Move for another revolution surfaces in Egypt

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Members of the Egyptian air force join an international exercise

WASHINGTON – Egyptians, along with the rest of the world, are waiting to find out what will be the result of what's being called the "unfinished revolution" – as the military force that toppled the regime of longtime President Hosni Mubarak and took power waffles on its promises and direction, according to a report from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

It appears that the revolution could end up turning the once West-friendly nation into a radical Islamic regime that would abrogate its treaty with neighboring Israel, or it could simply become another Middle East military dictatorship willing to accommodate international priorities for a price.

Or it could face another uprising.

When the army removed Mubarak back in January, the military through its 24-member Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, took over, promising parliamentary and presidential elections after a short time of military rule.

Ironically, those members of the SCAF who removed Mubarak had been handpicked by him, including its chief, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, who is acting as the de facto head of state.

The SCAF claims that it acted on behalf of the demonstrators who demanded Mubarak's removal.

However, regional sources are beginning to think that their motivation was more to rescue the regime from impending collapse rather than support the revolution with its major demands.

At the time of Mubarak's ouster, the military in assuming control of the country promised a civilian government within six months. But more than seven months have passed and the promised parliamentary elections now aren't supposed to happen until next year. Presidential elections are to take place in 2013.

One indication the military is backpedaling on its commitment is the extent to which thousands of people – including activists – continue to be detained and tortured.

One such individual is Alaa Abdel-Fattah, an activist who had a letter smuggled out and published in the local media. It describes how his imprisonment now is just like his arrest was under Mubarak.

He was detained allegedly for instigating a violent protest by Christians. However, video of the event shows troops driving into and shooting at unarmed demonstrators.

As sources point out, it is difficult for the military to give up 60 years of control and turn over the government to a civilian entity knowing that it will mean a lessening of their power and authority.

Ever since it was apparent elections were not imminent, the concern that the military actually doesn't want to give up its power has been reinforced by the sudden appearance of posters with "Tantawi for president" in the streets of Cairo.

To the general population, this development only confirms fears that the military is just playing games and has no intention of relinquishing power in spite of SCAF's repeated reassurances to the contrary.

This development in turn has prompted the Islamists to threaten an all-out confrontation with the army if they don't follow through with its promises.

Increasingly, the Brotherhood has been publicly condemning the SCAF and calling on Egyptians to oppose the continued state of emergency under which the country continues to live.

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