This refers to the unfortunate developments unfolding in Egypt more so after President Muhammad Mursi’s recent decree (now annulled) to embrace sweeping new powers while fixing a date for a nation-wide referendum on a draft constitution.
What’s happening in Egypt is not unexpected. Going beyond mandate always results in such turmoil and polarization of society. Someone has very rightly commented on this crisis that Muslim Brotherhood came to power due to Arab Spring, and not Islamic Spring. Therefore, they have to take all segments of the society along, and not just serve the interests of the religious parties. Apparently Mursi has taken a cue from Pakistan’s former army dictator, Ziaul Haq, who too had amended the constitution to bring in Shariah laws as also to use the referendum technique to perpetuate his stay in power.
It may be noted that Brotherhood won the election due to a disciplined and loyal political workforce as against the indisciplined and divisive liberal forces. But that does not mean that the Brotherhood shall force their views on the whole population by means of a controversial constitution. Has the draft constitution been debated by civil society and legislators in detail and a general agreement/consensus reached on this fundamental document? Answer to this question is a big no. Now Mursi wants to take a short cut and push Brotherhood agenda through streets.
It’s no good that people are chanting ‘erhal’ (leave) in Tahrir Square for a democratically elected president but the latter also needs to realize that he is not a dictator to enforce his will at gun point.
It will be very unfortunate if this crisis gives an opportunity to army to make a comeback. One can only presume that sense will prevail and Brotherhood will not provide the golden chance to in-waiting generals to assert their authority. That would be the end of Arab Spring.
Masood Khan
Jubail
May good sense prevail in Egypt
