North Africa, West Asia

Egypt in the balance: what the blogs are saying 1 - 8 October

This 'You tell us' feature offers some first hand accounts and a range of opinions in blogs, articles and tweets, first and foremost from the people of Egypt.

Rana Magdy
9 October 2013

October 1

Petroleum Minister, Sherif Ismail, says a smart card system for fuel purchases by vehicle drivers will hopefully be implemented at the start of 2014. He also mentions that Egypt is negotiating with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to supply it with petroleum products into 2014.

Egypt halts tourism activities with Iran due to security concerns.

Amro Ali ‏@_amroali 9:45 AM - 1 Oct 13: #Egypt sells itself, doesn't require million dollar tourism campaigns. It's cheaper to stop fear mongering, killings & arrests of foreigners

Judge adjourns retrial of policemen accused of killing Khaled Said until 2 December. Khaled was brutally murdered outside his house in Alexandria in 2010. His death is considered to be one of the sparks for the January 2011 revolution. Arrests are made during clashes outside the court.

The Big Pharaoh ‏@TheBigPharaoh 10:06 PM - 22 Sep 13: Definition of irony: a FB page belonging to the police posted a picture of a primary school book that has the picture of Khaled Said.

Tom Rollins ‏@TomWRollins 9:12 AM - 1 Oct 13: Something I wrote ages ago about Khaled Said's death and the sedating of justice in the courts afterwards http://tomrollins.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/kullena-khaled-said/ …

Army chief General Abdel Fattah El Sisi calls for a quick political transition to restore stability to the country. 

Nervana Mahmoud ‏@Nervana_1 9:30 PM - 1 Oct 13: Worth watching Sisi's speech today to understand why many Egyptians adore him. Like him, or hate him, but he is smart. #Egypt

Leila Fadel releases a transcript from her visit to Beni Suef, a city south of Cairo, titled “One Nile Valley Town Is A Study In Egypt’s Tensions”:

“Beni Suef is a microcosm of Egypt. The Nile Valley city south of Cairo is divided and everyone is on edge. Christians worry about attacks by Islamists. Muslim Brotherhood members are in hiding or at least keeping quiet as the military fills the streets. Charities that took money from the Brotherhood no longer acknowledge it, worried they'll be shut down and some companies owned by Brotherhood members are quickly selling to new investors to make sure they don't get raided or shut down.”

Dozens of policemen stage a protest in North Sinai calling for better protection against militant attacks in the region.

Authorities arrest two Palestinians on charges of killing three policemen in an attack on a police station in El Arish (Northern Sinai) on September 30.

Authorities release a group of school children who had been arrested a day earlier for protesting in support of Deposed President Morsi at their school.

Magpie V ‏@i_magpie 11:26 PM - 1 Oct 13: “#Sisi: The army doesn’t betray or conspire or deceive” except betraying #Egypt, conspiring with Israel & deceiving Egyptians.

H.A. Hellyer in “Where are they?” answers the question many non-Egyptians ask about the activists of 2011.

Muslim Brotherhood will not appeal a court verdict that banned the group, but will appeal to a different court to overturn the ruling. The court will hear the appeal on October 22.

Pro-Morsi protesters are chased out of Tahrir Square by locals after brief demonstration.

Clashes erupt at Mansoura University between pro- and anti-Morsi students.

Raymond Ayac ‏@Rey__ 10:43 AM - 1 Oct 13: Apparently jets flying over #Cairo today were a pre-Oct 6 celebration display. Might be celebrating control of the future too? #Egypt

Ana Mubasher ‏@Ana_Mubasher 8:12 PM - 1 Oct 13: Okay Seems #CSF Surrounding #Tahrir , Many Arrests been reported

Deena ‏@deenahsn 8:15 PM - 1 Oct 13: TT @Shorouk_News"Shorouk corspndnt:Morsi supporters rally in #Tahrir sq, policemen, APC heading there from Abdel-Muneim Riyad"#Egypt @meedan

Ikhwanweb ‏@Ikhwanweb 8:15 PM - 1 Oct 13: Security forces, thugs & police in plainclothes occupy #Tahrir sq after attacking & arresting peaceful #AntiCoup #Prodemocracy protesters

ahramonline: The United States is depositing $584 million in remaining 2013 military aid for Egypt into a federal bank account as the US administration reviews whether to release the funds, an official said Tuesday. 

Alfred Raouf ‏@Kemety 6:58 AM - 1 Oct 13: Will #USAID in #Egypt #shutdown as well? God please oh god let this be the case.

Nesreen Salem reports on her recent speech to the Swedish Parliament on the state of Egyptian women in “On Egyptian women after the Arab Spring” and concludes:

“I may have painted a grim scene for you, but the truth is, it is not. And the biggest proof are the hundreds and thousands of other women just like me and better, standing where they are and promising to continue their fight for bread, freedom and social justice. We are breaking boundaries, taboos, stigmas and reaching for horizons we were only allowed to read about in books. We have given up on everything but this revolution, which we will fight for with infinite passion till our last breath.” 

The National Salvation Front (NSF) is undecided on presidential candidate; however, Hamdeen Sabbahi appears to be a potential candidate.

Zaid Al-Ali ‏@zalali 12:40 PM - 1 Oct 13: One of the main reforms: presidential terms are to be extended to 7 years. Package of changes will not be submitted to referendum.

Dalia Ezzat ‏@DaliaEzzat_ 8:15 PM - 1 Oct 13: Negotiations ongoing between the Dostour Party + the Social Democratic Party over the possibility of merging into one http://bit.ly/17ksGYT 

 

October 2

Cabinet approves interim President Adly Mansour's new draft law criminalising ridiculing the national flag and anthem.

ahramonline: Egypt's new Senate Council will replace the Shura Council, with a different electoral process.

Prosecution orders the arrest of former Information Minister under deposed President Morsi. 

Aswat Masriya: Egypt saw at least 969 demonstrations during September, 80 percent of which were staged for political reasons, according to a Democracy Index report issued on Wednesday. 

Omnia Al Desoukie ‏@Omniaaldesoukie 10:24 AM - 2 Oct 13: From Nasser to Sisi: Nostalgia for Bonapartism? #Egypthttp://mideasti.blogspot.com/2013/10/from-nasser-to-sisi-nostalgia-for.html#.UkvYFOT9c2I.twitter …

Tamarod (Rebel) campaign calls on Egyptians to celebrate October 6 holiday in Tahrir Square and at the Presidential Palace in Ittihadiya.

Mai E. ‏@MaiE_89 3:33 PM - 2 Oct 13: أحا. Tamarod's representative believes that we should keep military trials for civilians (AR)http://www.shorouknews.com/news/view.aspx?cdate=02102013&id=712455e6-2eed-4e9e-83e4-82442b1ba1cb … #Egypt#NoMilTrials

H.A. Hellyer د. إتش ‏@hahellyer 11:52 AM - 2 Oct 13: Well worth reading. RT "@basildabh: Tamarod: A Mild Rebellion by@RanaMuhTaha http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/egyptsource/tamarod-a-mild-rebellion …"

Jamal Elshayyal جمال ‏@JamalsNews 9:55 PM - 2 Oct 13: #Sisi supporters print his name on bottles of cooking oil to bribe low income #Egypt ians to elect him as president http://youtu.be/KOP1QY8aCeU  

Authorities remove one of the security walls, located in Qasr al-Aini street in downtown Cairo, built by the security forces.

Gregg Carlstrom ‏@glcarlstrom 11:50 PM - 2 Oct 13: Rassd has published what it says is leaked video of Sisi and other army officers plotting about how to control media: http://bit.ly/15Juaxi 

Alfred Raouf ‏@Kemety 8:24 PM - 2 Oct 13: so Sisi says military intelligence need arms in the media and that's a surprise? CIA, NSA, MI6, FSB, DGSE, etc. all have their arms in media

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton meets with head of the constitution writing body, Amr Moussa, upon arrival. She also meets with Muslim Brotherhood leaders Amr Darrag and Mohamed Ali Bishr to promote reconciliation between Egypt's interim administration and the Muslim Brotherhood.

ronald meinardus ‏@meinardus 9:38 AM - 2 Oct 13: #Egypt: The question is not so much who she will meet, but who she will NOT meet. #Ashton to meet Mansour, Sisi, http://shar.es/KKyvA  #EU

Zeinobia ‏@Zeinobia 10:48 AM - 2 Oct 13: Egypt army chief El-Sisi pushed towards presidential runhttp://english.ahram.org.eg/News/81472.aspx  via @ahramonline

Dalia Ezzat ‏@DaliaEzzat_ 7:43 PM - 2 Oct 13: El Sissi to Egyptians: You choose your rulers, and you topple them. Armed Forces will not support any pres candidate http://bit.ly/1bvUKJy 

Bassem Sabry باسم ‏@Bassem_Sabry 11:03 PM - 2 Oct 13: Sadat's son Gamal just said now on tv that he considered El-Sisi to be the leading potential presidential candidate, he'd vote for him if so

According to the Muslim Brotherhood, those that met with government representatives are defectors from the group not members.

Mina Fayek (@minafayek) tweeted at 10:22 PM on Wed, Oct 02, 2013: The Brotherhood gave the military unprecedented powers in their constitution & now accuse us of being "pro-army slave boot-licker coupists".

Erin Cunningham in “Egypt’s army outgunned by extremists in Sinai” attempts to clarify the situation in Sinai.

Canada's foreign minister warns Egypt that the detention of two Canadians without charges for the past several weeks is a significant threat to relations between the two countries.

ahramonline: The government dispatches policewomen on Cairo's metro lines to secure women's cars and protect riders against harassers; the move receives mixed reactions

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

Amnesty International: Further Information: Detention of two Canadians extended

October 3

ahramonline: Islamists vow fresh demos ahead of 1973 war anniversary

Two bombs explode in Kerdasa on the outskirts of Cairo.

Quentin Sommerville ‏@sommervillebbc 1:10 PM - 3 Oct 13: "...this is political and not criminal. My father was there with the people. he took part in demonstrations," "Sami", Kerdasa MB supporter

Canadian nationals detained, Tarek Loubani and John Greyson, end hunger strike.

نشرة القاهرة‎ ‏@cairowire 1:07 PM - 3 Oct 13: china grants 400 scholarships for #egystudentshttp://is.gd/OsnWen  — fulbright cancels 2013-14 grants in #egypthttp://is.gd/h0XeGC 

high school student is killed in Ismailia – Suez, when clashes between pro- and anti- Morsi supporters erupt.

Sherif Azer discusses “The anti-human rights revolution”:

“The stereotypical idea that only governments are against human rights has been proven wrong, as the majority of Egyptians reveal their open rejection of the concept of human rights. We have seen people calling for sacrificing their own rights and freedoms, just to see their opposition removed. We, the human rights advocacy community, have been called traitors by friends and family members. People began openly calling for abandoning human rights altogether in the name of fighting "terrorism.” 

Bel Trew - بل ترو ‏@Beltrew 7:31 AM - 3 Oct 13: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi apologizes to Sinai residents for any inconvenience experienced as a results of army ops there http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/abdel-fattah-al-sisi-apologizes-sinai-residents …

Torture victim from pro-Morsi sit-in in August retracts charges against Brotherhood supporters, says accusations were trumped up by police.

Arab Fury ‏@Arab_Fury 10:55 PM - 3 Oct 13: New video shows Sisi and his top officials discussing ways to censor Egypt's media. This happened before the coup. http://aje.me/18RrUTq 

Mounssif Hammoudi ‏@Mounssif_1 11:19 PM - 3 Oct 13: The leaked Sisi video shows the military is not an army of the people or even of the state. It's a mafia group within the state. #AntiCoup

According to state news agency, Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sedki Sobhi meets with Lieutenant General James L Terry, head of the infantry forces in the US Central Command to discuss bilateral cooperation, joint military exercises after previous ventures were cancelled due to crackdown.

Middle East Monitor ‏@MiddleEastMnt 12:36 PM - 3 Oct 13: This might interest you @antoinekowalski and @Charles1045 Read while its hot! #US gives #Egypt military aid of $584m http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/7650-us-gives-egypt-military-aid-worth-584m …

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton meets with Egyptian political forces and insists that EU will not meddle in local affairs and stresses the importance of an inclusive political transition. She also discusses the transitional phases with General Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Sarah El Deeb ‏@seldeeb 10:35 AM - 3 Oct 13: Children in school next door chanting "people and army one hand" non-stop. Teacher pleading they "stop now" "khalas"

Samir Morcos discusses the problem with the articles on identity in the constitution in “Legislating identity in Egypt: Between monopoly and reduction”.

 

October 4

Spokesman for the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) in Cairo, Ahmed Sobei, is arrested.

David D. Kirkpatrick transcribes the leaked video of General Abdel Fattah El Sisi in “In Leaked Video, Egyptian Army Officers Debate How to Sway News Media”.

Evan Hill (@evanchill) tweeted at 3:28 PM on Fri, Oct 04, 2013: Leaked Sisi tape about cajoling/recruiting Egypt's private media empires helps confirm what a lot of people thought http://t.co/rgf5P39YKC

According to an army official, 1055 Gaza tunnels have been destroyed since January 2011, 794 of which in this year alone. 

One army conscript is killed and another two injured in a drive-by shooting targeting a military Armed Personnel Carrier (APC) on the highway connecting Cairo to the Suez Canal city of Ismailia. 

Nervana Mahmoud ‏@Nervana_1 4:06 PM - 4 Oct 13: Fighting erupts in Suez, Egypt, between opposing protesters, source tells@AJELive http://bit.ly/16ngVRm 

Authorities block entrances to Tahrir Square ahead of expected protests.

State television announces that Tahrir Square and the Ittihadeya Presidential Palace's vicinity will be sealed off until 4PM on October 5.

H.A. Hellyer  د. إتش (@hahellyer) tweeted at 5:37 PM on Fri, Oct 04, 2013: Intriguing how the idea people should be able to protest peacefully without fear is always, regardless who is in power, in dispute. #Egypt

Reuters - Defying a crackdown, thousands of supporters of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood march toward the site of their former protest camp that was crushed by security forces in August.

Ahmed Kadry ‏@AhmedKadry 3:55 PM - 4 Oct 13: I just do not understand the strategy of the Muslim Brotherhood. I respect everyone's right to protest, but where is the strategy? #Egypt.

Rena Netjes ‏@RenaNetjes 4:05 PM - 4 Oct 13: AlJazeera footage: Protest near Rabaa is big, chanting loud, right in front the military line. A fence with barbed wire between them.

Deadly clashes erupt between pro- and anti-Morsi supporters in Zeitoun and Manial (Cairo), leaving 4 dead. Three people are injured in clashes in Mahalla. Clashes also erupt between residents and pro-Morsi protestors in Dawaran Shubra – Cairo. Supposed Brotherhood supporters are detained in Alexandria following clashes.

Erin Cunningham ‏@erinmcunningham 3:42 PM - 4 Oct 13: Based on reports, looks like there are clashes/gunfire/tear gas in Agouza, Dokki and Qasr al-Ainy. #Cairo

Jonathan Rashad ‏@JonathanRashad 4:06 PM - 4 Oct 13: Pro-Morsi march passing now through Malek Saleh bridge. Skirmishes been going on between them & Manial residents over past two hours. #Egypt

marwa sabry ‏@marwasabry29 4:10 PM - 4 Oct 13: @RenaNetjes they are shooting peaceful protesters in EL kasr el aini .st

Ibrahim el-Houdaiby in “A Nonviolent Muslim Brotherhood?” concludes:

“But as the organization recovers from the current crisis, it will adopt strong positions against violence. Some members, therefore, will be forced to leave the group once they publicly turn violent, while others will not inform their leaders of their intentions. Young Islamists forced out of the Brotherhood are more likely to not work through existing Islamist organizations. Critical of the inabilities of institutionalized groups and fighting a dual battle for Islam and of revenge for the loss of their loved ones, these activists will perform their “sacred mission” alone. This new wave of terrorism will capitalize on the technological boom that makes knowledge of explosives only a click away. Egypt’s regime has been successful in preempting such attacks so far, but the underground and individual nature of these activities undermines the possibility of dealing with them using security measures alone. In the current context of unconditional exclusion, this risk of violence will be on the rise.”

Former spokesman for the National Salvation Front (NSF) and spokesman of for the Constitution Party, Khaled Daoud, is stabbed in downtown Cairo by 'pro-Morsi protesters', according to his party's official Facebook page.

Ramy Yaacoub (@RamyYaacoub) tweeted at 5:22 PM on Fri, Oct 04, 2013:
Terrible news MT @ElFoulio Former NSF spokesman Khaled Dawood stabbed in Abu El Rish according to Ahram, & in hospital receiving treatment.

Podrasky writes about “Higher Education in post-Morsi Egypt”:

“In the first free student union elections since Mubarak’s ouster, held last March, secular and independent party candidates wrested control of the unions from Islamist groups who had dominated these bodies in most of Egypt’s 18 public universities.

Additionally, the Tamarrod campaign, which ultimately led to Morsi’s removal from office, was able to effectively use campuses to organize and collect signatures from many of the country’s 2.5 million students.

Many of these young people, who continue to clash with each other and the police, are the very same protesters who either called for Morsi to step down in June, or demanded his return in July and August.”

Omar Robert Hamilton writes about the two detained Canadian nationals in “Freedom for John and Tarek”:

“John and Tarek’s case is not exceptional. There are thousands of Egyptians who do not have international petitions calling for their release. Injustice runs deep here. But John and Tarek did not come to Egypt for our politics – they were simply passing through. Are they being made an example of? Are they being punished in order to dissuade other activists from trying to get to Gaza? Since John and Tarek were arrested the Egyptian army has been bulldozing houses and trees and flooding tunnels to create a ‘buffer zone’ between Egypt and Gaza. This act of solidarity has reinforced the army’s position as Israel’s most trusted ally in the region. Is John and Tarek’s imprisonment a message to the world that Gaza is now well and truly closed? That the crack in the border we managed to open after the revolution is sealed?”

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

Amnesty InternationalEgypt must not return refugees to Syria

 

October 5

Interim President, Adly Mansour, asks Egyptians to celebrate October 6 and support the armed forces by taking to the streets on Sunday. The Ministry of Interior warns against 'spoiling' the Armed Forces Day celebrations and says it will respond decisively to any breaking of the law or violence by Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Tahrir Square and Ittihadiya areas are closed for celebrations. “Students against the Coup” stage the first demonstration in Rabaa since the sit-in was cleared in August.

Clashes erupt in Cairo between pro- and anti-Morsi protestors and security forces.

Zeinobia (@Zeinobia) tweeted at 11:10 AM on Sat, Oct 05, 2013:
How the #Oct73 war Anniversary is ruined for me in #2013 ? | #Egypt #MB #Egyarmy #ElSisi http://t.co/geumdxiy3J

Anti-Coup Alliance ‏@EgyAntiCoup 8:49 PM - 5 Oct 13: Confirmed reports of banners being put up in celebration of tomorrow with the #Oct6 army on 1side +#Sisi face on the other. #AntiCoup #irony

Aswat Masriya: In a speech to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the October 6 War, Interim President Adly Mansour says the country will soon begin implementing a nuclear-energy project in North-West Egypt for peaceful use.

Maged Butter ‏@MagButter 7:28 PM - 5 Oct 13: Solar energy is infinite, nuclear & fossil fuels are not. Say NO to nuclear energy in Egypt. #No2NuclearEgypt

Hussein Haridy writes “6 October War: Bygone days of glory”:

“Going to war in October 1973 was a necessity for Egypt. There was no other way to take back Sinai. But this hard-headed realism didn't last into the years that followed the 1973 victory.”

Authorities arrest six people for allegedly being involved in the attack on the security checkpoint on the Ismailia-Cairo Road on October 4.

Samy El ‏@SamyElgo 10:02 AM - 5 Oct 13: Egyptian intelligence arrests officers involved in Al-Sisi's leaked video scandalhttp://shar.es/KS3G8  via @middleeastmnt #Egypt #AntiCoup

The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) – the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing – condemn a knife attack on Constitution Party's spokesman, Khaled Dawoud, one of the Brotherhood's critics. El Baradei also condemns the assault.

Suspect, Mohamed Abdel Ghany (20), is arrested and detained for 15 days pending investigations.

Mohamed El-Menshawy in “The Cairo elite and the tyranny of the state” concludes with a strong statement:

“The January 25 Revolution did not rise up only to overthrow former president Hosni Mubarak. Its goal was to change the way of thinking and the behaviour of society in general. The more important change, however, is replacing the Cairo elite with an elite from outside the capital. There is no hope for a free and progressive Egypt as long as the parasitic Cairo elite continue to suffocate the potential of Egyptians elsewhere in the country.”

Samer Al-Atrush ‏@SameralAtrush 1:23 PM - 5 Oct 13: So the dissident group that helped overthrow Morsi wants military trials for civilians and Sisi for pres? Anything else?

Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) tweeted at 10:55 AM on Sat, Oct 05, 2013:
[email protected]: "western journalists and opinion makers" should stand against Egypt coup despite their governments' support for it #iwf2013

Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) tweeted at 10:57 AM on Sat, Oct 05, 2013:
[email protected] says policy response in Euro capitals to Egypt coup driven in part by deep "hatred" of political Islam.

Sinai journalist, Ahmed Abo Deraa, is released on bail after being arrested on September 5 and accused of publishing false news about military operations.

Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) tweeted at 11:09 AM on Sat, Oct 05, 2013:
Ahram: Ismailia military court hands #Sinai journalist Ahmed Abou Deraa 6-month suspended prison sentence, fines him 2,000 EGP (280$)

Coptic Pope Tawadros II pays his first visit to Al-Azhar to extend good wishes to the Grand Imam, Ahmed El-Tayeb, as the Muslim feast - Eid El-Adha - approaches.

Mina Fayek ‏@minafayek 10:01 PM - 5 Oct 13: Pope Tawadros confirms church bells ringing tomorrow at 2:05 PM in celebration of#Oct6 anniversary. http://www.almasryalyoum.com/node/2181441 

Nancy A. Youssef writes “Egypt’s ‘revolution’ is over as people accept imposition of military rule” and concludes with a quote from a taxi driver:

“Protesting won’t feed us. We want to eat. It seems that there is no hope in this country. People died and lost their eyes in 25th of January (2011) and still nothing had changed,” said Ahmed El Sebaai, 38, a taxi driver. “Once hunger reaches real Egyptians like me, a hunger revolution will take place.”

 

October 6

The Muslim Brotherhood and the Freedom & Justice Party (FJP) call for protests to denounce the coup.

Bel Trew - بل ترو ‏@Beltrew 2:03 PM - 6 Oct 13:"The people demand that [armed forces chief] Sisi be the (sacrificial) sheep for Eid" on pro Morsi march in Giza pic.twitter.com/bomY1w8DUe

More people sign the petition, including the Governor of Kafr El Sheikh, “Complete your Favour” urging General Abdel Fattah El Sisi to run for president.

General Abdel Fattah El Sisi vows to ‘continue fighting terrorism’ in his speech to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the war against Israel.

Ahmed Ateyya  (@Ateyya) tweeted at 10:39 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: And the amount of sexual innuendos from pro and anti mil. commentary on today's festival is worth a study #sexual_tension

Sarah El Sirgany ‏@Ssirgany 10:02 AM - 6 Oct 13: Stage set outside Maspero, and people flocked to get Sisi posters.#oct6anniversary http://instagram.com/p/fHkoK2NAom/

Ahmed Ateyya  (@Ateyya) tweeted at 10:32 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: "Egypt is as big as the world," this meaningless quote has become the slogan of the current wave of chauvinism!

bomb is defused near Cairo's Tahrir Square where protests are planned to take place.

Shadi Hamid (@shadihamid) tweeted at 0:13 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: To get into Tahrir Sq, you apparently need to go through metal detectors now:https://t.co/hW9b7yFEiu #Egypt #Oct6

State news agency reports that Egyptian border guards confiscate explosive devices on the Rafah Border with Gaza. A police officer is shot dead in Al-Arish, northern Sinai.   

Egyptian interim President Adly Mansour says the US has grown more 'understating' of Morsi's ouster, and the EU is supportive of the roadmap.

Evan Hill (@evanchill) tweeted at 10:45 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: [email protected] argues that mil aid to Egypt actually does make a difference and should be suspended http://t.co/es63iqYwTV

Mina Fayek (@minafayek) tweeted at 10:45 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: If Sisi is Antichrist then Morsi likely to be Christ & we should all repent bcos Morsi's ouster marked the End of the Days, my friends. #meh

Jano Charbel  (@JanoCharbel) tweeted at 10:31 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013: How much longer will #MB leaders use supporters as cannon-fodder? How much longer will #SCAF & #EgyPolice be allowed to kill with impunity?

According to the Ministry of Interior, 423 are arrested in Cairo and Giza during clashes between supporters and opponents of deposed President Morsi.

According to a health ministry official, at least 15 people were killed and 83 were wounded in clashes today.

Adam Ramsey آدم رمزي (@aporamsey) tweeted at 2:15 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013:
People in side streets attacked with excessive teargas and khartoush. Jesus Christ #Oct6

Mosa'ab Elshamy (@mosaaberizing) tweeted at 7:56 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013:
Fearless kid at today's clashes with quite the pose http://t.co/R97q7t4mRQ

Jonathan Moremi (@jonamorem) tweeted at 10:38 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013:
A never ending celebration of a military event 40 years ago while outside in the morgues #Egypt is once again counting the dead. Happy #6Oct 

Adam Ramsey آدم رمزي (@aporamsey) tweeted at 10:38 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013:
Hey everyone! I'm out of Dokki Prison, thanks for all the support. Im very touched. But seriously...الدخليه بلطاجيه

Dalia Ezzat (@DaliaEzzat_) tweeted at 10:40 PM on Sun, Oct 06, 2013:
Someone should blog about today's celebrations with GIFs not words. Some of the sights today cannot be explained in words. #Oct6 #Egypt

Two Canadian nationals, Tarek Loubani and John Greyson, are released from detention after being held since August 16.

Laura Dean comments on the treatment of Syrians post-Morsi Egypt in “The Unluckiest People on Earth – Syrian refugees thought Egypt would be safe. They were wrong.”

Mostafa Salem writes about the Minister of Manpower, Kamal Abu Eita, visit to France to take part in the Arab-Mediterranean Policy Leaders Forum in “Training and Edication will fight unemployment: Kamal Abu Eita

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights condemns the assault on Khaled Daoud

 

October 7

For those wondering what the October 6th celebrations are for and the role of the Muslim Brotherhood back then, Steven A. Cook gives a brief history in “Hero of the Crossing? Anwar Sadat Reconsidered

According to State media, yesterday’s clashes resulted in 53 deaths and 271 injured mainly in Cairo and Giza, as well as Beni Suef and Delga. According to a medical source, all but two casualties at Zeinhom morgue were shot with live ammunition.

Dina Ezzat in “The 1952 precedent: Egypt and military rule” concludes:

"Military rule has been here since 1952, and the 1973 war only accentuated an existing fact. However, we need to consider today whether this situation has been favourable to the interests of a country that is facing serious socio-economic challenges."

Ahmed Ateyya ‏@Ateyya 6:12 PM - 7 Oct 13: We are way beyond the coup- not coup debate- massacre- not massacre debate. Many Egyptians are blatant: yes, we want a military dictatorship

Wael Nawara comments on recent events in “Dancing Among the Dead in Egypt” and concludes:

“As the Muslim Brotherhood rejects dialogue or compromise before Morsi’s reinstatement, these clashes will recur and more deaths will take place. Egyptians, at least for now, seem to have adjusted their psyches to accept this intermittent bloody reality. Life goes on as the death count becomes a relative measure to judge how bad the day has been.”

Yąsmine Khalifa ‏@jazkhalifa 5:16 PM - 7 Oct 13: Triple attacks in #Egypt monday morning following day of clasheshttp://english.ahram.org.eg/News/83405.aspx  #Maadi #SouthSinai #Suez

Two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) are launched at the main satellite station in Cairo’s quiet suburb of Maadi, where a number of expats and foreign residents reside. Security officials report two injuries. This video of the attack emerged on YouTube.

Six Egyptian soldiers are killed near the Suez Canal. And two people are killed and 48 injured in a car bomb explosion in Tour – South Sinai.

Cairo airport declares state of emergency after the attacks.

Charles Lister ‏@Charles_Lister 11:33 AM - 7 Oct 13: No doubt about it, #Egypt militancy is escalating. 10 IEDs defused in #Cairoover wknd, car bomb in #Sinai & RPG attack in Cairo this AM etc

آدم مكاري ‏@adamakary 12:18 PM - 7 Oct 13: Two RPG rockets fired on the satellite HQs in #Maadi early this morning put a 25cm hole in the international communication dish. #Egyp

Nadine Marroushi writes about the “Dark Clouds Over the Sinai – The military’s brutal North Sinai campaign is targeting civilians and militants alike”:

“State-run newspapers have reported that Sinai’s tribes, sheikhs, and locals have welcomed the military’s widening campaign. But there is little evidence of it on the ground. People in attacked villages and towns, including those sympathetic to the military, complain that it is conducting its war indiscriminately, not differentiating between civilians and militants.”  

Egypt's Pro-Morsi coalition – the National Alliance to Support Legitimacy renews its calls for marches to Tahrir Square on Friday to protest following deadly clashes on Sunday between security forces and protesters.

In his first interview with a local newspaper, General Commander of the Armed Forces Abdel Fattah El Sisi refutes suggestions that the army was not supportive of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, insisting the ousted president was frequently advised to be more inclusive.

Mada Masr ‏@MadaMasr 9:20 PM - 7 Oct 13: In rare interview, Sisi adds up Morsi’s misstepshttp://www.madamasr.com/content/rare-interview-sisi-adds-morsi%E2%80%99s-missteps …

Galal ‏@GalalAmrG 2:38 PM - 7 Oct 13: Sisi: I told Morsi last February 'Your (plural) project is over. People reject your regime like no other ex-regime after 8 months'. #Egypt

Hany Rasmy ‏@hany2m 7:08 PM - 7 Oct 13: Gen. Sisi: Mursi’s ouster saved #Egypt from civil war - http://bit.ly/16txgEk 

Mada Masr ‏@MadaMasr 10:40 AM - 7 Oct 13: Popular campaigns call on Sisi to run for presidency; but will he do it? -by@omar_halawa http://www.madamasr.com/content/general-come-back …

David D. KirkPatrick writes “Egyptian Attacks Are Escalating Amid Stalemate”:

"Leaders and supporters of the Brotherhood have said repeatedly for weeks that they have no choice but to continue their street protests regardless of the odds, because the new government has so far shown every intention of suppressing Egyptian democracy as well as their movement."

Egypt requests Interpol to arrest the Muslim Brotherhood’s Deputy Supreme Guide Mahmoud Ezzat.

Egypt's Lawsuit Authority will not appeal ban on the Muslim Brotherhood or NGO the same say the State Commissioners Authority, a body that advises the government on legal issues, recommends the dissolution of the Freedom and Justice party (FJP) - the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood. And the Brotherhood challenges a court verdict that seized the groups’ funds.

Dalia Ezzat ‏@DaliaEzzat_ 8:18 PM - 7 Oct 13: #PT a good summary of the new restrictions by the endowments ministry +potential consequences http://bit.ly/1ag5Iku  h/t @arabist

According to this article, detained Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood supporters are being subjected to torture in a UAE prison.

Dalia Ezzat ‏@DaliaEzzat_ 7:29 PM - 7 Oct 13: "The stupidity of the Brotherhood and their allies should not blind us to the crimes being committed against them" https://www.facebook.com/ahdafsoueif/posts/402110669918198 …

H.A. Hellyer in his latest piece “Egypt’s revolutionaries: what do they stand for?” states:

“It seems that members of the revolutionary camp are waiting for some sort of political opening, after which they will be able to play a role. Almost subconsciously they seem to realise that as long as this political conflict between the Muslim Brotherhood and the military is ongoing, there will be little room for the revolutionaries to achieve anything concrete. They won’t ally with either of those factions, but they have also not developed a strategy to ensure that if and when the public arena does eventually open up that they will be in the best position to encourage positive change.”

Reuters - The government plans to establish an industrial hub in southern Egypt, one of the poorest and traditionally most neglected regions of the country, to capitalize on the area's mineral resources and potential for tourism.

Mohamed Salmawy, spokesman for the 50-member constitutional committee, says that changes to the 2012 constitution will be finalised before the Islamic feast next week.

Namira Negm comments on the speeches delivered by regional leaders at the UNGA in “The balance of power and WMDs in the Middle East”. She poses the question “Will establishing a zone free from WMD in the region remain a mirage for long?”

Aswat Masriya: Women's initiative launches "We will ride bicycles" campaign to confront sexual harassment in the streets and public transportation.

The two Canadian nationals, John Greyson and Tarek Loubani, face travel ban after being released from detention where they were held since August 16.

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): EOHR demands the Egyptian government to devise effective plans to eradicate terrorism 

Demands the formation of an independent commission to investigate the violent incidents that took place yesterday

 

October 8

Ziad Bahaa el-Din, deputy prime minister for economic affairs, announces that Gulf States are ready to invest in Egypt State projects.

Sherifa Zuhur (@SherifaZuhur) tweeted at 10:03 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: #Egypt business: Canada blocks Sawaris' purchase of network http://t.co/Fo4kgBRwJN 

Reuters - Egypt may install security cameras at tourist sites to deter militants from targeting visitors, according to the Interior Ministry spokesman, just hours after suspected Islamists mounted another fatal attack on police.

An Egyptian soldier is killed in Port Said.

Pro-Morsi students continue protests at universities. At least 12 students are wounded in Zagazig.

Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) tweeted at 10:57 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: Video Links to Sunday, #Oct6 #Anti-Coup Main Events Across #Egypt - Ikhwanwebhttp://t.co/kaOAJDgcgi

A group called Kata'ib al-Furqan claim responsibility for the RPG attack in Cairo's suberb of Maadi yesterday.

Shadi Hamid (@shadihamid) tweeted at 0:55 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: Yesterday, there was a grenade attack in elite Cairo suburb of Maadi, suggesting the violence may spread to urban centers. #Egypt #pt

Sarah Carr in “History reconstructed: Rival realities in Egypt” comments on the “celebrations” that took place on October 6:

“These were celebrations that made no sense if history is examined in a linear and logical fashion, because what has Egypt’s 1973 victory got to do either with current events or with star of the show, Sisi, who was a teenager at the time of the war? And what has defeat of the Zionist entity got to do with a war on domestic terrorism? The explanation goes beyond any excuse for barrel thumping jingoism and a large street party. This was about anchoring events since June 30 to something solid and in the process giving them a legitimacy and indisputability that they otherwise might not have been afforded.”

Ahmed Ateyya  (@Ateyya) tweeted at 10:05 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: Fact: the enormous backwardness of Egypt (failed economy, education, health system, harassment, etx..) wont go away if MB disappeared!

Mai Shams El Din sheds light on a protest that took place inside Cairo's Coptic Cathedral last week against their representative in the 50-member committee responsible for drafting the constitution, in "Relationship between Church and State brought into question".

A number of political forces plan to commemorate the Maspero Massacre that took place in front of Cairo’s main television broadcasting building 2011. Peaceful protestors, predominantly Coptic Christians, had gathered to stage a sit-in and were attacked by security forces and the army, resulting in 28 deaths and over 200 injuries.

إشهد | Eshhad  (@SectarianAttack) tweeted at 11:01 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013:
On October 9, 2011 at least 28 Egyptian Christians were killed at the hands of the #EgyMilitary in the #Maspero Massacre.

H.A. Hellyer in his latest piece “The politics of remembering death” comments on what took place two years ago in front of Maspero and where the country is today.

Sherifa Zuhur (@SherifaZuhur) tweeted at 10:00 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: Impossible not to have dead with bombs going off & armed protesters but yes to memories  #Egypt http://t.co/OtpuVn2QUA

Louisa Loveluck (@leloveluck) tweeted at 9:57 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: Also worth checking out @MosaabElshamy's excellent photographs from #6Oct clashes and celebrations: http://t.co/mAPJ8X95ET #Egypt via @Vice.

Ishaan Tharoor (@ishaantharoor) tweeted at 10:45 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: In @TIMEWorld, @ashrafkhalil on the two Egypts (and we're not talking about Upper and Lower) http://t.co/BTmaabBo4a

Interim President Adly Mansour, on his first international trip, heads to Jordan after a one-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was the first country to congratulate Egypt on Morsi’s ouster and Egypt has received billions in aid since. 

Madamasr: Government starts implementing Muslim Brotherhood ban

"Many observers believe that such a step reveals that reconciliation efforts between the state and Brotherhood are going badly, while prominent Brotherhood leader Mohamed Ali Bishr told privately owned daily Al-Masry Al-Youm that there are no such negotiations happening.

“No one has offered to open direct talks with the military. However we have certain conditions and terms, such as that it must stop security raids against Islamists and get [ousted President Mohamed] Morsi back into power,” he said."

Anti-Coup Alliance (@EgyAntiCoup) tweeted at 10:07 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: We warn all financial institutions & economic organizations not to deal with an illegitimate government that does not represent it's people.

Anti-Coup Alliance (@EgyAntiCoup) tweeted at 10:11 PM on Tue, Oct 08, 2013: We emphasize that procedures or decisions made by the #coup gov are void in form and content, and any consequences thereof are also void.

The US names the Muhammad Jamal Network and its founder as “specially designated global terrorists” for allegedly setting up camps in Egypt and Libya to train suicide bombers and for supposed links with Al Qaeda.

Tamarod (Rebel) Movement is planning on participating in parliamentary elections.

A panel formed by interim cabinet to handle the Muslim Brotherhood's frozen assets orders the seizing of the Islamist group's funds.

Ghana Football Association submits official request for second leg of World Cup playoff to be played outside Egypt due to security concerns.

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): Civil Society Associations discuss the draft law of associations at the Ministry of Social Solidarity

 

See ‘related articles’ for openDemocracy highlights. 

Our next Egypt in the balance update will be published in the week of Monday, October 14, 2013.

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