Here is a great post by my colleague Abu Rahman who sometimes writes editorials for Al Masry Al Youm.
Ten Reasons for Pessimism; Ten things that Need to Change
Here are some tasty excerpts. . .
The anniversary is coming up and with the new year behind us it’s a
time to take stock. And looking back, despite the incredible highs,
there are many causes for pessimism, for how things haven’t yet worked
out as many thought. Here are just ten:
1- SCAF: Many reasons for pessimism are inextricably linked with the
ruling council of military men that have taken over affairs of the
country in the transitional period. There are enough to have their own
separate numbers on the list but one reason that must be included is the
Supreme Council of the Armed Forces itself.
Under this heading is a plethora of human rights abuses and examples
of mangled dealings of a botched transition period. Violence against
protesters is enough to be considered the norm, a barrage of abuses and
thousands of civilians subjected to speedy military trials.
Add in a constitutional declaration that granted the council sole
executive powers even though that was not voted for on the referendum,
the delay in holding elections until pressure form the street brought
them forward and a preciousness that makes the council skittish about
any form of criticism.
Not to mention a media war and a slew of accusations against
protesters for being conspirators, funded by foreign enemies (that have
never been revealed) and turning Egyptians against Egyptians. Otherwise
known as incitement. Factor in the events of Maspiro 9 October when
military APCs ran over protesters and recent events at the cabinet that
saw great army brutality against Egyptians of all ages, and a death toll
that keeps rising.
And it ends with no manner of accountability whatsoever. No one from
the military has yet to be held accountable for the numerous
infringements of peoples’ lives this year. The ruling elite is above the
law, just like it was in the days of the dictator.
Keep reading here Sibilant Egypt