By George Allen
Richmond Times Dispatch
February 27, 2011
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.
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