Islamofascist Rule in Egypt

 

 

I believe firmly that unknown heroes will emerge from the ranks of the people who revere freedom , pride and believe in the dignity

(Right) 1940's- Hassan Al-Bana the founder of MB kissing the hand of King Abdulaziz - (Left) 1960's- Nasser sitting on ground with an Egyptian peasent

Mursi Kissing Saudi king during his first visit as president

by Stephen Lendman


Washington engineered Mubarak’s ouster. He fell from grace. He became more liability than asset. For years, State Department and Pentagon officials wanted him out. He opposed Bush’s 2003 Iraq war and other US policies. He had to go.

 

Washington engineered Egyptian uprisings. Spontaneity was created and manipulated. Arab Spring is Western terminology. It’s yet to bloom.

It was first used in March 2005. It suggested a beneficial Iraq war spinoff. Washington deplores emerging democracies. It prioritizes unchallenged control.

Regional uprisings achieved nothing. Daily life reflects poverty, unemployment, and despotism. Tens of oppressed millions suffer.

Conditions now are worse than earlier. People want jobs, decent pay, better services, ending corruption and repression. They want liberating democratic change.

In February 2011, Mubarak was ousted. At the time, an article said hold the celebration. Egypt’s struggle just began. Everything changed, stayed the same, and worsened.

Junta power and Muslim Brotherhood (MB) interests rule. Mohammed Morsi is their public face. Islamofacist rule is policy.

In the 1920s, Britain established the MB’s precursor, the Society of Propaganda and Guidance. It backed UK colonial rule. Post-WW II, it established close CIA ties.

It’s pro-Western, pro-business, pro-privilege, pro-super wealth, pro-neoliberal, anti-progressive, anti-labor, anti-dissent, anti-freedom, and anti-government of, by, and for everyone equitably and fairly.

In June 2012, Morsi became Egypt’s fifth president.

 

 

On November 23, protests erupted nationwide. They came after his November 22 decree asserted dictatorial powers.

 

 

 

He declared the right “to take any measures he sees fit in order to preserve and safeguard the revolution, national unity or national security.”

Rescinding it made little difference. He claimed “all of its consequences remain in effect.” He overstepped. Egyptians want him out.

Doublespeak duplicity conceals tyranny. Democracy is verboten. It’s not tolerated. Hardline rule is policy. So are social injustice and anti-worker practices.

Despite strong opposition, Egypt’s Constituent Assembly approved a draft constitution on November 30. In mid-December, a national referendum adopted it.

Two voting rounds were held. Around 30% of eligible voters cast ballots. Fraud allegations followed. Egypt Independent said the MB’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) bused in remote-based residents. They were told to vote yes. Media reports suggested ballot box stuffing, obstructing or banning opposition voters, assaulting those who tried, and other fraudulent practices.

 

Egypt’s new constitution establishes Islamofascist rule. Junta power heads it. Repression confronts resisters.

On January 25, 2011, anti-Mubarak protests erupted. Cairo’s Tahrir Square became iconic. On the uprising’s second anniversary, hundreds of thousands of youths, workers and others rallied nationwide.

They oppose MB power. They demanded Morsi’s ouster. They want Egypt’s constitution revoked. They want social justice and democratic governance.

 

Chants including saying “The people want to bring down the regime.” “Leave Morsi, leave.” “Bread, freedom and social justice.”

One protester reflected public sentiment, saying “The revolution has been hijacked. We want to complete the revolution’s goals.”

“The situation is getting tougher under the Brotherhood’s rule. Unemployment is on the rise, and jobs are harder to find.”

An unemployed new graduate added “I’m here to get rid of Morsi. First Mubarak, then (General) Tantawi, now Morsi. We are only ruled by bastards.”

Repressive right-wing extremism is policy. Social justice is verboten. Force-fed austerity prevents it. Mursi’s $4.8 billion IMF loan demands it.

Impoverished Egyptians face harder times. Popular sentiment demands real change.

On January 24, Morsi suggested protesters would face harsh crackdowns. He claimed “counter-revolutionary” forces “undermine the state.”

He outlined his own agenda. He called for providing a “suitable environment for investment.” Doing so involves worker exploitation. Ordinary people are sacrificed on the alter of profits.

 

Egyptians demand better. Protests continue nationwide. On January 27, curfews were established in major cities. Morsi declared a 30-day state of emergency. He could extend it indefinitely.

Mubarak’s 30 year dictatorship enforced it. Egyptians hated it. Sweeping government powers were established. Anyone considered dangerous could be indefinitely detained without charge.

Morsi claims dictatorial executive powers. Constitutional rights don’t matter. Nor does press freedom. Security forces can detain protesters indefinitely. They can be held uncharged. They can tried in military courts.

Morsi told Egyptians what to expect, saying:

“I always said I’m against any exceptional measures, but I also said I might resort to such measures if I had to. I may even do more for the sake of Egypt, it’s my duty.”

“I instructed interior ministry officials to deal strictly with whoever threatens the people, public, and private institutions.”

Protests remain ongoing. Security forces confront them violently. Live ammunition killed dozens. Hundreds were injured. Muslim Brotherhood offices were attacked. So were police stations and other government buildings.

 

Morsi and Egyptian junta leaders invited National Salvation Front opposition representatives to “broad national dialogue that would be attended by independent national characters.”

They refused. He asked all political parties to participate. Opposition activist Ayman Fayed told Voice of Russia he believes Washington is manipulating events covertly.

He said Obama officials want Egypt isolated. They want Russian and Chinese regional influence marginalized. They want unchallenged control.

They’ve been “encouraging Islamists to thwart the much aspired freedom.” It remains to be seen what’s next. Turmoil shows no signs of ending.

Egyptians demand democracy. Morsi hijacked it. Most Egyptians consider Muslim Brotherhood leadership illegitimate and corrupt.

 

It broke major promises made. Dictatorial rule is policy. Conditions are worse than under Mubarak. Egyptians demand better. Clashes continue. Resolution remains distant.



Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book is titled “Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity.”
http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour

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