Readers' corner
Proven sequence
Sir-- I have read several articles in your newspaper regarding the ongoing discussion whether modification of the constitution should proceed parliamentary elections or the reverse. Therefore, I would like to share with you our experience in Germany post World War II towards establishing a proven democratic constitution.
When the Germans lost World War II they had to modify their political system in order to re-establish a democracy in Germany.
In Western Germany a Parliamentary Council was formed under the supervision of the military forces of the Western Allies US, Great Britain and France, who controlled Germany in those days. The council consisted of 70 German members who were mainly lawyers and economists. Many of them were also highly respected professors from German universities who had previously severely suffered under the Nazi-regime. All members of the council were united under the idea of creating a new constitution which would assure that the right of the individuals should be fully respected by the governmental authorities. The council started its work on 1 September 1948 and ended with its duty on 8 May 1949, when it presented a new constitution to the military governors of the Western allies. After the approval of the constitution by the governors, the way was free for the first parliamentary election in post war Germany.
Regarding the good experience the Germans had with their constitution of 1949, it might be recommended that the Egyptians, who are nowadays in a comparable situation like the Germans in 1948/49, follow the same sequence in renewing their own constitution. It would not be wise to make the constitution dependent from the political majorities which would prevail in the future Egyptian parliament, as these majorities have a short life and change over the years. A constitution instead is made to organise a country for many generations. As the Armed Forces of Egypt have proved, their first concern is not their own political interests but the long lasting well-being of Egypt as a whole. They are qualified to establish an Egyptian parliamentary council into which they should send the best intellectual capacities of the country and maybe some political experts from countries with a long lasting democratic experience like Great Britain, France and Germany. The proven German model of 1948/49 could certainly be taken as guidance to help an Egyptian parliamentary council be inaugurated by the Higher Council of the Armed Forces (HCAF) as soon as possible. Therefore, I strongly recommend that elections would only take place after the HCAF has approved the new constitution presented by this council of highly qualified experts. By sharing this experience, I hope this might be beneficial to consider in advancing your dear country Egypt.
Michael Topp
Cairo
Egypt
Forget the past
Sir-- Those people that have any connection whatsoever to Mubarak or served in any manner or capacity can forget running for political office ('Says who?' Al-Ahram Weekly, 16-22 June). You do not want or need some of the same old corruption and tyranny like you had for the last 30 years. So, to all of you former Mubarak ministers, cabinet members and political bedfellows, Egyptians must select the best among the best of their leaders. Start fresh and new. Learn from stable countries. Strengthen the design of your government system. Use a federal type of government, thus avoiding abuse of power and corruption. Use your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. God bless Egypt for your new- found freedom against a corrupt president and regime. Be successful by design and not by accident.
Bill Sorenson
California
USA
Chances high
Sir-- It's been said that a known evil is often better than the unknown. While we would hope that Egypt will emerge as a more secular, democratic nation, the odds tend more to favour an Islamic state under Sharia law.
Terence Haynes
Florida
USA
Pushing the envelope
Sir-- Excuse me but isn't Egypt a volatile area these days ('The spy who embarrassed me' Al-Ahram Weekly, 16-22 June)? Why would anyone in their right mind venture there under a highly suspicious guise of a legal aid groupee for refugees, and of Israeli descent at that? Even if it's true that the young man is not a spy for the Mossad, good reasoning should have told him not to push the envelope. That's akin to going into shark infested waters with a bleeding sore.
Li-tah Wong
New York
USA
Guilty of what?
Sir-- I'm not sure how you're going to spin this story except for the usual "we hate Israelis" stuff. Are you saying an Israeli toppled Mubarak? Are you saying having a cell phone and a computer is criminal? Is he guilty because he's Israeli?
Mark Bergen
New York
USA
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