Imperial Powers
"The decisions... were not meant ever to target certain persons, nor did I intend to embarrass institutions, nor was my aim to narrow freedoms." Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi
As conciliatory a statement as one might ever wish to hear from a statesman, one who has been busy surprising all onlookers to the Egyptian changing scene who felt that this unremarkable, low-key personality would remain the dud he had always been. Something peculiar happened with the ascension to power; he has been remarkably transformed, it seems, from aspiring nonenity to firmly-in-control president empowered to act as he sees fit.
He saw fit to retire the defence minister and chief of staff among many other influential movers-and-shakers who stood in his way, blocking his presidential prerogatives and powers, and minimizing, with the assistance of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the power and authority and presence of Egypt's parliament, with its 50% Muslim Brotherhood control.
And having acted so persuasively without any sign of push-back from the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces which had become very fond of its ruling powers, the Brotherhood and its supporters rejoice.
"A greeting from the heart filled with love, appreciation and respect to our leaders who passed on the banner. They will be in our eyes and hearts. The armed forces is a prestigious institution with a doctrine of full discipline and commitment to legitimacy."
Not everyone is in a celebratory mood. Many have fears that President Morsi has assumed a trifle too much power unto himself, and Islamist fundamentalism is entrenching itself into the soul of Egypt where previously secularism and modernity prevailed, in its singular Middle Eastern way.
It seems clear, however, that an accommodation has been reached. "With the military stripped of legislative authority and in [the] absence of parliament, [the] president holds imperial powers", observed Mohamed El Baradei whose own bid for the presidency failed.
Not to worry; Egyptians, although chafing under authoritarian rule, and birthing the Arab Spring that gave way to the current situation, are accustomed to that rule. It will not be too difficult for them to realize that they are once again living under authoritarian rule, this time with a decidedly religious flavour.
All will be well, though, since Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi and General Sami Annon will henceforth be viewed as valued presidential advisers. With Marshall Tantawi's former second in command now taking up the reins to ensure continuity and loyalty to President Morsi.
While the insultingly inconvenient constitutional amendments giving the SCAF legislative power after the dissolution of parliament, returning to where it should reside, with the president and with the returned parliament, controlled now happily by the Muslim Brotherhood and their Salafist allies, the Arab Spring has proven its potential.
Labels: Communication, Conflict, Egypt, Islamism, Middle East, Political Realities
posted by Pieface @ Wednesday, August 15, 2012
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