An Open Letter to the United States of America

Foreign Policy Magazine ^ | Sept 19, 2012 | MAHMOUD SALEM

[wesagain]

"Some unsolicited thoughts from an Egyptian revolutionary"

Dear Americans,

I have a confession to make: While the whole world was transfixed by us, yet again, due to that whole attacking-the-embassy business, I was going through a tumultuous emotional journey, alternating between bewilderment, horror and shock-based laughter, ending with the most unexpected of feelings: pride. I must say that currently I am filled with a sense of ironic pride for my country and my revolution, for the status both have achieved over the past 19 months. The attention and importance given to Egypt, well, it has been nothing short of overwhelming. We sure have wowed you.

Sure, the scenes on your screens might be so disturbing that some of you openly wondered whether we are going through a second revolution or something, but let me assure you with both facts and personal experience: There is no second revolution, there are no open riots on the streets. The action was totally confined to a 250-meter radius around the embassy, with people going to eat, drink, and smoke shisha within earshot of the fighting. For most Egyptians, this whole video thing didn't affect us at all. And after the initial clashes, the majority of the 2,500 young dudes stationed around the embassy were soccer fans -- the Zamalak Ultras -- who were there simply to do what they do best: battle with the police. The rest of us just went about our lives.

Sure, there are scary indications of things to come, like the attack on a multinational peacekeepers' camp in Sinai, where the al Qaeda flag was ..........

[wesagain]

Quote....."Sure, it is safe to say that with Islamists in power, child brides are nothing but a taste of the horror we are bound to see over the coming years. "

[yldstrk]

what a piece of idiocy, narcissistic garbage

[bkepley]

Good article for sure.

[bkepley]

I guess the author needed to add the /s.

[yldstrk]

really? this was sarcasm?

[bkepley]

>really? this was sarcasm?

You couldn’t tell?

[Travis McGee]

We’re going to find out, sooner or later, if Achmed will pray, to a glowing crater.

[yldstrk]

I thought it was an actual letter, glad it is sarcasm, makes more sense now

[Netz]

No apologies, no confessions, no long-winded letters trying to deflect the truth. Stop pretending, grow up or just go to Hades and that's it. I have no more patience for explanations, whining, justifications, go meet your 72 virgins and blow yourself up in a field, all alone, nobody will stop you.