How the times change: two years ago, the victorious, resurgent, and US-supported, Muslim Brotherhood seemed unstoppable and was literally and metaphorically wiping out all obstacles in its way to the top, often times violently. Today, it is on the receiving end with the Egyptian military having somewhat curiously flipped its allegiance in a matter of days culminating with the overthrow of the "democratically elected" president Mursi in a largely bloodless coup over the past week. The video below from Al Arabiya shows how yesterday's winner can easily become today's recipient of mob scorn, not to mention punches. A far bigger question is just how will the "brotherhood" take its dramatic overthrow from power: quietly, with the occasional flaring of anger as the nation peacefully recovers from its second coup in two years, or with ever escalating protests that eventually morph into constant civil strife and/or all out civil war.
Full video after the jump:
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More [2]:
Clashes have been reported between Egyptian military forces and supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi near a sit-in for Muslim Brotherhood’s supporters in Giza south west Cairo, Al Arabiya’s correspondent said.
Meanwhile, a security source told Al Arabiya that the military is sending 25 armored vehicles to Zagazig, the capital of the governorate of Sharqia.
The news comes after an Islamist coalition led by the Brotherhood called on people across the nation to protest in a “Friday of Rejection” following weekly prayers, an early test of Mursi's ongoing support and how the military will deal with it.
Mursi’s removal after a year in office marked another twist in the turmoil that has gripped the Arab world’s most populous country in the two years since the fall of Hosni Mubarak.
Army intervention was backed by millions of Egyptians, including liberal leaders and religious figures who expect new elections under a revised set of rules.
How long until the vagaries of flip flops on the ground (and well funded offshore bank accounts) shift the aliegiance of the military once more and those being beaten up on the clip above are the ones doing the beating?