case that we support democracy; it's simply too vague to be legitimate. One could make the case that our social media platforms are providing the necessary tools for organization and viral messaging that are vital to the success and coordination within the groups of protesters, but it would be nice to hear some sort of ultimatum from the White House or other High Profile Leadership (Hillary, you in bro?) that would stipulate consequences for mistreatment of peaceful protesters by the military or security forces, be they diplomatic, military or monetary. Will we see anything more than vague support for the nation of Egypt as a whole from public U.S. policy? I really doubt it. In Yemen? Probably not. We're too worried about our fanatical "socialist" government trying to make sure everyone has access to healthcare to worry about a great opportunity to support greater freedom in the Middle East and North Africa.
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