Originally posted by RoccoR
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Originally posted by RoccoR
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So I ask again where is the scope here for 'further introduction' of Sharia. The public view the MB as less corrupt who established themselves in schools, health care & social services. Areas where the govt wasn't very helpful. That is the reason private efforts had to be made and they were efficient at it. This is how they grew their support base. Not very different to what Christian missionaries have done the world over.
This is why i continue to view their statements as slogans.
Originally posted by RoccoR
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Commencement Address at the University of South Carolina in Columbia | May 9, 2003
The present administration is just continuing with the same policy and its much easier to see with the case of the NGOs than enforced at gunpoint as in Iraq or Afghanistan. This used to be a black joke earlier, that if regimes did not behave then the US would come over and 'spread democracy'.
Its not so funny in the present Egyptian context.
The US needs to improve its reputation in the middle east, to be seen as a credible supporter of democracy. There are just too many examples of double standards at play that affect that perception. So i perceive the NGO effort as a step in a positive direction.
Originally posted by RoccoR
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If anything, i think a coup by the army is more likely. They're the only group with the record, experience & power to pull it off.
As for the comparison with Iran, Egypt's was never a mullah led revolution. The Shah alienated the clerics whereas in Egypt they were co-opted to the point they were seen as an extension of the state. This is the case in a number of other gulf countries as well.
So how can these mullahs now or later insert themselves into the mix and direct things as they did in Iran. Besides there is no outstanding debate in Egypt like there was in Iran about whether clerics should be in charge.
Another issue i've been thinking about is the possibility of increased sectarianism. With Islamists in office its possible that more radical elements can try to mess with Copts in the hope those in office will protect their backs. I can see the liberals going absolutely nuts over this. Should it happen it has to be viewed as just opportunistic politics at play rather than some hidden agenda to cleanse Egypt of Copts.
Because Copts have a longer history in Egypt than the Muslims do. Copts are a sizeable minority making up 10% of the population. The sectarian divide between the two communities isn't as stark as it is in say Iraq or Afghanistan, Lebanon or Syria.
This will be one of a number of tests the new regime will face in implementing the rule of law.
The source for this idea comes from developments in my own country over the years and its taken me a long time to see it in this manner.
Originally posted by RoccoR
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Originally posted by RoccoR
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There was a lot of pressure building up in Iran and had been for many years. This is where the potential for an explosion comes from.
Can you show similar in Egypt ? then do so but otherwise your concern is unfounded. I've seen this narrative often, fears are raised but rarely with any sound basis other than easy generalisations.
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