Iran and Egypt: two coups in a day

The Iranian people overthrew the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 32 years ago on Feb.11. The escaped King, who was exiled from the U.S., could find asylum at Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, but after a while he passed away.

Today, 32 years later on the same day Hosni Muburak, who replaced Sadat, has resigned. Of course, the dates coincide by chance, but both events have similar features in many cases. The result in Iran is obvious - the first generation of revolutionaries created an Islamic republic, but the revolution is still continuing, despite the fact that the first generation of the revolution are now in the opposition camp. Despite the fact that the second generation leading the country differs in terms of tactics, they continue the mission of the Islamic revolution. But, how the things will be in Egypt?

Liberal and democratic forces have harassed and were weakened by the Shah government as a result of pressure. Thus, after the revolution, the Islamists, without enemies and without any problems (the temporal power of Mehdi Bazargan), completely took over the reins in their hands.

Egypt also lacks a strong democratic and liberal party. Currently, the "Muslim Brotherhood" is the strongest opposition, and there is no charismatic leader or a strong Democratic Party that could lead the nation.

Unlike Egypt, Imam Khomeini played a big role in the overthrow of the Shah in Iran and had a strong reputation and charisma among the masses, but the "Muslim Brotherhood " has not led the 18-day rallies in Egypt. In general, the power was completely overthrown in Iran, while only the president went down in Egypt and the country's administration is in the hands of officials - representatives of the same power.

Mubarak handed over power to the Supreme Military Council headed by Defense Minister Mohammed Hussein Tantawi. Although, newly appointed Vice-President Omar Suleiman stated about Mubarak's resignation, Salesman's further actions as vice president and what will be his power remain unclear.

Last week, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who stands on top of the pyramid of power in Iran and possesses the highest authority in the country according to the law, addressed to the Egyptian people in Arabic and called them to establish an Islamic regime. But the Muslim Brotherhood stating that they have no such intentions rejected the proposal of Khamenei.

Of course, if we consider the phobia of the West over establishment of the Islamic authority in Egypt, it is hard to believe the statements of the Muslim Brotherhood that they have no purpose to establish an Islamic government. This organization, founded in 1930 by Hasan al-Banna, originally set a goal to create an Islamic authority, despite the fact that this organization is divided into several branches, each of which has its followers, and goals.

Given that the Egyptian army is secular and has great influence among the people, perhaps, the legitimacy of the Muslim Brotherhood will be restored and their representatives will be in the parliament, but seizure of power by them seems unreal.


The West may be relatively quiet in terms of establishing Islamic authority in Egypt, but it is unknown whether the army will return the power, having taken it, free and peacefully to its people and establish a democratic government.