On the Selling of the Egyptian Coup

More than 250 people have been killed since the Egyptian military deposed President Mohamed Morsi, democratically elected and in power for just a year. “In Egypt, only two forces genuinely possess the ability to rule at the moment: the army, by virtue of the bayonet; or the Muslim Brotherhood, by virtue of the ballot,” argues Ken Silverstein for Harper’s. Both Morsi’s opponents and supporters have turned out huge numbers for protests in recent months, while also waging a media battle, each side trying to convince the globe that their tactics represent the proper path for democracy. The US faces a dilemma: Egypt is a vital ally in the Middle East, its military essential for upholding the peace treaty with Israel, yet US law calls for suspension of foreign aid to nations subjected to coups. “You cannot preach about democracy then accept the outcome only if your side triumphs,” Silverstein concludes, adding that “ hypocrisy heightens anti-Americanism, sends the message that elections are meaningless, and encourages terrorism.” - YaleGlobal