Category Archives: Egypt

Morsi Murders Egypt

The overthrow of President Mubarak raised hopes in Egypt that a new era was aborning in which those of disparate views could come together and create a modern society. Although only winning by 51% of votes cast Morsi apparently had the support of most Egyptians who simply wanted their nation to progress and end sectarian disputes. But, Morsi decided to grant his Muslim Brotherhood all power and this has led to massive demonstrations. Apparently the armed forces have forged an alliance under which they retain control of what happens to the military and Morsi has the remainder of his country under MB control.

The MB sent hooded thugs into the streets to beat, bully and torture those seeking democracy. Several months ago the MB was allied with the people whom were beaten senseless yesterday. One man who was beaten described MB thugs who “hit the prisoners with their fists and tore their clothes off before torturing them.”

There will be more demonstrations, more beatings and perhaps Morsi will be able to become a dictator. Like all petty tyrants he will excuse away this behavior as simply an attempt to save his country from evil forces.

Morsi Slides Over Cliff

After decades of rule by authoritarian figures the people of Egypt were hoping for an opportunity to test a democratic life. Alas,that was before Mohammed Morsi shocked the population by assuming the mantle of number one tyrant of the month. A man who had spent years in America decided the taste of power was intoxicating and he required a few gallons for his comfort. However, the man of the Brotherhood decided to reach a pact with the devil and reached out to the military for an alliance.

Under the new arrangement, the military maintains control over its business operations, it makes all military promotions and has free reign in deciding who runs the show. In return, the military has been ordered to crush those protesting a Muslim centered constitution. We can assume people will die in Tahrir Square and in the end Morsi will have power.

One question for Morsi: What if generals decide they desire a return to power, who then fills the squares of protest?

Who Is Mohamed Mursi?

Thousands of people are protesting in the streets of Cairo, groups are clashing with one another, many are marching on the presidential palace and six are dead with hundreds wounded in the conflict. Mursi refuses to end his quest for a referendum on the new constitution which was drafted by religious fanatics even though at least half of the Egyptian population does not want a society governed by Sharia law. Mursi remains defiant and will not back down one inch.

Nine of his officials have resigned, the director of state broadcasting has resigned, a vice president of the Muslim Brotherhood party has resigned but Mursi insists the new constitution must be accepted. Mohamed Mursi spent years in America and knows something about democratic procedures, but he behaves as though dictator of Egypt.

There will be more bloodshed in Egypt. The only remaining question is how much?

Israel Fights On Alone

Human Rights Watch, dozens of nations and just about the entire world are informing Israel that it must cease provoking Palestinians by refusing to negotiate in good faith. That means it must freeze new settlements until some compromise is reached on the topic of the West Bank. HRW insists recent Israel shelling and bombing resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians. It even cited a specific example of destroying a home in which there were civilians, including children.

Naturally, the Netanyahu response is always–the world hates Jews, the world only gets upset when Jews kill people, and furthermore if Israel does kill innocent civilians it must stem from the fact they were not innocent civilians but secret terrorists. The five year old child was really a Hamas suicide bomber whose death prevented attacks on innocent Israeli civilians.

At some point hopefully reality will set in within Israel. A nation alone is just that, a nation alone. Shouting anti-Semitism can only go so far, but when former allies of Israel say enough is enough it means the time has come for Israel to cease being the target of hate and to join with Palestinians in order to end hate.

Tanks Of December

Mohamed Morsi barely secured a majority of votes in the election for president since he only obtained about 51%. One would assume, given this narrow victory, a president would poceed with caution and respect for opposing groups. Alas, this is not the Morsi way. Together with his Muslim Brotherhood supporters a new constitution was pushed through without input from Christian or secular or moderate Muslim ideas. This document makes  free speech a doubtful prospect and subjects moderate Muslims and Christians to life under a fundamentalist Muslim theocracy.

Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians were in Tahrir Square to express disgust with this petty tyrant. Fights broke out between members of the MB and secular protesters. At least five are dead and over 350 injured. Tanks now guard the presidential palace even as fights are seen between MB followers and their opponents. Three senior advisers to Morsi have resigned. Prime Minister Hesham Kandi urged negotiation.

Former UN diplomat Mohamed ElBardi now heads opposing factions and he made clear to Morsi, “bullying will nto  yield any results for this country.”

Amis Come Home

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays to the galleries of hate within Israel and unfortunately it, at times, can be a crowded location. His recent decision to build new settlements which, in effect, would divide Palestinians from one another and make a negotiation for a separate Palestine state an impossible dream has infuriated nations of the world. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon  blasted this idea and England and France are considering the possibility of recalling their ambassadors to Israel in protest.

When Bibi Netanyahu assumed the office of prime minister, Israel had good relations with Turkey, with Egypt, with France, with England and Germany, but today as a result of his boorish bully behavior there is scarcely a nation in the world that wants Israel as its friend. A French Foreign Ministry official noted his nation was tired of Israel and its refusal to work cooperatively with Palestinian leaders.

Morsi Meanders Into Minefield

Mohamed Morsi is either a very clever thinker and planner or he is among the most stupid people to become president of Egypt. The recalcitrant president made clear that he was not backing down from pushing a new Constitution that was written by Islamic supporters who seek imposing Sharia law upon secular people and Christians. Sources indicate he, together with Salafi allies will push for a vote to make legal the new constitution.

Tahrir Square has over a hundred thousand people protesting his grab for power, People have even assaulted offices of the Muslim Brotherhood to make clear their desire for a democratic Egypt which respects the rights of all people, not just those who are into the Muslim religion. Maha, an engineer made clear feelings of most in the square: “he can forget it”while Amal, a teacher said, “he can leave as Mubarak left.”

Why has Morsi taken leave of his common sense is the question of the hour??

Morsi Tears Apart Egypt

The essence of a democratic society is respect for all people within the nation, even those who oppose the majority. Heck, in the US Congress about 40% can thwart the will of the majority. President Morsi assumed power in his country after over a half century of rule by a strong man who thwarted the will of those who opposed his wise interpretation of what is the truth. One might assumed, given this record, and given that Morsi only obtained 51% of the vote he would be cautious in fostering his party’s view of what is necessary in Egypt.

Mohamed Ibrahim told a Reuter’s reporter that “there will be a complete defeat today in a mass Egyptian protest that says ‘no to the conspirital minority, no to destructive directions and yes for stability and sharia law.” Ten percent of Egyptians are Christian, another 30% are in one way or another secular and do not seek sharia law in their lives.

Today, Morsi may impose, tomorrow he has torn asunder his society. The hope of Egypt is with their bright young people who can create a modern technological society. This will not occur in a land governed by Sharia law.

Morsi Mangles Revolution

Mohammed Morsi had a golden opportunity to assist his nation to become a modern society in which entrepreneural ideas and a high tech economy enable people to escape from poverty. Instead, he has allowed forces of clerical backwardness to dominate thinking at a time when new ideas are required in order to create a united Egypt. Islamists who controlled writing of a new Constitution offered a version in which sharia law would become the law.

Tens of thousands are back in Tahrir square furious at betrayal of what they fought to achieve for their nation. “Constitution Void” “The People want to bring down this regime.” Secular forces and Coptic Christians fear the introduction of a Muslim society in which clerics, rather than the people decide what can or can not be done. The do not want government defining their morality!!

Muslim Brotherhood, Democratic?

Arab League General Secretary Amir Moussa told the Spiegel newspaper that recent acts of President Morsi threaten democracy in Egypt. He argued that his country was experiencing a defining moment in time, “What currently is taking place in Egypt represents a grave danger to the process of democratization in our country. Public opinion has never been as polarized as it is today.” He referred to the Morsi decree which ended an independent judiciary and gave all power to the president.

Moussa is surprised at Morsi actions since in  recent discussions with the president no such idea of ending democracy was present in their interactions. He feared Egypt was in early stages of a revolution what could tear apart the nation. Even key advisers of Morsi have resigned in protest at the power grab. Moussa warned the West to “stay in the background.” As he wisely noted, “this is purely an Egyptian crisis.”