Outlawed opposition

Monday, December 30, 2013

Three years have passed since the first sparks that led to the Arab Spring, a wave of revolt against authoritarian regimes that unleashed hopes for democracy in a region long without it. But events last week showed that Egypt has abandoned the path to democracy.

The most damaging setback came Wednesday, when Egypt’s interim cabinet announced that it was declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. This move followed a bombing Tuesday in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura. The violence is abhorrent, but it is clear that Egypt’s military-backed government is using it as a cudgel against the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Obama administration has put a brake on some military aid and loans to Egypt but has been loath to go further. In response to Wednesday’s announcement, the State Department expressed concern “about the current atmosphere and its potential effects on a democratic transition in Egypt.” Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, “It is essential for Egypt to have an inclusive political process” and “there needs to be dialogue and political participation across the political spectrum.” All true, but these words seem awfully meek in light of what’s happened. How can there be dialogue and inclusion if the opposition is criminalized?

Egypt has long been a close ally of the United States and a keystone of stability in the region. But the time has come for stronger U.S. protests and action. To remain timid in the face of repression will invite only more.

Editorial, Pages 12 on 12/30/2013