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Morsi's Velvet Revolution

(Jerusalem Post) Zvi Mazel - Without firing a single shot, President Mohamed Morsi managed to neutralize the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and complete his takeover of Egypt. Morsi unilaterally amended article 25 of the temporary constitution - adopted by referendum in March 2011 - which defined the presidential powers, and revoked the supplementary constitutional declaration that gave the army extraordinary powers - including the right to decide on its budget and to declare war. In addition to forcing the minister of defense and the chief of staff of the Egyptian armed forces into retirement, Morsi went on to fire the commanders of the navy, air force, and the anti-aircraft unit. A look at the newly promoted generals, minister of defense and chief of staff clearly shows that the Brotherhood had planted quite a number of "sleepers," officers loyal to the cause and biding their time. Morsi now holds dictatorial powers surpassing by far those of President Hosni Mubarak. Though Egypt will strive to maintain good relations with the U.S. in order to continue receiving impressive sums in military and other aid, it is turning more and more to Arab countries for help. Already the emir of Qatar has deposited $2 billion in Egyptian coffers, and Saudi Arabia did the same a few weeks ago. Libya may do this as well. The writer is a former ambassador to Egypt.
2012-08-14 00:00:00
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