Egypt’s ‘democratic coup’ answered short-term problem but adds to longer term doubts


The Arab street is still potent, especially when its energy feeds into the political ambitions of other powerful groups, such as the Egyptian army and Gulf states that have become uncomfortable at the leading role of the Muslim Brotherhood (Al-Ikhwan Al-Muslimeen) – and even its allies such as Qatar – in North Africa since the 2011 ‘revolutions’. With its politics driven from the street but shaped in the corridors of power occupied by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf), the Tamarrod (Rebel) movement’s call to fill Tahrir Square with protestors on 30 June proved sufficient to overthrow elected President Mohammed Morsi and his Ikhwan-dominated government.