Egypt’s Military Council Gives an Inch
Responding to days of protest and turmoil, once again centered in the mother lode of the Arab Spring, Cairo's Tahrir Square, Egypt's ruling military council made an attempt to placate pressure groups by pledging to transfer power to the Egyptian people by June. (more)
Responding to days of protest and turmoil, once again centered in the mother lode of the Arab Spring, Cairo’s Tahrir Square, Egypt’s ruling military council made an attempt to placate pressure groups by pledging to transfer power to the Egyptian people by June. However, that may be too little, too late for some factions of the opposition who question the council’s intentions when it comes to giving up control. –KA
Dig, Root, GrowThe New York Times:
The agreement came after the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces met with representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups in a session that was boycotted by most other political parties. The deal called for a new constitution and a presidential election no later than next June, as well as a new civilian cabinet to be led by a technocrat prime minister rather than a politician.
Under the agreement, the first round of elections for a national assembly would go ahead as scheduled on Monday, a major goal of the Brotherhood, which stands to win a large share of the seats. But it would also leave the civilian government reporting to the military — effectively a continuation of what amounts to martial law in civilian clothes — until next June.
With the police crackdown galvanizing anger at what protesters see as the military council’s increasingly open play for long-term political power, it was unclear whether any credible civilian leader would take the job of prime minister if the government remained subordinate to the military.
This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.
Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.
Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.
This spring, stand with our journalists.
Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.
Donate today.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.