Shortly after his nomination as interim prime minister, Beblawi already speaks about forming a new cabinet for Egypt that might include Brotherhood figures as well. The new government should be formed by Sunday, Beblawi said.
Yet the inclusion of any Brotherhood politicians is hardly possible. In the light of the past events, this is much more a gesture and a show-off of the goodwill and inclusive nature of the newly forming government than a real intention, given the arrests of and warrants for various leading figures and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood rejected the offer of Beblawi to take part in the new interim government, and demanded the reinstatement of Mursi, while protesting against what they vigorously call a “bloody military coup”.
Although Beblawi is still considering the best participants for his government, he is under pressure that hastens a bit the procedure, as a very quick power transfer from military to civilian rule is expected from him and necessary to keep up the image of democracy without further hindering the ongoing transition process.
Yet the government and Beblawi himself is military-backed, and as long as he and his cabinet enjoys the support of the army, they are unlikely to be overthrown the way Mursi was overthrown, who considered and implemented a few measures that apparently hurt the economic and political interests of army figures.
Meanwhile, while Egypt’s interim leaders talk about democracy, they continue to crack down on the Muslim Brotherhood, issuing further arrest warrants and not entirely refraining from violence. Several leaders have already been thrown to prison, and supporters are also oppressed on the streets.
Internationally, the US was careful not to say anything precise about the Egyptian situation. The administration didn’t welcome the overthrow of Mursi, but neither did it label it as a military coup. News confirm that arms deals between the US and Egypt will not cease, and the States are ready to sell more F-16-s to Egypt in the following period.
Moreover, news speak about secret – or less secret – US financial aid to those groups that have protested against Mursi. Although some would confirm that the US have already been actively supporting groups working to further democracy, the protests against and removal of a democratically chosen, yet religiously oriented, government can hardly be called a democratic move. Therefore this monetary support only reinforced the views that claim the US supports not democracy, but solely his interests in the region.
Other countries are similarly cautious in speaking about the Egyptian situation, if they do so. Mostly, the international community is waiting for something to turn out of this turmoil.
