Morsi's moment of truth

Nearly two years after the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak's regime, the masses in Egypt have returned to Tahrir Square. This time they're there to protest the "new Pharaoh," none other than President Mohammad Morsi, who has continued, in their eyes, Mubarak's dictatorial policies aimed at making him the country's sole authority.

Because Morsi, too, doesn't lack supporters – he apparently has more than his rivals – Egypt is now on the brink of civil war. It is currently being waged in the media and the political arena, but it is spilling into the streets. Thus, for the first time since the end of the revolution to remove Mubarak, dozens of protesters have been killed and wounded.

The direct reason for the crisis in Egypt is the presidential decree issued by Morsi, in which he granted himself wider authority while also nullifying the judiciary's ability appeal his decision. Morsi simultaneously called for a national referendum to approve the country's revised constitution, which contains provisions that would help the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi's people, tighten their grip on power even more.

The deeper reason behind the crisis is the concern among liberal circles over Egypt becoming an Islamic country. These liberal elements were willing to accept Morsi as the country's elected president, but are not prepared to accept his dictatorship. They are also unwilling to accept the exploitation of the majority support he enjoys in order to establish Egypt as an Islamic state.

This is the root of the matter. Morsi contends that because he won the majority of the votes, and because the Muslim Brotherhood apparently enjoys widespread support with the public, it can, in the name of democracy, force its ideas and ways on the minority. Those who oppose him claim that democracy means refraining from exploiting this power at the expense of the minority's rights.

It is a struggle between two opposing world views regarding Egypt's character and its future.

Morsi has revealed himself to be a polished politician ready to compromise. His position of authority, however, is liable to intoxicate him because he, too, has his own army of supporters in the streets.

While this is Morsi's moment of truth, it is particularly crucial for the entire country. Interestingly, America's voice has not been heard on the matter. Perhaps this is because, as usual, the U.S. isn't really interested in democracy, but in establishing a stable government in Egypt that will maintain American interests in the region.

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