"I came to Cairo, in part, to send a very clear message that the United States supports the rights, the universal rights of all people," Clinton said. "We support democracy. But democracy has to be more than just elections. It has to mean that the majority will be protecting the rights of the minority."
She continued, saying that that "Egyptians have sacrificed so much to get to this moment," and that "a strong, durable democracy that respects the rule of law, that protects the right of all is the best way forward for Egyptians to realize your aspirations."
The United States wants to work with the Muslim Brotherhood to bring about a transition to civilian rule in Egypt. However, because of approving $1.3 billion in military aid for Egypt, the only means of leverage, it seems unlikely that the Obama Administration has much say in what the SCAF plans to do.
After the meeting, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi clarified that the SCAF is not willing to allow “a certain group” to dominate the Arab Republic of Egypt, clearly referring to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The United States is trying to play peacemaker, albeit having supported the regime of Hosni Mubarak and clearly ignoring the significance of human rights and democracy at the time. It’s hypocritical stance has been a cause for criticism by both members of the SCAF and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The United States cannot afford to be one-sided to protect its interests in the region. The inability to see ahead in terms of who will win in the tug-of-war for power in Egypt is only creating further issues in the Egyptian-American partnership.
By Holly Dagres, Aslan Media Columnist
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