After 30 years of rule and the imposition of economic and social restraints on the people of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak yielded power in the face of determined, continuous rallies of people in favor of greater freedom and the opportunity to lead better lives.
The Egyptian army did not turn against the citizens, which is a beneficial sign of restraint — and the fact that so many Egyptians have served in their military.
As the world awaits the civilian government that fills the void, the United States and our allies should support a peaceful transition to a society in Egypt that addresses both the aspirations of the citizens and the basic individual rights that should be secured for all human beings.
As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it became clear to me that there is a set of key, foundational principles common to all successful civilizations.
These ideals, which I call the Four Pillars of a Free and Just Society, are imperative for any form of government to earn the consent of the people and allow them to lead fulfilling lives. These pillars should be the basis of any emerging Egypt — in a constitution and laws.
Pillar One : the freedom of religion, guaranteeing freedom of personal beliefs and conscience. Free people should not have their rights enhanced or diminished based upon their religious beliefs. In Egypt, as elsewhere, citizens must be free to worship and not compelled by a monarch, theocrat or any other tyrant to support a religious organization contrary to their religious persuasion.
Pillar Two : the freedom of expression for men and women. This freedom is essential for the understanding that government derives its just powers from the consent of the people who are the owners of the government.
Pillar Three : private ownership of property. The ability to own private property is essential so that people may lead independent and self-reliant lives. A government that serves as the gate through which property ownership either arrives or is denied stifles innovation, entrepreneurial initiative, competition in a free marketplace, and a genuine stake in one's home, business and community.
Pillar Four : the rule of law. The God-given rights of a free people must be protected and preserved by a system of laws and justice that is fair, impartial and reflecting innate human freedoms. A basic function of government should be to protect its citizens from harm within and without. In addition, the fair and honest adjudication of disputes and the enforcement of contracts and laws are essential to investment and property.
The self-determination of freedom is a universal human desire. The demonstrations in the streets and the uprising against the Mubarak government — and authoritarian governments around the Middle East — are prime examples of a people asserting their natural aspirations to achieve the blessings of liberty for themselves and their families.
While it is not the role of the United States to dictate to Egyptians how to implement and accomplish these empowering ideals, enlightened efforts now must focus on encouraging the Egyptian framers to create a new society that includes these four pillars. If these principles are the basis of a nation, the people will have greater prosperity, live longer, healthier and happier lives and are more likely to be aligned with the interests of the United States and our allies.
If the effort toward a free and just Egypt is successful and lasting, there may be millions of young, educated freedom-lovers in Iran and elsewhere waiting for their own chances to throw off the yoke of government oppression in their own nations.
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