All this week, AmericaInTheWorld is spotlighting six key arguments
from Justin Webb's 'Have A Nice Day: Behind The Chiches, Giving America
Another Chance'. You can purchase your copy here.
Ayman Nour is an Egyptian democrat. Mr Nour stood against Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak in the 2006 elections. He won 7% of the vote but today sits in a Cairo jail on politically-motivated charges of electoral fraud.
He took America at its word and the suggestion by George W Bush that his administration would support democrats in every corner of the planet. This is what the President said in his second inaugural:
"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.""
America has been criticised for doing little to speak up for Mr Nour. Egypt is a massive beneficiary of US aid but Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice failed to mention Mr Nour's predicament in a meeting with the Egyptian President.
But finds Justin Webb, America remains the last, best hope for Mr Nour's wife and another Egyptian democrat, Hala Mustapha. He writes this after meeting them:
"They aren't making plans to appeal for help from China or Russia or the European Commission. They know where help should be located: they know where they think help might one day lie... Although both have been let down, both are sticking with America."
> Briefing: America and human rights
