The ruling military council must be showing too much independence.
"USAID director in Egypt quits amid dispute centered on funding; Military opposes aid being given to activist groups" August 12, 2011|By Hamza Hendawi, Associated Press
CAIRO - The USAID director in Egypt abruptly flew back to Washington yesterday after less than a year on the job, the first major casualty of a dispute between the two longtime allies over American funding for prodemocracy groups.
AID = CIA
Jim Bever left his post the day after President Obama’s administration chastised Egypt’s leaders for stoking anti-American sentiment during the country’s rocky transition to democracy. In the rare public rebuke, the United States said it had noticed mounting attacks and criticism of US aid and motives....
The criticism of the United States is a sign that Egypt’s military rulers are growing anxious over foreign aid they fear could strengthen the liberal groups behind Egypt’s uprising at the expense of the military’s own vast power. Those youthful prodemocracy groups have grown more critical of the ruling generals lately over what they see as the slow pace of the transition away from authoritarian rule....
Last month, Major General Mohammed al-Assar, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, gave a speech in Washington and criticized the United States for funding prodemocracy groups without submitting to Egyptian government supervision. He said it violated Egyptian laws for funding nongovernmental organizations.
“It is a matter of sovereignty,’’ he said.
Elizabeth Colton, spokeswoman for the American Embassy in Egypt, said yesterday that the United States is not interfering in Egypt’s politics.
“Egyptian groups that apply for and receive grants from the United States are engaged in activities that are politically neutral. No funds are provided to political parties,’’ she said....
Imagine the reaction here if some foreign government (excluding Israel, of course) came here and poured money into U.S. political races and causes.
Other generals on the ruling council have accused two key reform groups of following a “foreign agenda’’ and of receiving funding and training from abroad, claims that suggest plotting against the country with foreign help....
It's entirely possible; however, my newspaper won't be the ones blowing the whistle.
“This is all part of a military council plan to portray everyone protesting on the streets as paid by a foreign party,’’ said activist Mona Seif. “The council is trying to build a reputation for itself as the sole protector of the revolution and the ultimate source of patriotism.’’
--more--"
Also see: No Change in Egypt
Clearing Up the Egyptian Revolution
First they claim they are protecting the secularist rebels and then they join up with the Islamics?
WTF?
"Meanwhile, in Egypt yesterday, hundreds of protesters rallied in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, briefly scuffling with riot police and defying Egypt’s military rulers who are eager to prevent any demonstrations in the iconic square since forcefully clearing a weekslong sit-in by youth activists last week.
Protesters briefly threw bottles and stones at the columns of police in riot gear before other demonstrators formed a human chain in front of the police to stop the violence. Many were chanting: “The people want Tahrir Square back.’’
Yesterday’s rally was planned by youth activists and Sufis, a mystical order of Islam that has generally stayed out of politics, as a counterpoint to a mass demonstration by hard-line Salafi Muslims last month who called for the imposition of Islamic law.
--more--"
And who is the military supporting?
"Egypt’s military prosecution charged a prominent activist yesterday with slandering and inciting violence against the country’s ruling generals through social networking sites, lawyers said. It is also the strongest indication that the country’s military rulers for the past six months may be running out of patience with criticism.
But they will secure democracy for you.
--more--"
So what's on TV?
"Judge bans TV airing of Mubarak trial" by Hamza Hendawi, Associated Press / August 16, 2011
CAIRO - The judge trying ousted president Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on charges of complicity in the killing of protesters who toppled his regime ordered a halt to the live broadcast of his trial yesterday after a chaotic session in which lawyers pushed, shoved, and scuffled to get on television....
The decision was met with suspicion by Ramadan Ahmed, father of a 16-year-old protester killed during the 18-day uprising that toppled the regime.
“This is not correct. How can I be reassured and feel the justice,’’ said Ahmed, who was refused access to the courtroom. “I want to see justice realized before my eyes.’’
Judge Ahmed Rifaat said his decision to stop the broadcasts was designed to “protect the public interest.’’ He did not elaborate, but the presence of cameras, television commentators, and journalists interviewing lawyers had given the trial a circuslike atmosphere.
Lawyers for the victims’ families bickered over their turns to address the judge and came close to exchanging blows with Mubarak supporters, all in front of the television cameras. Some among them just waved and smiled to the cameras.
“The decision is meant to stop the lust [that] people in the courtroom are showing for getting on television,’’ said lawyer Mukhtar Noah, who represents the families of more than 200 victims. “It was not a political decision.’’
****************************
The trial was adjourned until Sept. 5.
Mubarak is the first Arab leader in modern times to be put on trial by his own people, a feat that many see as a warning to authoritarian Arab leaders. Saddam Hussein was tried and hanged in Iraq after his 2003 ouster, but the proceedings were supervised by US officials....
Many Mubarak supporters see his appearance in court, bedridden and inside a grim metal and wire defendants cage, as humiliating for a former head of state and decorated war hero....
Mubarak, 83 and unwell, occasionally dozed off in court and answered with a curt “present’’ when Rifaat called his name out as part of a roll call.
Nermine Nabil, 21, was wearing a T-shirt that read: “I am an Egyptian. I am against the humiliation of the nation’s leader.’’ She carried a portrait poster of Mubarak that was passed out to his supporters along with the T-shirt.
Clashes between Mubarak loyalists and victims’ families left 34 people wounded, according to the Health Ministry.
--more--"
Also see: The Trial of Hosni Mubarak
