For many months, Egypt’s top diplomats have been trying to persuade Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, to invite Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Berlin.
And for many months, Merkel refused. She insisted that Egypt should first hold parliamentary elections. Elections were expected to take place in March and April 2015—not that they would have been fair or free, given Sisi’s unremitting clampdown on the opposition, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as on media and civil society organizations.
However, Merkel didn’t stick to her condition. In March, Sisi postponed the elections, but on May 4, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier held talks with Sisi in Cairo to prepare the president’s visit to Germany. On June 3, Sisi arrives in Berlin.
This is a foreign policy mistake. Other European Union countries may follow Merkel’s lead, thus giving Sisi a veneer of legitimacy, even though he ousted his predecessor, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi, in what amounted to a military coup. Since then, Sisi has run roughshod over human rights, while Morsi has been sentenced to death.
Despite Egypt’s human rights crisis, which Human Rights Watch calls “the most serious in the country’s modern history,” Sisi, president since 2014, is being accorded special treatment by Germany.
When he arrives in Berlin, Sisi will be welcomed with military honors by German President Joachim Gauck. A former East German human rights activist, Gauck is no stranger when it comes to criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s human rights violations. Indeed, Gauck has refused to visit Putin or invite him to Berlin because of Putin’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and his invasion of eastern Ukraine.
German companies will take heart from the Egyptian president’s visit. They will surely see the trip as a political green light for doing business in Egypt.
Yet interests and politics aside, welcoming Sisi makes a mockery of values. Europeans need to defend values more than ever to lend support to the younger generation in North Africa and the Middle East.
Sisi’s visit sends a depressing message to the many thousands of Egyptians who fought for freedom during the heady days of the Arab Spring in 2011—and to the many who are now imprisoned, who are being tortured, who are being sexually assaulted, and for whom justice has been hijacked by Sisi.
Welcoming #Sisi to #Germany makes a mockery of values.Tweet This
The message these Egyptians will take from Sisi’s welcome in Berlin is that stability takes priority over the transition to democracy, however messy such transitions often are. Indeed, it’s as if nothing has been learned from the pre–Arab Spring era, when Western countries—with very few exceptions—put stability before democracy and human rights.
Steffen Seibert, the German government spokesman, said Merkel would meet Sisi because “Egypt is an immensely important player in the Arab world.” The country could help contribute to peace in the region, he added.
Sisi isn’t getting it all his way. Norbert Lammert, the speaker of the German parliament and a senior member of Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, canceled plans to meet Sisi.
In a statement issued by his office, Lammert laid it on the line: “Despite expectations from Egypt to schedule a date for the long-awaited parliamentary elections, what we are witnessing in recent months is systematic persecution of opposition groups, mass arrests, convictions to lengthy terms and an incredible number of death sentences, which include former parliament speaker [Saad] al-Katatni.”
Lammert’s office, challenging Merkel’s justification for having Sisi in Berlin, added: “Given this situation, which contributes neither to domestic peace nor to the democratization of the country, Lammert sees for the time being no ground for a meeting with President el-Sisi.”
The statement might have added that the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which is affiliated with the CDU and supports democracy building, was forced to close its offices in Cairo in June 2013, as were other foundations.
Yet neither Berlin nor, for that matter, Washington seems to worry unduly about the built-in insecurity and instability of Sisi’s repressive rule. The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Sisi’s election. And Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates pushed the United States to normalize relations with Sisi’s government, despite the military coup and the rampant abuses of human rights.
Berlin's red-carpet treatment for #Sisi may come back to haunt #Merkel.Tweet This
In December 2014, the U.S. Congress introduced new language in the law governing military aid to Egypt, as Human Rights Watch reported. The change allows U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who welcomed Sisi’s election, to waive the democracy certification previously required for such aid if doing so is in the interest of U.S. national security.
Back in Germany, Berlin’s red-carpet treatment for Sisi may well come back to haunt Gauck and Merkel. At stake is defending decency and courage and those struggling for democracy.
Comments(41)
This is a very slanted and narrow article. Sisi didn't cancel elections, the old Mubarak judiciary did.
Sisi is a terrorist, he has complete control over Egypt.
hhahaha Sisi didn't <<< u are funny
stop manipulating ....sisi just want to blackmail the political parties to dominate Egypt after parliament too
stop manipulating ....sisi just want to blackmail the political parties to dominate Egypt after parliament too
stop manipulating ....sisi just want to blackmail the political parties to dominate Egypt after parliament too
Our President Abdel Fattah el Sissi with popular mandated from the people (30 Million) of Egypt who went out in all the streets of Egypt and asked him to save them from the Moslem Brotherhood (MB) terrorist organization and by clear and clean elections won the Presidency is our Hero. You in the West, have no idea on what it is to face terrorism in a country that has been attacked internally and externally by elements that wanted to see Egypt become another Iraq, Syria or the Yemen. We the people of Egypt with our President will not let this happen. Democracy does not apply nor does it work in a country which has a 49% illiteracy. Please note carefully what happened to our Christian brethren during the year that the MB terrorist were in Government and till yesterday what is happening in the areas they still have influence.
I respect your patriotism, but the death penalty for Mursi because he escaped from the prison in which he planted Mubarak? You do not believe in the absurd and ridiculous accusation Mursi of spying for an unnamed foreign state? And what do you think is different al-Sisi from his predecessor, General Mubarak - both gave the order to fire on demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Al-Sisi, obedient to him "justice" sentenced to death a few hundred demonstrators who only protested against the military coup in the country - you think they do not have the right to protest? Try it today to go against the policy of al-Sisi - and find yourself behind bars ... Why are declared "terrorists" Muslim brothers, but why not outlawed the Salafis - they even in Parliament - though it is their militants, jihadists are involved in a series of attacks in the Sinai ... More than a year in prison Canadian journalist Fahmi, whose only fault is that he carried out his professional duties, and he was accused of collaboration with the "terrorists" ... Of course, no evidence. So based on what your patriotism, dear? By the way, do not you think it strange that al-Sisi in the presidential elections was 99 percent of the vote? This happens in a democratic country?
I respect your patriotism, but the death penalty for Mursi because he escaped from the prison in which he planted Mubarak? You do not believe in the absurd and ridiculous accusation Mursi of spying for an unnamed foreign state? And what do you think is different al-Sisi from his predecessor, General Mubarak - both gave the order to fire on demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Al-Sisi, obedient to him "justice" sentenced to death a few hundred demonstrators who only protested against the military coup in the country - you think they do not have the right to protest? Try it today to go against the policy of al-Sisi - and find yourself behind bars ... Why are declared "terrorists" Muslim brothers, but why not outlawed the Salafis - they even in Parliament - though it is their militants, jihadists are involved in a series of attacks in the Sinai ... More than a year in prison Canadian journalist Fahmi, whose only fault is that he carried out his professional duties, and he was accused of collaboration with the "terrorists" ... Of course, no evidence. So based on what your patriotism, dear? By the way, do not you think it strange that al-Sisi in the presidential elections was 99 percent of the vote? This happens in a democratic country?
I respect your patriotism, but the death penalty for Mursi because he escaped from the prison in which he planted Mubarak? You do not believe in the absurd and ridiculous accusation Mursi of spying for an unnamed foreign state? And what do you think is different al-Sisi from his predecessor, General Mubarak - both gave the order to fire on demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Al-Sisi, obedient to him "justice" sentenced to death a few hundred demonstrators who only protested against the military coup in the country - you think they do not have the right to protest? Try it today to go against the policy of al-Sisi - and find yourself behind bars ... Why are declared "terrorists" Muslim brothers, but why not outlawed the Salafis - they even in Parliament - though it is their militants, jihadists are involved in a series of attacks in the Sinai ... More than a year in prison Canadian journalist Fahmi, whose only fault is that he carried out his professional duties, and he was accused of collaboration with the "terrorists" ... Of course, no evidence. So based on what your patriotism, dear? By the way, do not you think it strange that al-Sisi in the presidential elections was 99 percent of the vote? This happens in a democratic country?
How die you count Them? With your Video counter? The only way to count The suuporters of any one is the election my friend, which will not be Held in Sisi age because, he Knows exactly who will win it
I respect your patriotism, but the death penalty for Mursi because he escaped from the prison in which he planted Mubarak? You do not believe in the absurd and ridiculous accusation Mursi of spying for an unnamed foreign state? And what do you think is different al-Sisi from his predecessor, General Mubarak - both gave the order to fire on demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Al-Sisi, obedient to him "justice" sentenced to death a few hundred demonstrators who only protested against the military coup in the country - you think they do not have the right to protest? Try it today to go against the policy of al-Sisi - and find yourself behind bars ... Why are declared "terrorists" Muslim brothers, but why not outlawed the Salafis - they even in Parliament - though it is their militants, jihadists are involved in a series of attacks in the Sinai ... More than a year in prison Canadian journalist Fahmi, whose only fault is that he carried out his professional duties, and he was accused of collaboration with the "terrorists" ... Of course, no evidence. So based on what your patriotism, dear? By the way, do not you think it strange that al-Sisi in the presidential elections was 99 percent of the vote? This happens in a democratic country?
1) the 49 % illiteracy rate you mention in your comment is just not true. 2) democracy with such a high illiteracy rate as the one you mentioned only works if Sisi is the winner, right??
30 millions hehehe LOL
I do agree with all hey you said. I really do. But on the other hand, in these undeveloped countries where religion and factions still seems to be the once that have the power and the right to even take the law in their own hands: I feel that a strong hand is needed to keep order and control under a decent level of check. Look at what is happening in Libya and Iraq.........etc......Its not easy to get things done and willingly accepted without bordering on the edges and beyond sometimes and use force too in these countries.
Totally agree (as an Egyptian), although all egyptian don't like the military men to conquer, but we had to choose between bad and worse (I mean morsi and military). and in a country as Egypt at this time of history where we're surrounded with totally failed countries (Libya, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, .... Then we've to think of a way more important issues (as stability, and food) other than democracy as a US citizen should do.
Al-Sisi - African dictator. He has done - like it or not - a military coup changed the oath. Today, it administers an unjust trial of their political opponents. He will not stop before the physical destruction of those who rule Egypt prevents him. Take it with full honors in a civilized country - a big mistake. It is cynical, immoral.
Just a reminder, sometimes a military coup or being dictator may result in a successful country (eg. Park Chung-hee of south korea, he was a dictator & military general who performed a coup, but also is considered the god father of Han river miracle. Also Mr. Lee Kuan-Yew of Singapore, wasn't a democrat!!, Chinese regime, ... etc.). Let's agree that circumstances differ among countries, where education, community, time, and other factor play a role in identifying what's better. On the other hand, such words as democracy, mortality, .. etc are found only in books. Even US & western europe are immoral, and we all see iraq's situation. So, let's wait and see.
Just a reminder, sometimes a military coup or being dictator may result in a successful country (eg. Park Chung-hee of south korea, he was a dictator & military general who performed a coup, but also is considered the god father of Han river miracle. Also Mr. Lee Kuan-Yew of Singapore, wasn't a democrat!!, Chinese regime, ... etc.). Let's agree that circumstances differ among countries, where education, community, time, and other factor play a role in identifying what's better. On the other hand, such words as democracy, mortality, .. etc are found only in books. Even US & western europe are immoral, and we all see iraq's situation. So, let's wait and see.
Just a reminder, sometimes a military coup or being dictator may result in a successful country (eg. Park Chung-hee of south korea, he was a dictator & military general who performed a coup, but also is considered the god father of Han river miracle. Also Mr. Lee Kuan-Yew of Singapore, wasn't a democrat!!, Chinese regime, ... etc.). Let's agree that circumstances differ among countries, where education, community, time, and other factor play a role in identifying what's better. On the other hand, such words as democracy, mortality, .. etc are found only in books. Even US & western europe are immoral, and we all see iraq's situation. So, let's wait and see.
Just a reminder, sometimes a military coup or being dictator may result in a successful country (eg. Park Chung-hee of south korea, he was a dictator & military general who performed a coup, but also is considered the god father of Han river miracle. Also Mr. Lee Kuan-Yew of Singapore, wasn't a democrat!!, Chinese regime, ... etc.). Let's agree that circumstances differ among countries, where education, community, time, and other factor play a role in identifying what's better. On the other hand, such words as democracy, mortality, .. etc are found only in books. Even US & western europe are immoral, and we all see iraq's situation. So, let's wait and see.
sisi - sisi - sisi we proud our president sisi
Sissi is the only wall which stands between a liberal Egypt and the fundemantilistic movments of ISIS, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. His siege of power was a request of the streets as the number of people requesting the removal of Mursi on June 30th were many more than the numners requesting the removal of Hosni Mubarak. There is a factual error as well. Mr Sissi did not cancel the elections, it was the high court of Egypt as it found the election law to be in opposition to the constitution.
It's mentioned that "In March, Sisi canceled the elections", which doesn't show the whole story. What happened is that the ?Supreme constitutional court is the one which suspended the elections because the law defining voting districts unconstitutional, then Sisi's action is legitimate according to "Europe's and international tradition"
And who wrote that unconstitutional election law?! Isn't it the interim president who is now the head of the court that cancelled it...all a big sitcom.
Sisi did a military boloody coup in egypt Numbers don't lie Killing thousands and putting others in jail isn't a lie Thanks
Totally agree (as an Egyptian), although all egyptian don't like the military men to conquer, but we had to choose between bad and worse (I mean morsi and military). and in a country as Egypt at this time of history where we're surrounded with totally failed countries (Libya, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, .... Then we've to think of a way more important issues (as stability, and food) other than democracy as a US citizen should do.
I respect your patriotism, but the death penalty for Mursi because he escaped from the prison in which he planted Mubarak? You do not believe in the absurd and ridiculous accusation Mursi of spying for an unnamed foreign state? And what do you think is different al-Sisi from his predecessor, General Mubarak - both gave the order to fire on demonstrators in Tahrir Square. Al-Sisi, obedient to him "justice" sentenced to death a few hundred demonstrators who only protested against the military coup in the country - you think they do not have the right to protest? Try it today to go against the policy of al-Sisi - and find yourself behind bars ... Why are declared "terrorists" Muslim brothers, but why not outlawed the Salafis - they even in Parliament - though it is their militants, jihadists are involved in a series of attacks in the Sinai ... More than a year in prison Canadian journalist Fahmi, whose only fault is that he carried out his professional duties, and he was accused of collaboration with the "terrorists" ... Of course, no evidence. So based on what your patriotism, dear? By the way, do not you think it strange that al-Sisi in the presidential elections was 99 percent of the vote? This happens in a democratic country?
It seems that some politicians do not want SISI,s visit to Germany to succeed. Yet I would like to mention that it is imperative that German chancellor with her political and economical weight meets with SISI not only to boost economical relationship but to better understand the situation in Egypt and surrounding countries. I am a citizen of Egypt and 100%agree on what Egyptian regime is acting upon, because if SISI did not protect the 30 June people move, Egypt would have been like Syria, Lybia or Yemen. This is not in favor of neither middle east, Eurpe nor USA or the entire world. Perhaps, some of the voices attacking the visit and the Egyptian regeim should look at what Europeans and US authorities have acted upon some violations to these countries settlment. You need to go back to history and check the relationship of Muslim brotherhood assembly and x Hitler only then you shall realize that what SISI has done to avoid the massive bloodshed if the army did not protect the peopleove of 30 June. SISI did not take action because personal appeels, but it is z national duty of the army to protect the country from internal and external hazards. Last I do not live in Egypt, but I can testify that security measures are improving in the country due to the efforts spent by SISI and his regeim
Sisi is a terrorist, he is no different from ISIS terrorist Baghdadi, he should be hanged.
He killed more than 5000 peaceful Egyptian protesters
Such a pathetic article... No mention of 20 million + in streets to oust Morsy... No mention of Morsy's crimes of espionage, jail escape and murdering activists and revolting Egyptians... To the author EDUCATE YOURSELF
Elsisi is just a leader of a military coup who has murdered thousands of Egyptians since 3 July 2013. So I wonder why an elected government in Germany has accepted to meet him and shake his bloody hand !
one more time pragmatic western countries prove that they talk a lot about what is right .. but they run after the short term money collection !!! No wonder the future will carry more extremists against the west .. exactly as 16th century European youth grown up and raised to hate the Ottoman Empire
sisi is worst Dictator not only in Egypt but also the world modern history , he is equal to north Korea in the politics and style.
And how much money were you paid for such a biased, full of errors article?!!
Too many erroneous 'facts' in this story. In addition to the statement mentioned in other comments about Sisi cancelling elections (not true), the writer says that the Konrad Adenaur Foundation wad closed in June 2013. Fact is it wad closed way back when the SCAF was ruling Egypt (after 2011 but before Morsi became ptesident). Although I worry about human rights abuses in my country today, I did not worry any less under MB rule. This is irresponsible journalism.
I dont understand how SISI is being welcomed in Europe. The new Egyptian pharaoh, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has wasted no time in clamping down hard on those that he perceives as potential threat to his illegitimate rule. The Ikhwan al-Muslimoon have been targeted from day one of the military coup in July 2013. El-Sisi knows that the Ikhwan are the only organized group that has the backing of the masses to challenge his illegitimate grab of power. So, in addition to unleashing his armed thugs upon them killing in cold blood innocent people, he has also used the judiciary to send the rest to the gallows after farcical trials.
Incorrect. Muslim brotherhood persons were not touched from 3/7/2013 to 8/7/2013 when the started attacked a military building with weapons killing some soldiers.
When the writer is writing without a good background, he/she places himself/herself in a very critical position
Sisi is a terrorist so do not be surprized when you find some arabs and muslims suuport ISIS because of opression and injustice that you encourage in middle east
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