Tag: Egypt

Why did the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood change their mind about fielding a presidential candidate?

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Why did the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood change their mind about fielding a presidential candidate?

Kairat al-Shater News analysts and political commentators characterized the Muslim Brotherhood’s decision to field a presidential candidate as evidence that the group is willing to betray its own promises for political reasons. They point out other instances of flip-flopping. Immediately after the fall of Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) announced that it welcomed the democratic Read more

Continue Reading

Islamists win again in Egypt confirming an emerging electoral trend

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Islamists win again in Egypt confirming an emerging electoral trend

by Ahmed E. Souaiaia* Two days before the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution that forced Hosni Mubarak out on February 11, 2011, the newly elected members of the Egyptian parliament (Majlis al-sha`b) convened for the first time and endorsed a member of the Muslim Brethren as speaker. Saad al-Katatni was elected on Monday receiving 399 Read more

Continue Reading

Holding on to the past and the status quo, Gulf States seek political unity

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Holding on to the past and the status quo, Gulf States seek political unity

by Ahmed E. Souaiaia* The Arab world is fundamentally changing, and many Arab leaders are racing to adapt. Showing increased signs of nervousness, the leaders of the Gulf States have adopted the Saudi King’s recommendation to move the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) towards “unity.” The meeting of the rulers of the GCC member states that Read more

Continue Reading

The dissipating prestige of the Egyptian military

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The dissipating prestige of the Egyptian military

Despite evidence to the contrary, the Egyptian military continues to deny using violence against protesters and continue to argue that it is the legitimate power broker. On Tuesday, Gen. Adel Emara, spokesperson for the ruling military junta contended that the military had never used violence against protesters: “The armed forces and the police pledged not Read more

Continue Reading

A Middle East run by Islamists: Should Western Powers Freak Out?

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on A Middle East run by Islamists: Should Western Powers Freak Out?

by Ahmed E. Souaiaia* In 39 days, three Arab countries held critical elections, Tunisia (October 23), Morocco (November 25), and Egypt (November 28-9). Although the elections in these countries have different contexts and implications, the three events have several things in common. First, the elections were made possible directly or indirectly by the Arab Awakening Read more

Continue Reading

What can the Egyptians learn from the Tunisian experience?

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on What can the Egyptians learn from the Tunisian experience?

by Ahmed E. Souaiaia* The recent wave of violence in Egypt is new evidence that the Arab peoples want real changes, not cosmetic ones. The military leaders in Tunisia acted professionally and within the mandate of any professional military. They acted to protect the people, not a regime or a constitution that was written by Read more

Continue Reading

Military is trickle-feeding democracy to change-hungry Egyptians

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Military is trickle-feeding democracy to change-hungry Egyptians

by Ahmed E. SOUAIAIA* It is not quite clear if the Egyptian military rulers are miser politicians or experts in brinkmanship. Whatever the case may be, the slow transition to civilian rule is frustrating many Egyptians. After months of delays, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the de facto rulers since the ouster Read more

Continue Reading