History is full of heroes who made names for themselves in decisive moments. It is also full of moments where heroism was needed but never came. This paraphrases the opening to Gamal Abdel-Nasser's booklet, “The Philosophy of the Revolution”. Abdel-Nasser was describing the role he and his colleagues played during the 1952 Revolution, saying the role of the hero is not one of leadership, but interacting and responding, amid energies from all directions. It is a role that can lead to the creation of great powers, capable of raising its own profile and building the very future of human being. If we apply this notion to the current moment in Egypt's history we will find there is a hero who made for himself such a role through taking decisive action at a decisive moment of Egypt's history, by removing the Muslim Brotherhood regime that was intending to drive Egypt to the point of no return. At the same time, there is another role awaiting this hero to perform: the presidential role. The hero is Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, who announced his candidacy for the presidential elections last week and will play the role of hero for the coming period of Egypt's history. Why Al-Sisi, in particular? The reasons are mere logic. He saved Egypt an unknown destination. He is a man of the state, capable of taking decisions in hard times, and capable of igniting the power of the people. In fact, he is the only person that can bring stability to the nation and safety to the citizen. In last issue of Al-Ahram Weekly, Ahmed Al-Tonsi wrote that the case of Al-Sisi illustrates the productive mix of enthusiasm and hope — popular enthusiasm for his candidacy has emanated from the widespread hope he has generated from many sectors within Egyptian society. The question arises: Can Al-Sisi alone achieve the aspirations of the nation and its citizens? The simple answer is no. Al-Sisi himself said: “I cannot make miracles. The people and the leader must work jointly, so that our hopes can be attained by work.” The words of Al-Sisi are similar to those said by charismatic leaders in history during times of crisis. In 1933, during the Great Depression, US President Roosevelt read the temper of the people correctly and inspired them by saying, “This nation asks for action, and action now,” adding: “We now realise as we have never realised before our interdependence on each other; that we cannot merely take, but we must give as well.” In the same vein, in 1940, Winston Churchill said to the British people: “I have nothing to introduce but sweat, blood and tears.” In the mid-1950s, US President Eisenhower inspired his people to follow his belief and “work to become”. The people responded and he managed to overcome the severe economic crisis that hit the US economy after World War II. What is needed for Al-Sisi to meet the aspirations of the people and spur the social change they have awaited for more than 40 years? In his speech to Egyptians, Al-Sisi skilfully specified the problems of Egypt when referred to unemployment, health, and the weakness of the state apparatus. All are convinced that there should be a social contract between the ruler and the ruled. The role of Al-Sisi is to inspire the people to work, and the role of the people is to work hard. But the question is what environment is needed to properly start. The starting point is eliminating the reasons that lead the 25 January Revolution and 30 June Revolution. To make myself clear, Al-Sisi is well advised to abolish nepotism, eradicate corruption, enhance public services and objectively select public officials based on merit and qualifications. The first decision to be taken is to thank those over 70 and let them go home to rest, leaving their posts for the tireless youth who are able to bring the change Egypt aspires for. As a matter of fact, I intended in this article to send two messages: the first is to Al-Sisi himself, with his professional background and his understanding of the public mood of the Egyptians. To make it crystal clear: Al-Sisi as a potential political leader must surround him with experts of the first class and lead the people in the same direction they select for themselves. The second message is to those concerned by the prospects of a ruler with a military background. To those I say clearly, search in the pages of recent history and you will find that all those who brought change to their nations were from a military background, from Mohamed Ali, who was an Albanian soldier, to Gamal Abdel-Nasser, Anwar Al-Sadat, Charles de Gaulle, Eisenhower, and many others. In conclusion, personally I am full of optimism about the leadership of Al-Sisi and quite sure that Egypt will flourish in a very short period, and that the government will be the centre of non-stop activities to turn the corner and advance. The writer is an international trade expert and PhD candidat at Cairo University.
