Hosni MuBarak Transcended at 91

Perspective:

It is with regret that we announce the passing of former Egyptian President Hosni MuBarak. This colourful character was a former air force pilot who became Vice President of Egypt. Following the assassination of Anwar Sadat. MuBarak himself survived this attack as they both were at a military parade when body guards assigned to protect the then president carried out this audacious attack. Sadat was killed almost instantaneously by a hail of bullets at close range.

MuBarak rose to power after this attack and ruled for most thirty years. He was a dictator who did not believe in free and fair elections.

Arab War

Mubarak is credited with support for the Palestinian struggle against Israel and of such launched a military attack against Israel.

Desert Spring

It was the popular uprising called the Desert Spring of 2011 that led to his downfall. He was tried for fraud and corruption by an Egyptian Court. The Brotherhood that was apart of his organization was outlawed. He was found guilty and sentenced to jail after his ouster. The Appeal court overturned his conviction. He died today at 91 after ill health and a long stay in hospital.

Perspective

It is my further perspective that if MuBarak had resorted to democracy he would have survived and demit office honourably. It is also my view that he overstayed his welcome by holding on to power for too long. On a more positive note he did bring a considerably long period of stability to Egypt. There was much turmoil following the assassination of Sadat. Mubarak stabilized the nation’s ship.

MuBarak was an ally of the United States, but was sidelined when he refused to support the US at the end of his rule.

We offer our sympathy to his family. At 91 he lived a long life and contributed significantly to the modernization of Egypt.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior National & International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper.