(“Whereas Americans believe in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Islamic cultures cling to principles of “fairness, justice, equality, unity, and charity,” he argued. Americans look to their republic’s Founding Fathers for guidance; Muslims cherish the memory of the ancient caliphate. However, “this does not mean a theocracy will be established.”)

Outside his very official, and dare I say impeccable uniform, Egyptian Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is a very unassuming character. Selected to attend the U.S. Army War College in 2006, al-Sisi was described by his classmates as non-confrontational but always ready to debate. It’s unlikely even one of them would have predicted he would become Egypt’s new leader. Well that is the reality and I think it’s important to take note of who he is, not just because of his ascension to power in the vacuum of the ousted Morsi, but rather because of the clues which are now giving us insight into al-Sisi the man. The passage above, taken from a thesis paper he submitted at the War College, only reaffirms my belief that there will never be a stable and lasting peace between our country and nations which frame their governments in the “caliphate” model. The contradiction in the quote reflects what, in one form or another, you will here in every statement made by Islamic leaders the world over. (Individual human freedom is bad, and supreme religious/political leadership/oversight is altogether necessary and good.) Do not be fooled people. The “mindset” remains whether it’s channeled through an Imam or a military General. “It is our way or no way.”

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out for the Obama Administration, and who they eventually support. That said, the best “We the People” may hope for is an uncomfortable relationship, fostered for the purpose of maintaining what remains a precarious at best status-quo peace in the Middle-East. In the interim, and in view of the escalating violence, all U.S. aid to Egypt must stop now.