Egypt’s problems have simmered for many years

Subhas Dhodapkar, Las Vegas

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 | 2:04 a.m.

I am confused. For 30 years we have tolerated the oppressive and dictatorial government in Egypt under the strong-arm rule of Hosni Mubarak. Not only that but we encouraged him to continue his deportment by sending Egypt $2 billion every year as “aid.” We did this apparently because Egypt was able to broker a peace arrangement with Israel, but we failed to consider the plight of the people of Egypt and the conditions under which they lived.

Now that the people of Egypt have revolted, President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and all the talking heads and diplomats have suddenly developed an empathy for the people of Egypt and want reform and democracy in Egypt. How disingenuous, farcical and hypocritical.

Where were their voices all these years? Why wasn’t Mubarak asked to reform before the revolt? Or was our acceptance of a dictator based on propping up a figurehead who served our purpose?

Our policies have always been very conflicting and confusing. We will tolerate and accept dictatorial leadership in some countries that violate basic human rights, such as China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Tunisia, and yet we condemn others, such as Cuba.

It is not just this administration — previous administrations have been part of this duplicity.