Rabbi’s Corner – The Devil You Know Edition

Dear Friends,

By now we should all be aware of the political turmoil in Egypt. Over 100 protesters have died since the protest began on January 25th and over 2000 injured between protestors and policemen. Likely inspired by the revolt in Tunisia, Egyptian protestors have taken to the streets over greivances relating to the totalitarian goverment such as police brutality, supression of rights, and the de factor dictatorship of President Hosni Mubarak.

It is certaintly tempting to side with the underdog, and to side with the upstarts in their fight for freedom. After all, who could object to the deposing of a dictator? And yet the United States and Israel have not only avoided backing the protestors, but have even bordered on protecting President Mubarak. Granted, the United States has a dubious track record of directly influencing Middle East politics (e.g. the Shah of Iran, Afghanastan, Iraq, et al), but that Israel could in any way support the regime President Mubarak should be nothing short of shocking.

That is until one considers the alternatives. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was quoted as saying, “Our real fear is that you have a situation that may develop of very quick changes taking place where you see the form of of fundamentalist Islam.” Though officially banned in Egypt, the militant Muslim Brotherhood – or some other fundamentalist organization – could theoretically assume power in the subsequent political vaccuum. While these groups could rise to power through a democratic process, the resulting government would hardly be considered a Democracy.

Herein lies the major dillema of geopolitics. While we may have perceptions of the “ideal” government, we must also consider what are the options in the real world. Yes, we may revile at the thought of a dictatorship, but the reality could plausibly be that they are in fact supressing an even great threat to peace and stability.

It is far beyond my expertise to comment any further, let alone propose any solutions (not that anyone is asking for my opinion). The point is that sometimes our best option is the lesser of two evils and that what we consider “ideal” may not always be feasible. This does not mean we compromise our beliefs, if anything difficult choices force us to mature beyond the simplistic dichotomy of “good” vs. “evil”, but to make the best of the world which we have.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Josh Yuter