Perhaps in anticipation of the result, the military council, through a series of binding legislative measures, strengthened its authority considerably in recent days and indeed will be able to continue to determine aspects of Egyptian foreign policy like war and peace. It is likely that any act of the new president that displeases the generals will be resisted forcibly and there may yet, sadly, be further blood on the streets of this ancient spiritual land.
Beyond the generals, Israel and conservative Arab states are strongly mistrustful of political Islam and hostile to its growing power: any sign that the new government in Egypt may threaten the peace agreement with Israel would be vigorously resisted and would have major repercussions for all of us.
President Mursi, confronted by massive external and internal problems, is on a diplomatic tightrope as he seeks to reassure his global neighbours and simultaneously to resolve Egypt’s critical difficulties over poverty and unemployment, while being overshadowed by the menace of the generals. He deserves a huge abundance of prayers and good wishes as he begins the task of rebuilding his weary country and proving that his background will not deny an inclusive and tolerant leadership based on true democratic principles and values acceptable to all. Intent is everything.]]>