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THE PROGRESSIVE REVIEW - February 3, 2011
Media Enable Former Bushies To Rewrite History On Bush
Egypt and "Freedom In The Arab World"
by: Julie Millican
Media Matters
Several Bush administration officials have looked to the
recent crisis in Egypt in another attempt to rehabilitate
former President George W. Bush's image. In a January 30
Washington Post op-ed, former Bush national security
advisor Elliott Abrams argued that the "Egypt protests
show George W. Bush was right about freedom in the Arab
world," claiming that the demonstrations prove Bush's
"freedom agenda" was right about those dastardly Arab
dictators.
Never missing an opportunity to attack Obama and defend
Bush, Fox News hosted Bush's former press secretary Dana
Perino to back up Abrams charges.
But was Bush the champion of democracy in Egypt? Hardly.
Indeed, he was one of Mubarak's biggest cheerleaders.
Let's take a look at the facts. Abrams twice cites a
November 6, 2003, speech Bush gave on democracy in the
Middle East as proof that Bush was way ahead of the game
in calling for freedom in Egypt. In fact, in that very
speech Bush declared that Egypt "should show the way
toward democracy in the Middle East." From the speech:
BUSH: The great and proud nation of Egypt has shown
the way toward peace in the Middle East, and now
should show the way toward democracy in the Middle
East. (Applause.) Champions of democracy in the region
understand that democracy is not perfect, it is not
the path to utopia, but it's the only path to national
success and dignity. [George W. Bush White House
Archives, 11/6/03]
And, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Here's a sampling:
- Bush praises Egypt's progress on "democratic reform."
During a 2008 visit to Egypt, Bush repeatedly praised
President Mubarak for his leadership in "the freedom and
justice movement" and declared that the United States'
friendship with Egypt was "one of the main cornerstones
of our policy in this region, and it's based on our shared
commitment to peace, security and prosperity." He further
stated:
BUSH: [Egypt is] an important stop for me because the
United States has a longstanding friendship with Egypt.
It's important for the people of Egypt to understand
our nation respects you, respects your history,
respects your traditions and respects your culture.
Our friendship is strong. It's a cornerstone of -- one
of the main cornerstones of our policy in this region,
and it's based on our shared commitment to peace,
security and prosperity.
[...]
BUSH: I also talked about Egypt's role in the world.
Egypt is an important nation -- that sends a clear
signal. People watch Egypt. I appreciate very much the
long and proud tradition that you've had for a vibrant
civil society. I appreciate the fact that women play
an important role in your society, Mr. President. I do
so because not only I'm a proud father of two young
professional women, I also know how important it is
for any vibrant society to have women involved in
constructive and powerful ways. And I appreciate the
example that your nation is setting.
Progress toward greater political openness is being
led by the Egyptians themselves, by pioneering journal-
ists -- some of whom even may be here -- bloggers, or
judges insisting on independence, or other strong civic
and religious leaders who love their country and are
determined to build a democratic future.
Because of the predominate role you play, and because
I strongly believe that Egypt can play a role in the
freedom and justice movement -- you and I have discuss-
ed the issue, you have taken steps toward economic open-
ness -- and I discussed that with your Prime Minister
-- and democratic reform. And my hope is that the
Egyptian government will build on these important
steps, and give the people of this proud nation a
greater voice in your future. I think it will lead to
peace, and I think it will lead to justice.
Our friendship with Egypt is deep and broad. Egypt
will continue to be a vital strategic partner of the
United States. We will work together to build a safer
and more peaceful world. And, Mr. President, I thank
your leadership on the issue of peace and security.
[George W. Bush White House Archive, 1/16/08]
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- Bush: "I continue to hope that Egypt can lead the region
in political reform." In May 2008 remarks before the World
Economic Forum, Bush again highlighted Egypt as a role
model for the Middle East:
BUSH: Taking your place as a center of progress and
achievement requires economic reform. This is a time
of strength for many of your nations' economies. Since
2004, economic growth in the region has averaged more
than 5 percent. Trade has expanded significantly.
Technology has advanced rapidly. Foreign investment
has increased dramatically. And unemployment rates
have decreased in many nations. Egypt, for example,
has posted strong economic growth, developed some of
the world's fastest growing telecommunications
companies, and made major investments that will boost
tourism and trade. In order for this economic progress
to result in permanent prosperity and an Egypt that
reaches its full potential, however, economic reform
must be accompanied by political reform. And I continue
to hope that Egypt can lead the region in political
reform. [George W. Bush White House Archive, 5/18/08]
- Bush: Egypt "will set the standard in the region for
democracy." During a 2004 visit with Mubarak, Bush said:
BUSH: Our nations have a relationship that is strong
and warm. Our people share the bonds of friendship,
a commitment to prosperity and peace and regional
stability. Egypt is a strategic partner of the United
States and we value President Mubarak's years of effort
on behalf of the peace and stability of the Middle
East.
[...]
BUSH: President Mubarak and I spoke about the future
of the region and of Egypt. Just as Egypt has shown
the way toward peace in the Middle East, it will set
the standard in the region for democracy by strengthen-
ing democratic institutions and political participation.
I'm encouraged by the ongoing debate on reform in
Egypt, including the excellent discussions involving
civil society representatives from the Arab world who
met at the Alexandria Library in March. And President
Mubarak can be confident in my friendship and America's
partnership as he moves forward to realize the hopes
of his people.
I welcome my good friend, Hosni, to my home. Our
countries have three decades of solid, beneficial
relations behind us, and the United States will
continue to work with Egypt and the Arab world in a
spirit of common purpose and mutual respect. [George
W. Bush White house Archive, 4/12/04]
Needless to say, the Bush administration did not target
Egypt as part of its so-called Middle East "freedom
agenda," but rather, they relied on Egypt to help them
to implement it. Despite the occasional criticism of
Murabak's suppression of political opposition, they by
no means held Egypt up as an "Arab" "dictatorship" that
needed to forge the path to democracy. Indeed, the Bush
administration far more consistently pointed to Egypt as
the potential Middle Eastern model of democracy.
The right must really be counting on people to have short
memories--and no access to the internet--if they want us
to believe that the Egyptian protests show that "Bush was
right about freedom in the Arab world."
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