A coup can't be 'half democratic, half military'

The latest unrest in Egypt, in which the army removed President Mohamed Morsi's from power, introduced a new concept: the "democratic military coup." Can such a thing exist? Is a partial coup -- half military and half democratic -- possible? These questions and many others continue to arise as the convulsion in Egypt persists, leaving an indelible mark on the future of the Middle East.

Over a year ago, Egypt reeled from the upheaval in which the Egyptian nation (with the emphasis on the words: Egyptian nation) forced President Hosni Mubarak off his throne and into the defendant's seat. The country went on to democratically elect the Muslim Brotherhood for the first time since the movement's inception 90 years ago.

The army, Egypt's principal anchor and uniting factor, fulfilled the public's desire and held onto the reins temporarily, until a new constitution was drafted and elections were held. The Muslim Brotherhood sent dozens of representatives to parliament and Morsi was elected president with just 51 percent, in a run-off. "The sick man of the Nile" opted to have the Muslim Brotherhood heal Egypt's social and economic illness. The phenomenon we saw in Egypt of the people choosing Islamists to help a sick nation convalesce is very similar to what had taken place in Turkey.

Great hopes accompanied Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood's rise to power, but the new president was quick to sack the beloved army generals (Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan did the same) and the Brotherhood hastily began to implement Islamic law. Corruption continued to rein, the economy faltered and Morsi was quickly perceived as the new dictator who replaced the old dictator.

The army, which felt wronged by Morsi's conduct toward it, waited for the right moment, which arrived when Egyptians hit the streets again (spurred by the army-) to protest against the president. During a quick three days of demonstrations, the army brought about Morsi's ouster in the pretext that this was what the nation wanted. The deed was done very carefully, so as not to upset the U.S. or other Western nations, and to give the impression of a civilian revolution, which served the purpose of putting the Egyptian house in order while avoiding bloodshed, excessive force and mass arrests. The army utilized soft power, swearing in a civilian president.

The Muslim Brotherhood -- witnessing in shock as the process unfolded -- pulled itself together and activists took to the streets to throw their weight behind Morsi. The army did not hesitate to flex its muscle in its dealings with Morsi's supporters. On Sunday, Morsi's supporters tried to break into the compound where the president is being held, and troops responded by opening fire on the crowds, apparently killing dozens of Brotherhood activists. Following the coup, we find ourselves in the midst of a bloody battle.

The Egyptian attempt to execute a "democratic, military coup" is expected to thrust Egypt into a state of chaos, maybe even civil war. The army, which initially sought to placate frustrated Egyptians, has encountered the violent Muslim Brotherhood response to their actions -- and is responding in kind. The ongoing violence could force the army to execute a full-blown coup, declare military rule and call its offspring "a military coup d'etat." If the army fails to do that, Egypt is going to collapse into dark times and an all-out war, the outcome of which is difficult to predict.

Turkey and the Arab nations are following events closely as they realize that what is happening in Egypt could happen in their own countries too. Erdogan, who threw his support behind the Brotherhood, understands the great similarity between what has been happening in Egypt and what is happening in Turkey, and sees the danger before him. If, at the end of the day, a civil authority rises to power in Egypt by undercutting the Muslim Brotherhood, this could also influence the Turkish situation.

Israel is surrounded by unstable nations and is watching warily as events unfold. Regional instability does not bode well for Israel. All Jerusalem can do now is continue to conduct effective dialogue with the Egyptian military, watch without taking a stand, and be ready for any scenario.

Vice Adm. (res.) Eliezer (Chiney) Marom is former chief of the Israeli Navy.