Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Don't Let Egypt Become Another Syria

If Egypt's unstable political situation has not been international page-one news lately, an Egyptian administrative court in Cairo may have changed that on Wednesday. It ordered the suspension of parliamentary elections scheduled to begin on April 22nd, undoubtedly beginning a legal battle that will delay the vote and deepen the political crisis between the Islamist president and his opponents that has caused an ongoing national political crisis for months. Non-functional political institutions, a weak economy and a wave of protests, strikes and clashes against Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood that has spiraled for months around the country will surely continue. Port Said street protests are in their fourth day. The military intervened, trying to separate protesters and police, but protesters hurled stones at police who were firing tear gas. The result was six dead on Sunday. Morsi's Islamist supporters and some in the protest-weary public had viewed the parliamentary elections as a step toward bringing some stability. But the mainly liberal and secular opposition had called a boycott of the vote, calling on Morsi to find some political consensus and ease the wave of popular anger before voting began. With or without an opposition boycott, analysts feel that the Islamists would win a parliamentary majority. The current Islamist-drafted constitution contains vague language that permits elections to bypass constitutional court review, but the court ruling stated that the Islamist-led parliament had improperly pushed through a law organizing the elections without giving the Supreme Constitutional Court the opportunity to review it to ensure it conforms with the constitution. The court ordered the law referred to the constitutional court and the election suspended in the meantime. The court also annulled a decree by Morsi calling for the election to take place. Morsi's opponents quickly used the decision as further proof of their accusations that Morsi and his ruling Muslim Brotherhood are mismanaging the country, trying to dominate power without reaching consensus with others or abiding by the law. Opposition leader Mohamed ElBoradei said that ignoring the rule of law "is characteristic of a fascist state." Morsi's legal adviser, Mohammed Fouad, said the government would abide by the court's decision and refer the law to the constitutional court. When the judge read the verdict, lawyers in the court room broke out in chants of "God is great." Egypt's political crisis has encountered various judicial disputes, as well as opposition street protests following Morsi's decision last November to grant himself immunity from the judiciary's supervision. He later revoked this right, in the face of the massive protests, but he had already used the powers to appoint a new chief prosecutor and prevent the courts from blocking Islamists drafting a new constitution. With this court decision, dear readers, Egypt seems to be headed toward more chaos. Protests and violent clashes have spread in recent days in Cairo and Port Said, where public anger has been directed at the police. Many protesters say the security forces have been using excessive force against them and that Morsi has backed the police's excessive force. Troops lined up between protesters and police ib Port Said, but protesters shouted, "Morsi is the enemy of God" as they lined up in front of the troops. Furious at the president and the security forces, residents of Port Said have created a wave of protests and strikes amounting to an outright revolt against the central government. Whatever violence this latest anti-Morsi court decision leads to, one thing seems clear. Neither the Egyptian people nor their courts are going to surrender to non-democratic political rule without a fight. It would be helpful if the military were more determined in their support of them. And, it would be even more helpful if President Obama and the UN spoke up for the protesters and lent their considerable support, too. Syria should have taught them the value of early intervention on the side of people fighting for their freedom.

3 comments:

  1. I find it difficult to find an once of difference in the potential outcome in Egypt vs what we are still witnessing in Syria.

    It is all The Muslin Brotherhood, corrupt military, and bought and paid for presidents.Therefore why should one expect a different outcome.

    Does the corrupt Egyptian military, President Obama, or the Socialist leaning UN care more about Egypt citizens wants than Syrian civilians that are lying dead in pills in the street. If they did, if there were a shred of Humanitarian concern or evidence that these three groups wanted to help wouldn't they already be? How long does it take to stand up for the oppressed.

    The old saying ... "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is Insanity". Well for freedom loving people to keep hoping that Obama and his influence via his position and that the United Nations will suddenly change it's approach in the Middle East (or any place else for that matter)is equally INSANE. I just don't think it will happen. In fact this may be what the progressive Socialists really want.

    Just look at the praise that was put onto President Chavez by the American media and Hollywood elites yesterday.

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  2. The methodical and murderous movement of the Islamic/Muslim fundamentalist religious rampage on the countries on the Middle east has been going on since approximately 600 AD following the death of Mohammad. They gain, they loose, they stay stagnate for years ... but the import thing is they have NEVER gone away.

    There is no defeating these radical captives of their own people in the name of Mohammad and keeping them living under barbarian religious law and restricting their ability on entering the modern world.

    So would any action from Obama, the UN or any other force or organization be a deterrent to this evil, ignorant group now known as MUSLIN BROTHERHOOD. The brotherhood is simply carrying out the teachings that they were brought up under, as were their parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc., etc.

    What would change them is action by the civilized world to put feet on the ground in a number of counties that the brotherhood is in full operation in and stop them once and for all.

    Would such an action be misconstrued as a "genocide"... possibly. But what is the brotherhood conducting presently in Syria, Egypt.and another half dozen countries ... PLUS the downfall of Israel.

    Could the western, free world really stand for the elimination of Israel. I certainly could not and would be first in line to bolster their defense.

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    Replies
    1. Do I hear another Amen from the back of the room ...Amen

      Great posting Casey Pops

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