Mr Morsi and his supporters considered it a military coup against a legitimately elected president, while the other camp, led by Tamarod (Rebel) – the movement which brought millions onto the streets of Egypt in recent days – and other anti-Morsi people, believe it was a reflection of the people’s choice.
During an evening of high drama and violence, Muslim Brotherhood protesters enraged at having suddenly been deprived of power they had won at the ballot box tried to break into the headquarters of the Republican Guard and free Morsi, who was moved there Thursday.
Egypt’s generals face their first big test today when supporters of ousted Mohamed Morsi pour on to the streets after Friday prayers to protest against the army-led coup.
Egypt was the centerpiece of the Islamist movement’s vault to power in the Arab world’s sweeping wave of uprisings. Winning election after election here, the Islamists vowed to prove they could govern effectively and implement their vision of political Islam, all while embracing the rules of democracy.
Just two years after a similar display of people power forced out a dictator, protesters are demanding the resignation of the Islamist leader.
They have won the backing of the powerful military, which had given Mr Morsi until 1.00am (AEST) to resign or face the consequences
Soon after the February 2011 fall of Hosni Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood opened its first public headquarters in a luxury villa in Cairo, with its symbol, two golden swords under the Quran with the slogan “Prepare,” displayed on giant sign on the front.
Israeli premier Benyamin Netanyahu has sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI thanking him for his brave efforts to boost relations between Christians and Jews, the Vatican and the Jewish state, which has been seen by Adnkronos International (AKI).
Open letter to President Obama,” by Bahieddin Hassan in Al-Ahram Weekly, February 6, 2013.
Bahieddin Hassan is the director of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.
Egypt’s negotiations with the US to acquire F-16 aircraft and M1A1 Abrams tanks are proceeding smoothly, a senior Egyptian military source has said.
The source added that the negotiations are proceeding regardless of statements made by political opponents of US President Barack Obama
Egypt’s military leaders dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution on Sunday, meeting two key demands of protesters who have been keeping up pressure for immediate steps to push forward the transition to democratic, civilian rule after forcing Hosni Mubarak out of power.
