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In Egypt, Skepticism over Religion in Politics
(AP-Washington Post) Maggie Michael - There are growing signs in Egypt that, after a year of Morsi's presidency and two years of growing Islamist political power in general, religiosity is not the political selling point it once was among Egyptians. Increasingly, Egyptians denounce "wrapping politics in the cloak of religion," even in rural areas seen as the heartland of the conservative voter. The disillusionment is a factor fueling support for massive protests to demand Morsi's removal, planned for Sunday. Egyptians are hardly becoming less religious. But more are losing their belief that someone who touts his religiosity is necessarily a trustworthy, clean and effective politician. A poll released this week by the Egyptian Center for Public Opinion Research, or Basserah, found Morsi's approval rating at 32%, compared to 78% after his first 100 days in office.