Thomas Jefferson once said, “Resisting tyranny is obedience to God.” This assertion emphasizes that resisting any form of tyranny is not only a moral duty but a divine one. Tyrants, regardless of their severity, perpetuate evil, and their rule should be opposed to uphold justice and human dignity. In the following lines, I will examine two modern-day tyrants. They are Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt and Bashar al-Assad of Syria. Their oppressive regimes illustrate the inherent dangers of tyranny and the inevitable need for their downfall.
The Nature of Tyrants
A tyrant, by definition, is an oppressive ruler who wields power unjustly and cruelly. There are no “good” or “bad” tyrants—only tyrants whose rule inflicts suffering upon their people. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the current President of Egypt, rose to power through a military coup in 2013. Under his rule, Egypt has experienced a crackdown on dissent. Thousands of political prisoners are held, and freedoms are restricted. Human rights abuses are widespread. The people of Egypt find themselves under the iron grip of a military tyrant who prioritizes his regime’s stability over the welfare of his citizens.
The Syrian Parallel: Bashar al-Assad
Similarly, Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, has become infamous for his brutal suppression of opposition. Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, many have accused Assad’s regime of numerous war crimes. These accusations include the use of chemical weapons against civilians, widespread torture, and indiscriminate bombings. Assad’s tyranny has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and displaced millions. His fall, while yet to be realized, is a testament to the relentless suffering inflicted by tyrannical rule.
Caught Between Tyranny and Extremism
Many Egyptian Christians face a dire choice. They are trapped between a military tyrant who kills his own people and Islamists who wish to impose seventh-century Shariah law. This predicament leaves me with no feasible options for a peaceful and just society. The dilemma must change, or the country will collapse under the weight of tyranny and extremism. The fall of Assad in Syria serves as a grim reminder. It shows what happens when tyranny is left unchecked. Chaos and terrorism fill the void.
The Inevitability of Fall
History has shown that no tyrant’ rule lasts forever. Eventually, they all fall, often leaving behind a trail of destruction and instability. Al-Sisi’s regime, like Assad’s, will eventually crumble under the pressure of its own oppressive weight. The alternative to tyrannical rule, however, must be carefully considered to avoid plunging the nation into further chaos.
Finally, resisting tyranny is not just a moral duty but a necessary act of obedience to God. Both notorious tyrants and seemingly mild ones perpetuate evil and suffering. The parallels between Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Bashar al-Assad highlight the inherent dangers of tyrannical rule. As a Christian caught between two oppressive forces, I hold onto hope. I believe that change will come. Justice will prevail. The fall of tyrants like Al-Sisi and Assad is inevitable. However, creating a just and peaceful society requires vigilance, courage, and unwavering commitment to human dignity.
Out of Egypt 