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The Arab Summer
Author: BobR
Date: 08/15/2013 16:02:12
The latest news out of Egypt is troubling and creating conflict in the minds of Americans and others around the world. Egypt was part of the so-called "Arab Spring" in 2011 where the people rose up in country after country along the north African coast and Middle East, deposing their despotic governments in the hopes of creating a new dawn of democracy and freedom. Egypt seemed to be the model of success. After weeks of largely peaceful protests, the military ousted Mubarek and took over the country. They helped provide stability while a new constitution was forged and elections held.
The problem is that the majority of voters selected Morsi, a member of the infamous Muslim Brotherhood (an organization about which most Americans believe many things which are mostly untrue). Despite misgivings, Egypt forged ahead...
... for 1 year. During that time, Morsi behaved like a kid in a candy store, imposing rather harsh rule and putting his religious buddies in charge of key positions within the government. The people revolted once again, and once again the military ousted the president. This time, however, they removed a democratically-elected president favored by a slim majority of the people, most of whom tend towards the angry and emotional, some of whom are al-Qaeda operatives, ready for a fight. This could rationally be called a "military coup", although the U.S. is loathe to call it that.
This time too, the mostly peaceful pre-coup protests of those wanting more freedoms have been replaced by violent clashes. There is plenty of blame to go around. As mentioned, the protesters include some al-Qaeda fighters with military weapons. The military is being overly reactive and creating large swaths of death and destruction (they are apparently not fond of the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda).
The death toll has shot up dramatically, with over 500 dead in the last few days:
Although president Morsi was Muslim Brotherhood, vice-president El Baradei was not. Although liked and respected, he could not abide the violence, and resigned his office in protest:
Both the White House and Secretary of State John Kerry have spoken out against the violence:
The Executive branch is suspending military aid for now, and mulling over what to do:
Americans meanwhile have come to grips with a dichotomy in their minds as to how to react. There is the knee-jerk anti-Muslim Brotherhood reaction that supports the ouster of Morsi and the crackdown on the protesters. There is also the realization that this is the military taking over and ejecting a democratically elected president favored by a majority of the citizens. How can anyone who supports the democratic process be in favor of that?
Meanwhile, the rest of the world holds its collective breath and waits for an outcome that hopefully brings peace and freedom to that country as an example to the rest of the region.
The problem is that the majority of voters selected Morsi, a member of the infamous Muslim Brotherhood (an organization about which most Americans believe many things which are mostly untrue). Despite misgivings, Egypt forged ahead...
... for 1 year. During that time, Morsi behaved like a kid in a candy store, imposing rather harsh rule and putting his religious buddies in charge of key positions within the government. The people revolted once again, and once again the military ousted the president. This time, however, they removed a democratically-elected president favored by a slim majority of the people, most of whom tend towards the angry and emotional, some of whom are al-Qaeda operatives, ready for a fight. This could rationally be called a "military coup", although the U.S. is loathe to call it that.
This time too, the mostly peaceful pre-coup protests of those wanting more freedoms have been replaced by violent clashes. There is plenty of blame to go around. As mentioned, the protesters include some al-Qaeda fighters with military weapons. The military is being overly reactive and creating large swaths of death and destruction (they are apparently not fond of the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda).
The death toll has shot up dramatically, with over 500 dead in the last few days:
Egyptian authorities on Thursday significantly raised the death toll from clashes the previous day between police and supporters of the ousted Islamist president, saying more than 500 people died and laying bare the extent of the violence that swept much of the country and prompted the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency and a nighttime curfew.
The death toll, which stood at 525, according to the latest Health Ministry figures, makes Wednesday by far the deadliest day since the 2011 popular uprising that toppled longtime ruler and autocrat Hosni Mubarak — a grim milestone that does not bode well for the future of a nation roiled in turmoil and divisions for the past 2 1/2 years.
Health Ministry spokesman Khaled el-Khateeb put the number of the injured on Wednesday at 3,717.
Although president Morsi was Muslim Brotherhood, vice-president El Baradei was not. Although liked and respected, he could not abide the violence, and resigned his office in protest:
Mohamed ElBaradei, who resigned from his post as vice president in Egypt’s military-backed interim government in protest at Wednesday’s bloodshed, is a respected former UN nuclear watchdog chief.
The ex-diplomat, UN executive and Nobel laureate turned liberal political leader stepped down after scores were killed in a crackdown by security forces on loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
"It has become too difficult to continue bearing responsibility for decisions I do not agree with and whose consequences I fear," ElBaradei said.
He said his conscience was troubled over the loss of life "particularly as I believe it could have been avoided."
Both the White House and Secretary of State John Kerry have spoken out against the violence:
Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday denounced the violent crackdown by the Egyptian military as a “deplorable” and unnecessary escalation that represents a “serious blow” to peace and democracy.
Kerry said Egypt faced a “pivotal moment” and warned the military-appointed interim government that the “world is closely watching” how it responds.
The Executive branch is suspending military aid for now, and mulling over what to do:
Washington has suspended a recent shipment of F16 jets and said it was re-assessing whether to restart its $1.3bn of military aid, but its fears that a permanent severing of aid risks removing the only leverage it has in restraining the generals.
Americans meanwhile have come to grips with a dichotomy in their minds as to how to react. There is the knee-jerk anti-Muslim Brotherhood reaction that supports the ouster of Morsi and the crackdown on the protesters. There is also the realization that this is the military taking over and ejecting a democratically elected president favored by a majority of the citizens. How can anyone who supports the democratic process be in favor of that?
Meanwhile, the rest of the world holds its collective breath and waits for an outcome that hopefully brings peace and freedom to that country as an example to the rest of the region.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 08/15/2013 13:00:24
trojanrabbit on 08/15/2013 13:00:24
Morning. 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/15/2013 13:16:38
G'mornin..
Okay, goin back to bed now.
Scoopster on 08/15/2013 13:16:38
G'mornin.. Okay, goin back to bed now.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/15/2013 13:53:52
wickedpam on 08/15/2013 13:53:52
Morning 
Back from running morning errands and back home for a couple of vaca days
Back from running morning errands and back home for a couple of vaca days
Comment by 
Raine on 08/15/2013 14:00:36
Good morning!
Raine on 08/15/2013 14:00:36
Good morning!
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 14:01:35
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 14:01:35
Howdy all
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 14:17:58
Is nothing sacred? The gays are ruining the class of professional wrestling with their antics! :fristy heels, vapors, fainting couch etc:
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 14:17:58
Quote by wickedpam:
check this out
WWE Superstar Darren Young Comes out
Is nothing sacred? The gays are ruining the class of professional wrestling with their antics! :fristy heels, vapors, fainting couch etc:
Comment by wickedpam on 08/15/2013 14:24:10
wickedpam on 08/15/2013 14:24:10
What a poised and intelligent young woman - she's amazing
Future Leader:
Future Leader:
Comment by Scoopster on 08/15/2013 14:37:19
Scoopster on 08/15/2013 14:37:19
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 15:00:21
Linda mentioned this to me yesterday -- it looks like starting in September she may very well be receiving those death benefits. Fingers crossed!
Raine on 08/15/2013 15:00:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Great news - gay spouses of military members to begin receiving benefits
Under the plan, spousal and family benefits — including health care coverage, housing allowances and survivor benefits — will be available to all legally married military spouses. The same-sex spouses of service members and civilian Defense Department employees can claim the entitlements retroactively, starting with the date of the decision.
Linda mentioned this to me yesterday -- it looks like starting in September she may very well be receiving those death benefits. Fingers crossed!
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 15:25:24
How epic is this???
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 15:25:24
Comment by wickedpam on 08/15/2013 15:35:02
wickedpam on 08/15/2013 15:35:02
Epic 
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 15:43:21
That would be kinda awesome. Linda needs something awesome, besides you as a friend that is.
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 15:43:21
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Great news - gay spouses of military members to begin receiving benefitsUnder the plan, spousal and family benefits — including health care coverage, housing allowances and survivor benefits — will be available to all legally married military spouses. The same-sex spouses of service members and civilian Defense Department employees can claim the entitlements retroactively, starting with the date of the decision.
Linda mentioned this to me yesterday -- it looks like starting in September she may very well be receiving those death benefits. Fingers crossed!
That would be kinda awesome. Linda needs something awesome, besides you as a friend that is.
Comment by 
BobR on 08/15/2013 16:03:32
BobR on 08/15/2013 16:03:32
Das Blog is up.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/15/2013 16:09:08
wickedpam on 08/15/2013 16:09:08
Okay - yard work time - check back later
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 16:16:12
Raine on 08/15/2013 16:16:12
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 16:19:01
Raine on 08/15/2013 16:19:01
It's really troublesome with what is happening in Egypt.
We can't call it a coup because then we would have to withdraw support -- and yet, without calling it one, we have withdrawn support.
We can't call it a coup because then we would have to withdraw support -- and yet, without calling it one, we have withdrawn support.
Comment by 
TriSec on 08/15/2013 16:25:11
TriSec on 08/15/2013 16:25:11
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 16:37:11
WTF they don't backround check ALL THE STAFF? ARE THEY NOT SMART? :rage:
"Hasbro Children's Hospital" doesn't sound right at all. I am thinking of a giant ass Playskool hospital play set.
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 16:37:11
Quote by TriSec:
And the de-basing of America continues...
I could almost deal with an adult doing this. Almost.
WTF they don't backround check ALL THE STAFF? ARE THEY NOT SMART? :rage:
"Hasbro Children's Hospital" doesn't sound right at all. I am thinking of a giant ass Playskool hospital play set.
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 17:09:15
Raine on 08/15/2013 17:09:15
This is part one of Three, Vice goes in depth to report on Post Morsi Egypt. It's quite telling and very worth the time to watch.
Especially the observation that the people who wanted to depose Morsi are upper middle class. The narrator nots that they may want to see the status quo maintained as it had been for 60 years -- this indicates to me that this is a class war more than anything else.
Especially the observation that the people who wanted to depose Morsi are upper middle class. The narrator nots that they may want to see the status quo maintained as it had been for 60 years -- this indicates to me that this is a class war more than anything else.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/15/2013 17:43:29
livingonli on 08/15/2013 17:43:29
Wiped out from last night. 
Nothing like watching the Mets blow a 4-0 lead to lose in 12 innings which meant I didn't get out of work until after 5 AM when everything was done and I got home as the sun came up.
Nothing like watching the Mets blow a 4-0 lead to lose in 12 innings which meant I didn't get out of work until after 5 AM when everything was done and I got home as the sun came up.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/15/2013 18:13:07
Will in Chicago on 08/15/2013 18:13:07
Hello, bloggers!!
I hope that everyone is well. (I will be leaving shortly to get a water pump installed on my ailing car.)
So far, things are quiet here. No calls for interviews but still pushing forward.
As for Egypt, we are seeing a lot of deep divisions. Perhaps El Baradei can call on the Arab League to try to negotiate a settlement. I fear that Egypt is on the brink of civil war.
I hope that everyone is well. (I will be leaving shortly to get a water pump installed on my ailing car.)
So far, things are quiet here. No calls for interviews but still pushing forward.
As for Egypt, we are seeing a lot of deep divisions. Perhaps El Baradei can call on the Arab League to try to negotiate a settlement. I fear that Egypt is on the brink of civil war.
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 18:29:05
Raine on 08/15/2013 18:29:05
Here is what is happening in Egypt:
One side wants a Sectarian government under military rule.
Another wants democracy with borderline Sharia law.
This is a very bad situation all around. (I watched parts 2 and 3 of the Vice report.)
One side wants a Sectarian government under military rule.
Another wants democracy with borderline Sharia law.
This is a very bad situation all around. (I watched parts 2 and 3 of the Vice report.)
Comment by 
clintster on 08/15/2013 18:32:29
I will say that so far, the talk about it on the Twitter machine (at least on the people I follow) has been positive. His fellow wrestlers have voiced their support as has WWE's corporate account.
Now, as a wrestling fan, and having seen plenty of not-so-gay-friendly characters, angles, and comments in the business over the years, I do have a bit of apprehension that the 'E is going to do right by Young. This is the same company that got applause from GLAAD for running a gay marriage angle and then criticism for backing off.
It could all be a set-up (I wouldn't put it past Vince McMahon) but watching the interview, Young seems at ease.
clintster on 08/15/2013 18:32:29
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
check this out
WWE Superstar Darren Young Comes out
Is nothing sacred? The gays are ruining the class of professional wrestling with their antics! :fristy heels, vapors, fainting couch etc:
I will say that so far, the talk about it on the Twitter machine (at least on the people I follow) has been positive. His fellow wrestlers have voiced their support as has WWE's corporate account.
Now, as a wrestling fan, and having seen plenty of not-so-gay-friendly characters, angles, and comments in the business over the years, I do have a bit of apprehension that the 'E is going to do right by Young. This is the same company that got applause from GLAAD for running a gay marriage angle and then criticism for backing off.
It could all be a set-up (I wouldn't put it past Vince McMahon) but watching the interview, Young seems at ease.
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 19:02:21
Raine on 08/15/2013 19:02:21
Jeff Bezos should hire back former Ombudsman Patrick Pexton.
I'm reminded that I wrote about this guy two years ago. I liked him then and I like him now.
I'm reminded that I wrote about this guy two years ago. I liked him then and I like him now.
Comment by TriSec on 08/15/2013 19:08:38
TriSec on 08/15/2013 19:08:38
Metaphor of the day.
It's the anniversary of the "WOW! signal", so I was reading about it just now. Regrettably, the site where it was recorded was sold to developers, and is now a golf course.
This means something, I tell you.
It's the anniversary of the "WOW! signal", so I was reading about it just now. Regrettably, the site where it was recorded was sold to developers, and is now a golf course.
This means something, I tell you.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:30:58
Tri, I used to think I was the most cryptic speaker in any room at any given time. Since I've met you, not so much.
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:30:58
Quote by TriSec:
Metaphor of the day.
It's the anniversary of the "WOW! signal", so I was reading about it just now. Regrettably, the site where it was recorded was sold to developers, and is now a golf course.
This means something, I tell you.
Tri, I used to think I was the most cryptic speaker in any room at any given time. Since I've met you, not so much.
Comment by clintster on 08/15/2013 19:31:04
clintster on 08/15/2013 19:31:04
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
No, really.
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:36:44
I know that I really shouldn't laugh at the bat shit insane, but damn, that was frickin' funny.
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:36:44
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
I know that I really shouldn't laugh at the bat shit insane, but damn, that was frickin' funny.
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 19:40:17
I don't know how Galloway writes this stuff with a straight face. I have liked his column for a good number of years now.
Raine on 08/15/2013 19:40:17
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:42:10
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 19:42:10
I just checked the temperatures in various cities to my north. I agree with my dear friend (and best man) Michael. Go home Summer, you're drunk.
Atlanta, 70
Charleston, SC 70
Washington, DC 79
Philadelphia, 77
NYC 76
Boston 77
Atlanta, 70
Charleston, SC 70
Washington, DC 79
Philadelphia, 77
NYC 76
Boston 77
Comment by Scoopster on 08/15/2013 19:52:51
I bet the only reason she is pro-gay is because those are the only guys who won't try to hump her leg..
Scoopster on 08/15/2013 19:52:51
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
I bet the only reason she is pro-gay is because those are the only guys who won't try to hump her leg..
Comment by clintster on 08/15/2013 19:57:20
clintster on 08/15/2013 19:57:20
The majority leader of the NC House has released his statement on the now ended session, and it's just as full of self-righteous derp as you would imagine:
Community colleges are still underfunded, which I regret. Although the 17 campuses of the UNC system complain about “cuts†North Carolina is still #1 in the nation in taxpayer support of higher education.
We passed several prolife measures to take government out of funding abortion and make sure that women receive accurate information. SB 132 requires education in middle schools on the causes of preterm birth. SB 353 protects employees, employers and taxpayers from having to participate in abortion and authorizes new rules to ensure minimal safety standards at clinics.
There was much discussion about “not†expanding Medicaid. But the truth is that over the last session we have added a billion dollars to Medicaid spending. That system is broken. Until it is reformed we simply cannot take on another half million North Carolinians as wards of the state. Most will be entitled to large subsidies on the Obamacare federal “exchange†and will get subsidized health insurance there on a sliding scale. I doubt that Obamacare will sustain itself more than a year or three because there is not enough money in the world to do so. But until it collapses these subsidies exist on the exchange.
We passed a major overhaul of the election laws insuring that every legal vote is counted by requiring a photo ID before voting (HB 589). Polls indicate almost 7 out of 10 citizens support the photo ID requirement.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 20:59:14
Eww?
Mondobubba on 08/15/2013 20:59:14
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
I bet the only reason she is pro-gay is because those are the only guys who won't try to hump her leg..
Eww?
Comment by livingonli on 08/15/2013 21:08:47
I guess that group is the demographic that watches The Blaze and pays to watch the online version.
livingonli on 08/15/2013 21:08:47
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile a conservative group in Georgia has figured out why Megyn Kelly is replacing Sean Hannity in the 9 pm spot: It's all a part of FOX News' evil liberal schemes:
As part of a national journalism conference on Tuesday, August 20, America's Survival, Inc. (ASI), a public policy organization, is officially releasing a new report on radical changes at Fox News that should cause great concern to pro-family conservatives.
"Pushing Sean Hannity out of the 9:00 p.m. slot, to make way for pro-homosexual advocate Megyn Kelly, is another sign of the channel's left-ward drift and decline," said ASI President Cliff Kincaid, a veteran journalist and media critic.
No, really.
I bet the only reason she is pro-gay is because those are the only guys who won't try to hump her leg..
Eww?
I guess that group is the demographic that watches The Blaze and pays to watch the online version.
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 23:05:37
Raine on 08/15/2013 23:05:37
Comment by Raine on 08/15/2013 23:06:54
Raine on 08/15/2013 23:06:54
Quote by Raine:
Snowden is quite possibly fucked.
And GG should be very very afraid at this point.
Snowden has said he left Dell for a job at Booz Allen Hamilton in Hawaii around March of this year, specifically to gain access to additional top-secret documents that could be leaked to the media.
Booz Allen Hamilton fired Snowden after he fled to Hong Kong with a trove of secret material. The company has said it is cooperating with a number of inquiries into Snowden's hiring and security lapses.