DSE: Osama Ghazali Harb discusses Egypt's future

Osama Ghazali Harb discusses Egypt’s future
Former prominent NDP member speaks about democracy and the future of reform under the current government

By Pakinam Amer
First Published: March 15, 2006

CAIRO: With his resignation from the National Democratic Party (NDP) still sending shockwaves through the political scene, Osama Ghazali Harb spoke to The Daily Star Egypt about his reasons for abandoning the party, his plans for founding a new one and what he sees as the future of democracy in Egypt.
“The so-called political reform process was never really taking place in [the] NDP,” says Harb, who is currently a Shura council member and political analyst at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. “Democracy was never taken seriously.”
Harb submitted his resignation last week after spending more than three years as a member of the policies committee, headed by Gamal Mubarak. For many, the move was a “shocker,” but for Harb, it was a well-planned and thought-out decision.
Harb, who had been an independent before joining the NDP, said the monopoly by the government became clear when the amendment of Article 76 of the constitution, which allows multi-candidate presidential elections was put in motion. According to the veteran politician, the constitutional change appeared to have given parties leeway to run a candidate for presidency, when in fact it repressed parties even more.
“According to this new article, only the NDP, really, could submit a candidate in the president elections,” says Harb. “I opposed the amendment and I had a good argument for refusing it … but the Policies Committee never really uses the [consultancy of] experienced [leaders].”
Reportedly, Harb explained to Gamal Mubarak his reasoning for challenging the effect of the amendment as a real step toward democracy. The young leader, however, and his NDP associates stood firm.
According to Harb, the NDP’s inner policies only reflect the bigger scope of how matters are run in Egypt. “Like in the NDP, in Egypt nobody really utilizes the skills and opinions of the qualified and experienced … I felt imprisoned inside the NDP.”
The hegemony of the government, according to Harb, is what has led to Egypt’s division between the only two strong political forces: the Muslim Brotherhood and the state-financed NDP. “Egypt is not just Islamists and NDP; the country has other political trends … socialist, national, liberal, etc.”
“One cannot deny that the Muslim Brotherhood has popularity among the grassroots … However, many who voted for the Muslim Brothers did that out of spite for the NDP.”
“The NDP’s presence is actually complimentary for the Muslim Brothers,” says Harb. “Their constant failures and flaws have led the people to support the Brothers.”
The government is using the Muslim Brotherhood group as a weapon to convince the West that Islamists are the only alternative to the current government, explains Harb. “The Brothers are strong. The West is ready to negotiate with Islamists … The weapon will eventually turn against the [government].”
The NDP has created what Harb calls a “political void,” where legitimate parties are too weak to make a stand or provide an alternative for leadership. “This political void is scary … If, God forbid, something happens to Mubarak, no one knows what will become of us.”
“If an emergency happens, no one knows who will lead the country,” says Harb. “It will be total chaos… The poor might attack rich neighborhoods; the sectarian strife, strong now in Egypt, might be augmented.”
“The problems in Egypt and the strife are beyond our thoughts. When I think about the prospect, I get scared,” adds Harb. “If anything sudden happens to the president, all systems in Egypt will collapse. No exaggeration… anything could happen.”
Unfortunately, according to Harb, society’s elite are not aware of such possibilities. “No leader is being prepared to handle authority, if necessary … except for Gamal Mubarak who, despite denials, is being apparently pushed … and prepared [for presidency].”
“However, this is not the solution,” says Harb. “How could we assume that if Gamal Mubarak takes over power that other political forces will accept it? What about the Muslim Brothers? Will they ever accept it? It will be a disaster.”
Harb, who was initially invited by the younger Mubarak to join the party, said he did not believe that the party was perfect when he first joined. However, he had trusted in its “potential” for change and reform. “I thought that I, along with other veterans, could make a real change.”
“There was no democracy in the NDP … So Egypt is now one of the few countries in the world where absolute powers are granted to certain organizations and where dominion of [the political] authority is possible.”
Following his resignation, NDP leaders announced their intention to talk with Harb and possibly re-invite him to the party. Harb, however, however, affirms that his resignation is final. The politician was also bombarded by invitations from the Al-Wafd party, although “following the tragic strife among their ranks,” Harb has quietly refused.
“In order to regain political stability, we must have strong political forces that are clear about their goals and intentions,” explains Harb. “The country is scattered and we need new blood, new parties, in order for change to be effective. The political arena can, certainly, accommodate new forces based on serious dedication to democracy.”
Harb’s future plans are now centered on a new political party; one which he aims to found and invite the elite of the political community and intellects to join. Harb says that unlike other parties, his will not be centered on one leader or one individual dominating power. It will be based on democracy and justice “inside out.”
“A sound political process is a result of a collaborative effort … all those who said they would join me are leaders and people of experience,” says Harb. “Yehya El Gamal [political analyst] is one of those who is enthusiastic about the new party.” Other names of potential leaders include poet and writer Farouk Goweida, former Housing Minister Hassaballah El Kafrawy, and Mohammed Abul-Ghar.
Harb adds that different political forces are welcome to join, including Islamists, “as long as they endorse true democracy and liberalism.”
“Transparency, fighting corruption, giving freedom to the press, equal opportunities [and] acknowledging people’s right to rise to high-status positions if they have what it takes,” is on the top of Harb’s party-to-be agenda.
While Harb is dissatisfied with the current government, he does not believe in revolution. “However, it is essential for those political forces who have failed to give breathing space for others ... without any malice. If the NDP cannot solve people’s problems, then they should step aside and let others lead instead of overpowering people for 30 years.”
Harb denies that there is systematic political strife inside the NDP between reformists on one hand and conservatives on another. “However, there are strong conflicts between smaller groups and an individual … strife is there. Each group has its own agenda [and] there are conflicts of interest between members.”
Although Harb says he “knows” that there are other NDP leaders who wish to resign from the NDP, he still doubts that they will ever take the step he has just taken. “They have other calculations. Some have fears … Even though many are not happy and some have even ceased to be active, I doubt they will ever quit.”
“All in all, the NDP has more major problems at its core. It is enough that it has failed to change the status quo.”

Link: http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=913