Newswise — Ziad Fahmy, an Egyptian-born professor of near eastern studies at Cornell University and author of “Ordinary Egyptians: Creating the Modern Nation through Popular Culture,” comments on the violent protests in Egypt.
He says:
“The politically inept Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has been making countless blunders and miscalculations in a misguided effort to shape Egypt’s transition to democracy and insure a prominent role for the military in any future government. Military tribunals for civilians, 12,000 protestors still incarcerated and clumsy attempts at silencing political activists and reporters are among the hallmarks of council’s rule.
“The primary spark for the ongoing protests is the council’s recent attempt to constitutionally place the entire military apparatus, including its budget, entirely outside the control of the civilian government. This would make the Egyptian military a de facto fourth branch of government, with tremendous economic and political power, effectively shaping political realities.
“If the latest chants in Tahrir Square are any indication, the protesters are aware of this reality. The most common chant during January and February — ‘The People demand the fall of the regime,’ — is replaced today by ‘the people demand the ouster of the field marshal,’ in reference to General Tantawi, the leader of council.”
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