Confusion reigns in Egypt after stunning court rulings threw the country’s awkward transition toward democratic rule into turmoil.
The decision sparked cries that Egypt’s military leaders have engineered a “soft coup” to thwart their longtime foes — Islamists who just weeks ago captured a majority of seats in the Egyptian parliament in the first election in Egypt in generations. The court’s decision dissolves parliament, and the military was quick to say it now controls legislative affairs in Egypt, actions that raised the prospect of renewed mass street protests.
The dizzying developments sent shock waves across Egypt just 16 months after a popular uprising toppled former President Hosni Mubarak and two days before Egyptians go to the polls to elect a new president.
Interesting to think about whether there are parallels with Turkey. The system set up by Attaturk effectively gave the military a veto over the civilian political system. If someone too extreme, militant Islamic parties looked like taking over, the military would just step in.
It is difficult to know what to make of this move by the Supreme Court and military; however at a more basic level what it does do is to protect the business interests of the military and former ruling class.
The tragedy, is there has been insufficient time to build up secular political parties so the choice has been between the old regime and radicals Islamists. A sad end to the hope of the young people, Muslim and Christian tweeting from Tahrir Square.
Prayers for Egypt, ancient land of so many Christian martyrs back to St Mark.