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General Bilal, as the leader of the Nationalist Party of Egypt, has a strong military background but--given the recent political upheaval--a limited popularity among Egyptians. Primarily a military man, he stands in direct confrontation to the popular call for a “no more military” approach.
Despite holding a degree in business and commerce, his military career will remain the cornerstone of his reputation. Since graduating from the Egyptian Military Academy back in 1955, he has excelled in the armed forces--gaining combat experience and climbing the ladder of command. Ultimately he reached the position of Head of the Inspection Body of the Egyptian Armed Forces during Hosni Mubarak’s ill-fated presidency.
Since Mubarak's ouster Bilal has been playing up the instances of his dissent under the previous regime, in an attempt to attract support. Notably, opposed Egyptian support for the Gulf War. At the time Bilal referred to the operation as not a war for the liberation of Kuwait but a war for the destruction of Iraq.
Bilal has also made his position clear towards sending Egyptian Forces beyond Egyptian borders in the future, saying that it is unnecessary—except for the case of joining international peacekeeping forces.
I Do Not Accept Our Supremacist Attitudes Towards Other Arab Countries
Major General Mohammed Bilal is amongst the most enthusiastic participants in the presidential elections. Regardless of apparent popular focus on his opponents, Bilal’s electoral campaign is well on its way as he appears to be quite determined. This has provoked many uncertainties concerning the real reasons behind Bilal running for president. In an attempt to find answers to this and for a summary of the main items on his agenda and his opinions on certain Egyptian concerns, The Majalla conducted a short meeting with Major General Bilal.
The Majalla: Why are you running for president?
One of the main reasons is that I served my country for many years in the field of strategy planning. I believe that my experience in strategy planning excels that of my opponents. I, thus, feel that I can serve my country better than the rest.
Q: But Egypt does not only need strategy. Egypt needs other expertise.
My electoral campaign carries all that is required to create a greater Egypt.
Q: What are the main features of your campaign?
Focusing on Egypt’s progress as a leading country in the Middle East and so to give the status it deserves amongst neighbouring countries, and developing good relations abroad as both foreign and internal policies feed of each other.
Q: You pay special attention to foreign policy. Where do internal issues – where people’s real interests are – stand in your electoral campaign?
The other issues such as health, education, justice and freedom are all logical issues that are included by de facto on every agenda in the world.
Q: Do you believe that there are certain priorities in regards to Egypt’s relations abroad?
It is essential to be on good form with all neighbouring countries, within the premise of common interests. However, we would make an exception in the case of the countries of the Nile Basin by not applying that same premise.
Q: Does this apply to dealings with the other Arab countries?
No, as I believe that common interest should be the predominant premise we would utilise, even when we might consider that the countries of the Middle East are of higher priority. We have got to end our supremacist attitudes towards other Arab countries, regardless of their size and influence. I believe that the world is in constant change. As long as a country is influential and is in an economic stride, we should deal with it in accordance with its capabilities, not size.
Q: What about the regional powers?
We are required to deal with all entities present in the region.
Q: How would your policy towards Iran look like?
Iran is a very important regional entity, to which we should pay special attention. Iran has interests in the Middle East. If it is alienated from the Middle East, Iran will tend to fulfil its interests elsewhere at the expense of Egypt’s own interests. We must work with Iran within the framework of common interests.
Q: Moving back to internal politics, how would you deal with the various political entities present in Egypt?
Despite the diversity of these political entities, I believe that the real powerful entity is the “new people,” who have been tackling politics at a time of great political change. I respect all entities and time will reveal the strongest entity.
Q: Do you fear the Muslim Brotherhood and them being in power?
No, I do not fear them in the slightest. The Muslim Brotherhood has no real influence. It is all media jargon.
Q: Would you approve of the Muslim Brotherhood being in power in Egypt?
We should leave this to the people to decide during elections. Why else did the revolution take place other than to establish democracy?
Q: What are your thoughts on talks of postponing the parliamentary elections?
If we debate this it would mean that we doubt the people’s decision on the matter. The people had made their decision at the recent referendum. A debate is not required.
Q: If you were to withdraw from the elections, whom would you suggest as an alternative?
I would suggest a candidate who does not merely seek the throne and who would comfortably settle for being the prime minister if he doesn’t make it to being the president. I support all that serve the country faithfully.
