Egypt’s military is trying to start a new election while the United States can only watch knowing how recent events has placed its national leaders in a compromising position.
The United States has funded $1.3 billion to the Egyptian military for years primarily because the US does not support the Muslim Brotherhood which has connections to terrorists such as Hezbollah and Al Qaeda. If the US stops funding Egypt’s military, the Muslim Brotherhood stands to take over.
In 2010 Hosni Mubarak was elected Egypt’s president for the fifth time. After his fifth election the Muslim Brotherhood challenged Mubarak for seating in the parliament. After failed attempts to win any seats, Muslim Brotherhood filed alleged voter fraud against Mubarak.
In February 2011 anti-government protesters began forcing Mubarak to step down. The military gained power and Mubarak, along with his two sons, were arrested for corruption. Over time the protests continued due to the slow pace of political change.
Muslim Brotherhood began gaining power but protests continued over the presumption that the military was holding onto power and not allowing elections to take place.
Several months later, Mohammed Morsi won the election and became president. At the same time Egypt gained a new president, while their previous one, Hosni Mubarak was sent to prison for killing protesters during his removal in June 2012.
Under Morsi’s command, the military was stripped of its say in the legislation which no longer allowed them to have input in the drafting of the new constitution. Only three months later, in November 2012 Morsi also stripped the judicial system of any right to overturn any of his decisions which led to more protests.
Morsi implemented a new constitution outlawing freedom of speech and assembly. He also created an environment that boosted Islam’s role and prompted extensive protests from opposition leaders.
A violent protest commenced against the Muslim Brotherhood by those who were secular, non Islamic or against dictatorship leaving many dead and caused the military to overthrow Morsi. Consequently, Muslim Brotherhood protested and the military took charge once again killing at least 2,200 while the Muslim Brotherhood burned down churches and buildings.
Nicholas Blum, a member of the US Air Force, said it is “hard to tell” Egypt’s immediate future.
“Egyptian military has to balance the growing influences of the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies in the region, keeping peace and order amongst the population, setting up new elections and showing a sense of urgency to accomplish this,” Blum said. “All while continuing to protect the country of Egypt.”
US is choosing to stand by for now as riots continue to ravage Egypt.