Steven Cook, unlike many in Egypt, thinks Morsi is outsmarting the generals in his new article "Brother Knows Best". This is based on the events before (intelligence knowing and doing nothing to prevent the Sinai recent attacks) and following (firing by Morsi of three key figures including Maj. Gen. Muwafi, head of General Intelligence Services) Sinai terrorist attacks.
I disagree with Cook for a number of reasons. Many Egyptians find the claim by the Muslim Brotherhood, where Morsi belongs, that "the Israelis did it" embarrassing and SCAF is already taking credit for the sacking of Muwafi. The decision is also being presented in the US media as a deal between the generals and Morsi to use Muwafi as a scapegoat to protect the generals. When Kandil, Egypt's Prime Minister and Abol-Fotouh were attacked at the funeral for the 16 killed soldiers, they were attacked for being connected to Morsi and the MB. Even worse, for Morsi to avoid the funeral (while Tantawi attended) shows how he's losing the PR war (similar to standing in front a luxury car when talking to Egyptians about the tragedy while Bibi was standing at the scene with the lifeless bodies of the terrorists and the burned stolen Egyptian armor vehicle).
The country is divided between those who will always support the army and will find reasons to blame Morsi for all of Egypt's ailings (e.g., the terrorist attacks happened because Morsi allowed Palestinians to enter Egypt without visas. Ridiculous claim given the deterioration in the security situation in Sinai over the past year) while another group will defend Morsi and blame the army and "felool" for Egypt's ongoing problems (e.g., power outages is a conspiracy by Mubarak's ex-officials to embarrass Morsi). So, no one is winning, Egypt is losing.
Below is the part I find interesting in the whole article:
I disagree with Cook for a number of reasons. Many Egyptians find the claim by the Muslim Brotherhood, where Morsi belongs, that "the Israelis did it" embarrassing and SCAF is already taking credit for the sacking of Muwafi. The decision is also being presented in the US media as a deal between the generals and Morsi to use Muwafi as a scapegoat to protect the generals. When Kandil, Egypt's Prime Minister and Abol-Fotouh were attacked at the funeral for the 16 killed soldiers, they were attacked for being connected to Morsi and the MB. Even worse, for Morsi to avoid the funeral (while Tantawi attended) shows how he's losing the PR war (similar to standing in front a luxury car when talking to Egyptians about the tragedy while Bibi was standing at the scene with the lifeless bodies of the terrorists and the burned stolen Egyptian armor vehicle).
The country is divided between those who will always support the army and will find reasons to blame Morsi for all of Egypt's ailings (e.g., the terrorist attacks happened because Morsi allowed Palestinians to enter Egypt without visas. Ridiculous claim given the deterioration in the security situation in Sinai over the past year) while another group will defend Morsi and blame the army and "felool" for Egypt's ongoing problems (e.g., power outages is a conspiracy by Mubarak's ex-officials to embarrass Morsi). So, no one is winning, Egypt is losing.
Below is the part I find interesting in the whole article:
Image: AP
