Since the Jan 25 revolution ousted President Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has been in a state of flux and uncertainty. General Abdel Fatah al-Sissi — who is likely to win the next presidential election — seems to be the best man to lead the country at this difficult stage of its history.
First, he is trusted completely at the street level. This widespread support will allow him to make the hard economic and security decisions that are necessary to bring stability to the country.
Second, his understanding of Islam is moderate and can help bring an end to the problem of Islamic radicalism. He has a clear position in favor of religious freedom. He actually quoted a verse from the Koran to support this “No Compulsion in Religion” stance, and to criticize those who want to impose a religious agenda or views on others. Additionally, he has expressed unequivocally his view that a radical interpretation of Islam is the major threat to the country. He is outspokenly pro-reformation.
His background in military intelligence will help ensure adequate decisions regarding the jihadi terrorist groups who are trying to undermine the stability of the country.
His recent attendance at a celebration of Egyptian actors and actresses sends a clear message that he sees Egypt as a progressive country that respects the arts and music rather than a regressive state that suppresses them. This creates hope in the hearts of many Egyptians that, unlike when the Muslim Brotherhood controlled the country, the leadership of al-Sissi will move the country forward.
Al-Sissi is a pragmatic statesman who is likely to be able to deal with the international community in a rational manner. This puts him in direct contrast with the young, inexperienced revolutionaries who, after being supported by the U.S., refused to even sit with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she asked to meet with them after Jan 25 revolution.
Moreover, al-Sissi is clearly against the Hamas organization. Mr. Sabahi (who would likely adopt Nasser's anti-capitalist policies following the 1952 Revolution in Egypt), when he entered the presidential race against Mohamed Morsi, publically declared that he would support “the armed resistance” of Hamas organization against Israel.
Such an attitude would inevitably drag the Middle East into destructive wars and confrontations. Al-Sissi's rational attitude, by contrast, is likely to prevent such confrontations.
General Al-Sissi is the strong, rational man who can bring more stability to the country and the whole region.
Dr. Tawfik Hamid is the author of "Inside Jihad: Understanding and Confronting Radical Islam." Read more reports from Tawfik Hamid — Click Here Now.
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