Over the past three weeks, Egypt has been undergoing dramatic political changes as people continue to take to the streets in protests of Hosni Mubarak’s oppressive, corrupt regime. It’s a people’s movement in its truest form, and continues to be optimistic and peaceful. One would think that the United States, as a champion of democracy and freedom, would jump at the opportunity to fully support the movement. However, our government has remained moderate and quiet on topics of formulating a transitional government with the inclusion of opposition parties. We’ve supported the general wellbeing of the country, but have avoided strong language against the Egyptian government in efforts to be neutral.

Why? The United States takes pride in playing the role of the global police, so why remain silent against an overtly menacing regime?

As the global police, victorious against coercive dictatorships, we have maintained our status as the real global terror. We fail to recognize and assist true democratic movements, particularly when they lie outside our interests. The ideals of Mubarak’s regime severely clashed with base American values of government and individual rights, yet the United States has considered Egypt to be an ally for decades.

It isn’t only the Islamic extremist movement that is perpetuating international conflict. The government entities that claim to protect us from violence and instability have simultaneously set the stage for this new, global era of terrorism. Egypt is just one example of how the United States systematically avoids playing the role of the hero when our interests could be compromised. Mubarak’s regime has supported us in our warfare and our relationship with Israel, so why turn against him now?

If we look at global terrorism and consider the 9/11 attacks, the reality is that there are many disenchanted individuals who feel that the United States doesn’t support social and political revolution as we should. History proves that this distrust lies in American enforcement, protection, and praising of countries that have oppressive, violent governments like Egypt.

Why? What is the reason that our government claims to be the principle motivators of democratic movements, while simultaneously sending the CIA to create military coups and establish unstable governments?

The United States government is looking to secure their global hegemony. Its only interest in international affairs is to reinforce political, social and economic dominance over other nations. It’s a farce that we Americans stand by, barely questioning the legitimacy of events like the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. When our personal interests begin to waiver, such as the rising cost of gas or crashing stock markets, do we turn against our politicians in Washington? What about all the damage they inflict on the international community?

The United States today doesn’t stand for social justice and equality. The muted language against the Egyptian government is proof of this. The global war on terrorism is just another phase in reasserting ourselves as a superpower. When we hesitate to support peaceful democratic movements, we devalue the importance of global cooperation and unity.