Clinton’s calls for democracy fall flat in Egypt
It came only hours after US secretary of state Hillary Clinton urged him to work with Egypt’s elected Islamist leaders.
Clinton’s visit to Egypt underscored the difficulty Washington faces in trying to wield its influence amid the country’s stormy post- Hosni Mubarak power struggles.
Mohammed Morsi, an Islamist and Brotherhood figure, was sworn in two weeks ago as Egypt’s first democratically elected president.
On Jun 30, led by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the military handed over power to him after ruling Egypt for 16 months.
However, it dissolved the Brotherhood-led parliament and stripped Morsi of significant powers in the days before his inauguration.
It retained overwhelming authorities for itself, including legislative power and control of the writing of a new constitution.
The US is in a difficult spot when it comes to dealing with post-Mubarak Egypt — eager to be seen as a champion of democracy and human rights after three decades of close ties with the ousted leader despite his abysmal record in advancing either.
This has involved some uncomfortable changes, including occasional criticism of the US’s longtime faithful partners in Egypt’s military as it grabs more power and words of support for Islamist parties far more sceptical of US intentions in Egypt and the rest of the Middle East.
That has fuelled accusations among some Egyptians who back the military or oppose Islamists that Washington is promoting the rise of the Brotherhood to power.
Protesters chanting against the US have sprung up at several sites where Clinton visited at the weekend.
Yesterday, protesters threw tomatoes, water bottles and shoes at her motorcade as she left a ceremony marking the opening of a new US consulate in the city of Alexandria.
Some chanted ‘Monica, Monica’ at her, in reference to Monica Lewinsky.
At the ceremony, Clinton denied the US supports any particular party. She also called for religious tolerance and respect of minorities in the new Egypt — a major concern among Christians, women and secular liberals who fear restrictions if the fundamentalist Brotherhood wields power.
“Democracy is not just about reflecting the will of the majority,” she said. “It is also about protecting the rights of the minority.”
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Health Ministry said yesteday that 10 people were killed when an apartment tower under construction collapsed on adjacent buildings in Alexandria.
The ministry said five other people were injured and that search teams are searching for survivors.
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