ABSTRACT
It is 19th July 2013 and Cairo feels calmer, more enlivened and people are commenting frequently we ‘have had a very dark year’, the relief is almost palpable. Egypt is in a state of transition following the massive protests against the Muslim Brotherhood who have been in power for the last year. Tahrir Midan was once again full of protestors (about 3 million daily) and widespread demonstrations were held across Egypt. The opposition movement – Tamarod (Rebel or even Revolt in English) called for protests on June 30th to mark the first anniversary of the election of Mohammed Morsi. The opposition movements were clear and robust in their call for mass protests and that June 30th was to mark the end of the Muslim Brotherhood rule. The overarching opposition movement – Rebel – were resolute, well organised and determined. They had collected petitions calling for the Muslim Brotherhood to stand down from power (over 25 million people signed) and they were, and remain, determined to fight for a fair Egyptian society based on equality and social justice. Their demands centre on employment, education, housing and economic recovery alongside democracy, full social and political rights for all (including Christians and women). Needless to say that there were protests, and these continue, from members of the Muslim Brotherhood who fill the area outside Cairo University and a square in Nasr City (a suburb of Cairo that is loyal to the Muslim Brotherhood) and protests persist outside the American Embassy. Their protests are not confined to Cairo but are occurring across Egypt. It is unclear quite how much support the Muslim Brotherhood enjoys at present (estimates place the figure at 20,000 while the Muslim Brotherhood claims a much higher figure and widespread support). These demonstrations from members of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafi movement persist and there is no sign, whatsoever, that either the protests or the aggression will cease at this present time (July 2013).
