What’s happening in Egypt is not unexpected; going beyond the mandate that has been set, 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 not Islamic Spring, therefore, they have to take all the segments of society along, not only serve the interest of religious parties. Apparently Mursi has learnt some lessons from Pakistan dictator Zia-ul-Haq who amended the constitution to fool the general public in the name of Islamization.
It shall be noted that Muslim Brotherhood won the election due to better discipline and a loyal political workforce; they got an edge, in the election, due to indiscipline and divisions among the liberal forcers. But that does not mean that Brotherhood can force their views on the population in the form of a controversial constitution. Had the drafted constitution been debated by civil society and legislators in detail and a general agreement or consensus reached on this fundamental document, it would have served him better. It’s not a good sign that people are chanting ‘erhal’(leave) in Tahrir Square for a democratically elected president, but at the same time he also needs to realize that he is not a dictator to enforce his will.
It will be very unfortunate if this crisis gives an opportunity to the army to make a comeback. One can only presume that sense will prevail and Brotherhood will not provide the any chance to generals to assert their authority that would be the end of the Arab Spring.
MASOOD KHAN,
Saudi Arab, December 11.