New Problems for Egypt’s Mohamed Morsi

When the Egyptian Uprising began during 2011, we heard media milling about in search of apt metaphors to describe the mass protests and revolution in Egypt. Two years after revolution began Egypt is still teetering on the edge. In 2011 the first crowds gathered to demand reform and to end up dictatorship, barricades went up and within days the news was transmitted to millions. Like a virus the unrest leapt from host to host. Most recently clashes occurred between demonstrators and police forces when tens of thousands across the country took to the streets to mark the second anniversary of the revolution. Protesters who have been angry with the slow pace of change and with some of the steps President Mohamed Morsi has taken clashed with his supporters and police in the cities. The protests were part of a wave of opposition-led demonstrations in recent past that have frequently devolved into street clashes.

The court rulings sparked deadly clashes between security forces and relatives of the convicted. The death sentence was passed on 21people accused in connection with the tragedy in the Egyptian town of Port Said and the riots engulfed the country following “celebrations” of the second anniversary of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. Perhaps one of the causes of the recent wave of violence is the Constitution also. The judges, many of whom were holdover loyalists from the government of Mubarak, are widely viewed as hostile to the Islamists who now dominate the assembly that has been charged with framing a new constitution. The Mubarak regime was criticized for fomenting religious bigotry and sectarian divisions; now thirty six per cent of Egyptians rejected the new constitution drafted by the Constitutional Assembly, which was dominated by Islamic political parties. Almost all members representing secular parties, professional syndicates and the Coptic Church withdrew from the Assembly before the final drafting of the Constitution.

Again it feels like Mubarak is back. Opposition is demanding Mohamed Morsi form a new coalition government, open an investigation into the killings of protesters over the past months and give guarantees that upcoming parliamentary elections will be fair and free. They have also declared a new revolution and called President Mohamed Morsi to suspend the recently adopted constitution. Prime Minister Essam Sharaf has said “hidden hands” were behind the incidents, and that they would benefit “the enemies of the revolution.” It feels like no sooner has a cycle of violence abated than a new one erupts. Many wonder how a peaceful revolution that earned the world’s admiration two years back has sunk into this quagmire of unrest and uncertainty. And many more are wondering: Is there a way out? Certainly, there is. History shows that many revolutions have been associated with longstanding waves of violence. But history also teaches us that national reconciliation and dialog can provide a smooth, nonviolent way out of vicious cycles of violence; take South Africa as an example. Now, more than at any other time, a similar change is required at the religious, political and grassroots levels to reduce the level of violence in Egyptian streets.

Since Egypt democracy is still in its infancy, political inclusiveness and power sharing among political forces is imperative. Egypt’s chronic social and economic problems are too big to be solved by one political party. “neo-liberalism” is crucial to understanding the contemporary unfolding of events, particularly in terms of the existence of vast economic inequalities and the impoverishment of the demographic masses, a focus on neo-liberalism alone fails to address the question of the historical relationship in Egypt between rulers and ruled. The rulers failed to understand that above all else economic collapse breeds revolutions. A coalition government, including qualified politicians from Islamic and secular parties can at least bring about stability in the volatile political scene and cause the tide of violence to subside.

Some of Egypt’s religious establishments are playing a role in reducing the on-going violence already. Still, more is needed to curtail the current wave of violence. It is important to address the roots of violence, which include security, social and economic factors. A departure from the pre-revolution abuse of the state’s coercive power and respect of human rights are needed. Hence, the Egypt government could introduce new legislation reshaping the relationship between citizens and the police. The majorities of Egyptians is struggling to make ends meet and are reeling from worsening economic conditions in the aftermath of the revolution. Introducing laws addressing longstanding social and economic injustices could also be a step in the right direction. While the Egyptian regime is required to take many steps to reduce violence, demonstrators also should not resort to violence. Violence begets violence. The realization of these goals will only come through peaceful change, including getting involved in shaping new laws and government norms.

Last, in order for the current cycle of violence plaguing Egypt to subside, people need to feel that the judiciary is independent. A great deal of the violence that swept the country over the past two years – and during last weeks in particular – is due to the fact that people feel the court rulings are susceptible to government intervention. It is imperative that the regime institute rule of law and independence of the judiciary. A more sustainable peaceful future requires a concerted effort by political elite, religious leaders and the Egyptian people.