15 August, 2012

Egypt

There is a theory in the media that nothing happens in the summer (although the First World War started at the end of July) but while we have been watching the Olympics, little bits of history have been taking place around us.

In Egypt President Mursi seems to have staged a brilliant coup, in retiring the two top generals from the semi-military government and replacing them with two more to his liking.

The problem for us in the West is that it is hard to know in exact terms who stands for what. When I last visited this subject I suggested that the tension between the army (SCAF) and the Muslim Brotherhood government might be a good thing: SCAF seems to be anti-Islamist but hasn't been elected, whereas Mursi's government has been elected but when all is said and done is to one extent or another Islamist.

It seems Mursi's démarche has altered this balance but we don't know how much. Until a parliament is sworn in (the last one was closed down by SCAF) reflecting minority interests such as Copts and women the West would do well to watch, quietly. Egypt seems to be considering major military operations against terrorists in Sinai. It may just be that one faction or another is on our side.

2 comments:

DAVE PHILLIPS said...

HERE SOME OTHER CONCERNS - As they were expressed in a letter or two addressed for "The TIMES of ISRAEL" [Jerusalem] in recent days. ** In 'security conscious' Israel - which admittedly lives in 'a tough neighborhood', EGYPT had virtually 'a free ride' with helicopters' use in Gaza. ** Is there either (a) an informal 'hot line' between political heads of both states! - and/or - (b) Is there informal military-to-military contact, which might explain lack of Israeli concerns - as TRUST BUT VERIFY Mossad policy is actively pursued & in place? ** From a prior multi-lateral [Egypt, Syria & Israel] peace treaty - from Nixon Presidency, there are in place motion ground sensors through Mitla and Gilda Passes, which would be 'logical routes' for Northern border armies - in an invasion of Israel, which is now further 'buffered' by settlements!

DAVE PHILLIPS said...

"CORRECTION" - Change 'Gaza' [sic.] to Israel's SOUTHERN BORDER - more correctly!