AIFL Statement on Egyptian Crisis

The America-Israel Friendship League acknowledges the great historic challenges facing the Egyptian people today. Their legitimate desire for social justice, freedom, participatory democracy and a fairer distribution of the country’s wealth should not obscure the danger that radical Islam poses for them and other Arab regimes in the region.

On October 6, 1981, when Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by Islamist fanatics, his friend, Vice President Hosni Mubarak, was wounded in the attack. Since then, Mubarak, the Egyptian army and security forces have sought to suppress radical Islamism, with mixed results. One should not mistake this failure for a lack of resolve on Mubarak’s part to rid Egypt of this radical ideology. He has also maintained Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel.

The war against terrorism must continue to be the concern of all Egyptians seeking political, constitutional reforms, and expanded human rights. The Muslim Brotherhood, which is attempting to exploit the chaos, must not be allowed to assume a leadership role in any government, lest Egypt become another Iran, Gaza, or Lebanon.

The Egyptian people deserve America’s support and prayers at this time. America should assure our long-standing ally that we respect Egypt’s commitment to democratic principles and we remain steadfast in our determination to fight against Islamist extremism, which is clearly a danger to mankind.

Kenneth J. Bialkin
Chairman

Harley Lippman
President

Alex Grobman, Ph.D.
Executive Director