Obama Foreign policy: Confused and Non-Committal

I am amazed – but not surprised – at the statement from White House Press Secretary Carney regarding the effort by Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s decision to assume sweeping powers through a decree which in essence makes him a dictator.  “Our interest in the development and transition to democracy in Egypt is one that reflects what the Egyptian people demanded through the revolution and continue to demand, which is a government that reflects the will of the people. We will continue to work towards that goal because it reflects what the Egyptian people want,” the White House Press Secretary said.

Former President Mubarak, a 3 decade staunch ally of the USA was thrown under the bus by President Obama while trying to keep the country together during the transition to democracy. The Islamic party vowed not to run for office, as they were the only organized party at the time and didn't reflect the “will of the people” if the elections were held in the short term. The Islamic Brotherhood party lied and fielded Morsi as a candidate, who won easily against unorganized opposition. President Obama stood silent while this played out.

There are all types of democracies. Nazi Germany was a democracy. Hamas and Hezbollah both listed as terrorist organizations are democratically elected. Is the Obama administration endorsing illiberal democracies as opposed to liberal democracies like Sweden where human rights and the minorities are protected from the will of the majorities?

The USA used to have a clear vision about where we wanted the Mideast to go in the future: First and foremost, it was to protect American economic interests, but we respected the Islamic religious perspective, but not militant religious Islamic politics that persecuted the very minorities (Christians, Secularists, Western Educated, etc.) that reflect our values of freedom of speech and religion, basic human rights and peace with their neighbors.

The Obama administration is sending out no message, a message that is too late in the cycle to make a difference, or a vague message that is designed to postpone taking a position.  No wonder our allies around the world are looking for alternatives to American leadership. It’s become a trust issue.