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Egypt Hanging by a Thread
Author: BobR
Date: 07/08/2013 14:16:40
The worsening situation in Egypt is creating a difficult situation both inside and outside of that country. It's made for strange bedfellows from a U.S. political perspective. It's created almost a civil war situation in Egypt.
The problem is that after last year's ouster of Mubarak, Morsi was democratically elected by a (slim) majority of Egyptians. A year later they have buyer's remorse, and use a non-democratic method to oust him. Those here and abroad that support the democratic process are understandably concerned of the precedent this is setting. Those who distrust the Muslim Brotherhood are supporting his ouster. Those who abhor the suppression of civil rights and the rights of people over government suppression are supporting his ouster. In U.S. political circles, this has led to fractures within typically homogeneous political parties.
Once again, the Egyptian Army has installed an interim president, saying they are doing the will of the people. Israel is already breathing easier, hoping the new president will normalize relations, something Morsi did not do.
Things took a turn for the worse earlier today when 42 pro-Morsi supporters were killed in an attack. 322 were also wounded:
This is very bad considering that - while spirited and often angry - protests from both sides have been fairly peaceful up to this point. When gunfire erupts and people are killed, it can set into motion a deadly spiral of retribution, with armaments being supplied by outside actors who wish to skew the outcome.
John McCain has called for a suspension of aid to Egypt (which he did before this attack happened), and he has fellow senators on both sides of the aisle disagreeing with him. McCain calls this a "military coup", and others disagree. After this attack on Morsi supporters, that will be a difficult position to maintain.
It's still possible the Egyptian military can maintain the peace long enough for another election to occur, and have a peaceful transition back to civilian control occur. That was made more difficult by today's shootings.
Here's hoping my concerns are unfounded.
The problem is that after last year's ouster of Mubarak, Morsi was democratically elected by a (slim) majority of Egyptians. A year later they have buyer's remorse, and use a non-democratic method to oust him. Those here and abroad that support the democratic process are understandably concerned of the precedent this is setting. Those who distrust the Muslim Brotherhood are supporting his ouster. Those who abhor the suppression of civil rights and the rights of people over government suppression are supporting his ouster. In U.S. political circles, this has led to fractures within typically homogeneous political parties.
Once again, the Egyptian Army has installed an interim president, saying they are doing the will of the people. Israel is already breathing easier, hoping the new president will normalize relations, something Morsi did not do.
Things took a turn for the worse earlier today when 42 pro-Morsi supporters were killed in an attack. 322 were also wounded:
The Muslim Brotherhood, which has led pro-Morsi demonstrations, said 35 of its supporters were killed when police and troops fired at them while they were praying at dawn.
Witnesses, including Brotherhood supporters at the scene, said the army fired only tear gas and warning shots and that “thugs” in civilian clothes had carried out the deadly shooting.
This is very bad considering that - while spirited and often angry - protests from both sides have been fairly peaceful up to this point. When gunfire erupts and people are killed, it can set into motion a deadly spiral of retribution, with armaments being supplied by outside actors who wish to skew the outcome.
John McCain has called for a suspension of aid to Egypt (which he did before this attack happened), and he has fellow senators on both sides of the aisle disagreeing with him. McCain calls this a "military coup", and others disagree. After this attack on Morsi supporters, that will be a difficult position to maintain.
It's still possible the Egyptian military can maintain the peace long enough for another election to occur, and have a peaceful transition back to civilian control occur. That was made more difficult by today's shootings.
Here's hoping my concerns are unfounded.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 13:10:43
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 13:10:43
Howdy! 
Comment by 
Raine on 07/08/2013 13:14:15
Good Morning!
Raine on 07/08/2013 13:14:15
Good Morning!
Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 13:15:56
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 13:15:56
Morning 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/08/2013 13:40:23
Scoopster on 07/08/2013 13:40:23
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 13:54:51
Raine on 07/08/2013 13:54:51
Comment by 
TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:01:27
TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:01:27
Morning, comrades.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 14:11:03
That Borowitz is such a scamp!
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 14:11:03
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Mondee..
SILVIO - HE'S EXACTLY WHAT NEW YORK CITY NEEDS!
That Borowitz is such a scamp!
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:17:00
TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:17:00
Say gang, it's summer camp week! (Headed out Sunday.)
Remember that busybody parent that asked me "What are you going to do?"
Well....
I'm acting Scoutmaster for the week.
I'll be facilitating some International Fellowship (with an English Troop)
I'm teaching two classes on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
I'm the staff bugler for the week, and I'm on the Memorial Committee for the service on Wednesday.
<-- SUCK IT!!!
Remember that busybody parent that asked me "What are you going to do?"
Well....
I'm acting Scoutmaster for the week.
I'll be facilitating some International Fellowship (with an English Troop)
I'm teaching two classes on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
I'm the staff bugler for the week, and I'm on the Memorial Committee for the service on Wednesday.
<-- SUCK IT!!!
Comment by 
BobR on 07/08/2013 14:17:51
BobR on 07/08/2013 14:17:51
blog is up!
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 14:22:35
Raine on 07/08/2013 14:22:35
Eliot Spitzer running against Silvio would less peculiar than this: 
The New York Post reported Monday morning that Kristin Davis, who became known as the “Manhattan Madam†after being revealed as the employer of the escorts who Spitzer frequented, was already boasting about the chance to face Spitzer.
“I don’t even know if she’s an opponent or not,†Spitzer told WCBS. “I only run based on a record that I present to the public. That’s how I ran for attorney general, that’s how I ran for governor.â€
But Davis pointed out on Twitter Sunday night that her own candidacy dates back to April 2013. As the New York Daily News reported at the time, Davis is running as a Libertarian.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 14:34:34
Raine on 07/08/2013 14:34:34
I am deeply concerned by what happened in Egypt. I really am.
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:43:07
TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:43:07
I really hate when I hit "refresh" and the blog goes *poof*. I'm always afraid that I did something bad.
Idle thought, has the foilhat brigade started any rumours that the Secretary of State poisoned his wife, or that she's faking it somehow to distract attention from the fact that he spent a couple of hours on his boat over the holiday weekend?
Idle thought, has the foilhat brigade started any rumours that the Secretary of State poisoned his wife, or that she's faking it somehow to distract attention from the fact that he spent a couple of hours on his boat over the holiday weekend?
Comment by BobR on 07/08/2013 14:46:07
I have thankfully been blissfully unaware of anything the foilhat brigade might be cooking up in their fever-damaged brains
BobR on 07/08/2013 14:46:07
Quote by TriSec:
I really hate when I hit "refresh" and the blog goes *poof*. I'm always afraid that I did something bad.
Idle thought, has the foilhat brigade started any rumours that the Secretary of State poisoned his wife, or that she's faking it somehow to distract attention from the fact that he spent a couple of hours on his boat over the holiday weekend?
I have thankfully been blissfully unaware of anything the foilhat brigade might be cooking up in their fever-damaged brains
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 14:46:50
Not yet, but give Alex Jones a couple of hours. He'll have something.
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 14:46:50
Quote by TriSec:
I really hate when I hit "refresh" and the blog goes *poof*. I'm always afraid that I did something bad.
Idle thought, has the foilhat brigade started any rumours that the Secretary of State poisoned his wife, or that she's faking it somehow to distract attention from the fact that he spent a couple of hours on his boat over the holiday weekend?
Not yet, but give Alex Jones a couple of hours. He'll have something.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 14:50:01
here you go....
Raine on 07/08/2013 14:50:01
Quote by TriSec:
I really hate when I hit "refresh" and the blog goes *poof*. I'm always afraid that I did something bad.
Idle thought, has the foilhat brigade started any rumours that the Secretary of State poisoned his wife, or that she's faking it somehow to distract attention from the fact that he spent a couple of hours on his boat over the holiday weekend?
Was she really having a seizure or was it because her husband got caught having a good time on his yacht while Egypt was burning and the crooks in Washington said Kerry was not on his yacht and then the pictures came out.Remember how Hillary had to go to the hospital when all the Benghazi things were being questioned..Doctors said if Hillary was treated the way they said she was she would have died.All that went away.. Sorry Terry if you are really at deaths door I hope you have a good passing and God does not punish you for all the things you have done so bad like supporting terrorist and they murdering Jews and children. I AM SO SICK OF THESE COMMUNIST..
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 14:53:07
Raine on 07/08/2013 14:53:07
Tin foil Frittata! you're welcome.
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:53:30
TriSec on 07/08/2013 14:53:30
Aww, I'm so proud when the kiddies do exactly what I expect them to do.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 15:18:19
...meanwhile in quebec.
Raine on 07/08/2013 15:18:19
...meanwhile in quebec.
One Red Cross volunteer who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media put it bluntly: “You have to understand: there are no wounded. They’re all dead.â€
That absence of injured is one of the most haunting signals to have emerged from the train explosion, which police says has left five people confirmed dead and about 40 people unaccounted for nearly two full days after the first blast.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/08/2013 15:19:15
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 15:19:15
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:29:34
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:29:34
This is kind of a bummer of a day.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:32:51
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:32:51
On a lighter note, my buddy Katy and I made up a fabulous gay agenda as birthday present for a friend of ours. She started pressing it on people immediately upon receiving it.
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 15:36:29
TriSec on 07/08/2013 15:36:29
I"m a wee bit confused by the latest news about that train wreck in Quebec.
It's been mentioned that the train was parked "on a hill" with the engine running to keep the brakes on.
Except.....air brakes don't work that way. The engine staying on pressurises the system so you can turn the brakes off. Any loss of pressure (such as due to a power failure or other loss of control) would trigger the brakes to come on.
They were purposely designed that way more than a century ago by George Westinghouse specifically to prevent runaways.
Something is not adding up here.
It's been mentioned that the train was parked "on a hill" with the engine running to keep the brakes on.
Except.....air brakes don't work that way. The engine staying on pressurises the system so you can turn the brakes off. Any loss of pressure (such as due to a power failure or other loss of control) would trigger the brakes to come on.
They were purposely designed that way more than a century ago by George Westinghouse specifically to prevent runaways.
Something is not adding up here.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:40:57
Some dare call it a conspiracy! Boeing is behind it to deflect any heat away from the 777 crash at SFO yesterday.
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 15:40:57
Quote by TriSec:
I"m a wee bit confused by the latest news about that train wreck in Quebec.
It's been mentioned that the train was parked "on a hill" with the engine running to keep the brakes on.
Except.....air brakes don't work that way. The engine staying on pressurises the system so you can turn the brakes off. Any loss of pressure (such as due to a power failure or other loss of control) would trigger the brakes to come on.
They were purposely designed that way more than a century ago by George Westinghouse specifically to prevent runaways.
Something is not adding up here.
Some dare call it a conspiracy! Boeing is behind it to deflect any heat away from the 777 crash at SFO yesterday.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 15:49:52
Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 15:49:52
Good morning, bloggers!!! BobR, I am not happy about what is happening in Egypt. To me, it seems Morsi decided that he had a mandate rather than a slim majority and proceeded to take steps that alienated a majority. Meanwhile, an opposition that felt excluded protested and the army stepped in.
This is not a good situation and I feel that the U.S. has very limited options.
As for the tinfoil hate crowd (yes, the e after hat was intentional), they will do what they will. I try not to pay them much mind as they seem to have not much mind for me to worry about.
This is not a good situation and I feel that the U.S. has very limited options.
As for the tinfoil hate crowd (yes, the e after hat was intentional), they will do what they will. I try not to pay them much mind as they seem to have not much mind for me to worry about.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 15:52:48
They are going to investigate this will an eye that criminality happened. There are other reports that the train had been uncoupled. Let me see if I can find where I read that.
Raine on 07/08/2013 15:52:48
Quote by TriSec:
I"m a wee bit confused by the latest news about that train wreck in Quebec.
It's been mentioned that the train was parked "on a hill" with the engine running to keep the brakes on.
Except.....air brakes don't work that way. The engine staying on pressurises the system so you can turn the brakes off. Any loss of pressure (such as due to a power failure or other loss of control) would trigger the brakes to come on.
They were purposely designed that way more than a century ago by George Westinghouse specifically to prevent runaways.
Something is not adding up here.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 15:57:48
Raine on 07/08/2013 15:57:48
here you go, Tri:
The Montreal, Maine & Atlantic train had five locomotive engines and 73 cars filled with light crude oil, and was parked in the village of Nantes - about 7km (four miles) from Lac-Megantic - during an overnight driver shift-change, a company spokesman told Canada's La Presse newspaper.
The railway's chairman, Edward Burhardt, quoted by CBC, said an engineer had parked the train and put the brakes on "properly" before going to a local hotel for the night.
The cars filled with fuel somehow became uncoupled, causing them to roll downhill into the town and derail, said the spokesman, Joe McGonigle.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 16:05:49
Raine on 07/08/2013 16:05:49
Here is a timeline of the explosion. It is really bad. There was a bout a 2 hour difference from the time someone called 911 about fire and the first explosions.
Comment by 
livingonli on 07/08/2013 16:08:36
livingonli on 07/08/2013 16:08:36
Good day, folks. Another hot, humid day on the Island. Doesn't look like the heatwave broke here yet.
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 16:16:37
TriSec on 07/08/2013 16:16:37
Oh yes...and about that incident in SFO?
Does this sound vaguely similar?
I'm no aviation pundit, but my read is the pilot was distracted somehow, the plane went below the glideslope and bled off too much speed, and they realized it too late to go around. See also Flight 401 in the Everglades.
It's actually a fairly common occurence, it's called "Loss of Situational Awareness".
Does this sound vaguely similar?
I'm no aviation pundit, but my read is the pilot was distracted somehow, the plane went below the glideslope and bled off too much speed, and they realized it too late to go around. See also Flight 401 in the Everglades.
It's actually a fairly common occurence, it's called "Loss of Situational Awareness".
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 16:32:49
Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 16:32:49
BobR, you might like this story about a 12 year old middle school student in Egypt expressing his political views, courtesy of the Huffington Post.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 16:45:25
Raine on 07/08/2013 16:45:25
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 16:49:52
Raine on 07/08/2013 16:49:52
WTOP doesn't seem to realize it's station is down and we are listening to an open mic. 
Would love to hear this explanation.
Would love to hear this explanation.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/08/2013 16:51:22
oh dear - they talking about how then get their "news" from Fox?
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 16:51:22
Quote by Raine:
WTOP doesn't seem to realize it's station is down and we are listening to an open mic.
Would love to hear this explanation.
oh dear - they talking about how then get their "news" from Fox?
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 16:51:53
Will has that been verified that the interpretation is correct? I've been trying t check it authenticity.
Raine on 07/08/2013 16:51:53
Quote by Will in Chicago:
BobR, you might like this story about a 12 year old middle school student in Egypt expressing his political views, courtesy of the Huffington Post.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 16:56:00
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 16:56:00
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 16:56:55
I hear what sounds to be an open room. and a few people doing Mic checks. I can hardly hear what they are saying. This is really funny stuff.
can you hear it as well, Mala? (it might just be my itunes stream )
Raine on 07/08/2013 16:56:55
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
WTOP doesn't seem to realize it's station is down and we are listening to an open mic.
Would love to hear this explanation.
oh dear - they talking about how then get their "news" from Fox?
can you hear it as well, Mala? (it might just be my itunes stream )
Comment by wickedpam on 07/08/2013 17:01:07
No, I'm on iheartradio listening to The Mic.
wonder if it just happened on the internet stream
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 17:01:07
Quote by Raine:I hear what sounds to be an open room. and a few people doing Mic checks. I can hardly hear what they are saying. This is really funny stuff.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
WTOP doesn't seem to realize it's station is down and we are listening to an open mic.
Would love to hear this explanation.
oh dear - they talking about how then get their "news" from Fox?
can you hear it as well, Mala? (it might just be my itunes stream )
No, I'm on iheartradio listening to The Mic.
wonder if it just happened on the internet stream
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 17:45:20
TriSec on 07/08/2013 17:45:20
I love being on the ICD-10 project.
Where else would I run across the universal diagnosis for everyone in the United States except us?
331 - "OTHER CEREBRAL DEGENERATIONS"
Where else would I run across the universal diagnosis for everyone in the United States except us?
331 - "OTHER CEREBRAL DEGENERATIONS"
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 17:47:31
The Washington Post also has the video, which originally ran in October at the El Wady newspaper site.
Will in Chicago on 07/08/2013 17:47:31
Quote by Raine:Will has that been verified that the interpretation is correct? I've been trying t check it authenticity.Quote by Will in Chicago:
BobR, you might like this story about a 12 year old middle school student in Egypt expressing his political views, courtesy of the Huffington Post.
The Washington Post also has the video, which originally ran in October at the El Wady newspaper site.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 18:39:43
Raine on 07/08/2013 18:39:43
anyone here have itunes? can they try to live stream this station to see if this is a funky feed? It's still airing the SFO Asiana presser. :headscratch:
Comment by wickedpam on 07/08/2013 18:41:46
you may want to drop a note on the stations FB page
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 18:41:46
Quote by Raine:
anyone here have itunes? can they try to live stream this station to see if this is a funky feed? It's still airing the SFO Asiana presser. :headscratch:
you may want to drop a note on the stations FB page
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 18:41:46
Mondobubba on 07/08/2013 18:41:46
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 18:46:44
I just sent a tweet. Can't see a way to post in on the FB page.
Raine on 07/08/2013 18:46:44
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
anyone here have itunes? can they try to live stream this station to see if this is a funky feed? It's still airing the SFO Asiana presser. :headscratch:
you may want to drop a note on the stations FB page
Comment by wickedpam on 07/08/2013 18:50:10
oops thought you could just post a comment - hmmm, how about a PM?
wickedpam on 07/08/2013 18:50:10
Quote by Raine:I just sent a tweet. Can't see a way to post in on the FB page.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
anyone here have itunes? can they try to live stream this station to see if this is a funky feed? It's still airing the SFO Asiana presser. :headscratch:
you may want to drop a note on the stations FB page
oops thought you could just post a comment - hmmm, how about a PM?
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 18:54:30
That is seriously messed up.
Raine on 07/08/2013 18:54:30
Quote by Mondobubba:
From the world of internation futbol. Yikes! And I complain about American football being violent.
That is seriously messed up.
Comment by TriSec on 07/08/2013 19:07:03
Wars have been fought.
Can't say that about American Football.
TriSec on 07/08/2013 19:07:03
Quote by Raine:
That is seriously messed up.
Wars have been fought.
Can't say that about American Football.
Comment by Raine on 07/08/2013 19:10:22
Raine on 07/08/2013 19:10:22
WTOP fixed it! 