CAIRO: If we learned one thing on Sunday, waiting nearly an hour for the winner of Egypt's first free presidential race, it is that the system, however flawed, works. Democracy should be praised in Egypt and the fearmongering already beginning across the world towards the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi and his election victory, is unfounded and dangerous. Think back a few years to when the Palestinian group Hamas came out on top in that country's election. The international community, led by the United States, refused to deal with the government, isolating it and making the democratic process untenable. The same will not happen in Egypt. Walking through the masses on Sunday evening, the crowds were a striking representation of Egyptian society. There were liberals, there to support democracy and call for an end to the military junta's rule of the country, there were ultra-conservatives with their beards that strike fear in Western commentators, but the vast majority of Egyptians who had arrived in Tahrir Square were average citizens, largely middle-class who had voted for Morsi because they refused to allow the revolution to die. And they believe in democracy. Just ask Karima Abdel Hafez, a resident of Qasr al-Aini street was one of tens of thousands who went out to celebrate Morsi's win. Still in her work uniform, she was cheering with the crowd right outside the Parliament, only a few meters from Tahrir Square. “Thank God," she said. “I feel overjoyed and everyone is very happy." “The country now is safe, at last," she said when Bikyamasr.com asked her what she wished to tell Morsi. She added in a message to the new president, “take care of us and look after our children, be our man." But, of course, the commentary and international media have already begun the discourse that Egypt “is doomed” and that the “Islamic threat” has spread to the country. It is a sad and frustrating reality that the Western world, and especially the American public, is unable to receive adequate commentary and analysis on Egypt's current situation. Last week, in the lead-up to the election results, NBC's Richard Engel warned Americans that the Muslim Brotherhood was attempting to turn Egypt into “another Afghanistan.” This irresponsible and dangerous reporting does little to help boost Egypt's nascent democratic project. Morsi deserves a chance, and the international community should save their criticisms of Islamic groups until they act in an inappropriate manner. Egyptians, if reporters would ask, would not stand for a complete overhaul of their personal freedom. The Brotherhood understands this and will not act to force women to veil, bar women from public places, or ban alcohol. Certainly, there are Brotherhood members who would like to, but there are also Republican leaders in the United States who also would love to do the same. In the end, let us all watch, smile at the happiness of Egyptians who took to the streets in celebration. In many ways, what we are witnessing in Egypt today is a similar experience Americans can understand. When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, he promised change. While he has been unable to deliver on all promises, his election changed the landscape of American politics forever. Likewise, this election, which saw democracy work and votes counted, will dramatically, and hopefully forever, change the political make-up of Egypt. For the Egyptians who become disillusioned by the Brotherhood and Morsi, they now can believe that the democratic project can and will work for the country. In four years, if they disapprove the Brotherhood, they can vote for change. This is the future of Egypt, one of hope and optimism. Now the battle will be with the military and their encroaching power. Change has come to Egypt, and we should let it take its course.
