The three-headed Sphinx

Today's Egypt is ruled by three unequal forces: the army that decided to use excessive force in this current round of violence, the Muslim Brotherhood that channeled its influence to the polls, and the young secular protesters of Tahrir Square, who truly strive for democracy and can do no more than demonstrate, at one point demanding the dissolution of the ruling military council and at another point demanding the dismissal of the prime minister.

While Tunisia celebrated the first anniversary of the so-called Arab Spring on Saturday, several more victims were added to the toll of the Tahrir revolution. Frustrated youngsters once again took to the streets, and their efforts to remove the army from power landed them with both the army and the Muslim Brotherhood in power. Now they are losing on two fronts: The army isn't even trying to show restraint in the square, and the liberals are getting smacked by the religious camp in the elections.

Demonstrations have become an integral part of Egypt's political arena. This is how it will remain until a strong president takes the reins. A president who will strike the right balance in parliament, faced with an Islamist majority, and will recognize the importance and power of the army. Until such a president arrives, the youth will continue to demonstrate, some out of courage and others out of naivete.

Get the Israel Hayom newsletter sent to your mailbox!

As early as November, when riots accompanied the first round of Egypt's parliamentary elections, the protesting youths demanded the dismissal of the new prime minister, Kamal al-Ganzouri. Their demand was nearly impossible to carry out because Ganzouri represents the army's desire to restore order, even if it requires the use of force.

Since the end of the 18-day Tahrir revolution back in January-February, there have been several rounds of violence. It is safe to assume that this weekend's violence will not be the last. At this point the masks have been removed: the army will use more and more force, the Muslims will continue to take advantage of this to undermine the army's authority, and the young secular protesters will continue to get beaten.

The army appointed a 30-member advisory council comprising well-known civilians and senior politicians, meant to serve as the army's civilian front. One of the members is presidential candidate Amr Moussa, who resigned from the council in the wake of this weekend's violence. And he's not the only one. Play time is over -- this war is being fought over power, and the powers in battle are unequal.

Like our newsletter? 'Like' our Facebook page!

טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו