Coptic Priest Gunned Down in Egypt, Christian Villages Attacked
Assyrian International News Agency

http://www.aina.org/news/20130706133116.htm
(AINA) -- This morning masked men gunned down Father Mina Cheroubim, pastor of the Coptic Orthodox church, as he left his church building in el-Arish North Sinai, 344 kilometers northeast of Cairo. Yesterday Muslims attacked Coptic inhabitants in the village of Nag Hassan, Dabayaa, in Luxor province. This attack was prompted by news that allegedly four Copts killed 45-year-old Muslim H. Hefny, whose body was found near the river. The attack killed four and wounded three. 16 homes and shops were torched, including the home of a Coptic family who are accused of being involved in the killing of the Muslim man. Police and ambulances were sent to the village as hundreds of scared Coptic inhabitants left the village. One of the villagers said that the dead Muslim was not killed by Copts but by Muslims in order to cause sedition and force Christians to leave the village.
Muslims have continued terrorizing Christians. On July 3rd, in the village of Delga in Deir Mawas, Minya Province, which has a population over 65,000, the services building of the Coptic Catholic Church of St. Georges was looted and torched, and the El-Saleh Church in Delga was heavily fired at. The villagers had their homes and businesses looted and torched. Most of the Copts, the majority in Delga, left their homes in fear. Two Christians were wounded from the fires.Rev. Ayub Saleh, pastor of Delga Catholic Church, who was smuggled out across rooftops by the neighbors, said that supporters of former President Morsy are engaged in continuous and unprecedented harassment of Copts. He said that a number of those people broke into the homes of Christians at gunpoint, terrorizing women, children and seizing gold jewelry and furniture. He contacted security forces, pleading for help. Witnesses said security arrived next morning. "Every Coptic home they loot, they torch afterwards -- Muslim homes are spared," said a village Copt to activist Mariam Ragy in an aired interview. "Most Copts are outside of the village, not knowing whether their homes are still there or looted and torched." He said that Muslims walk normally in the streets, they just go to Christian homes and take what they want." He said the situation and persecution of the Copts is still the same, before and after the 30th June Revolution, as it is now dubbed.
By Mary Abdelmassih
Copyright (C) 2013, Assyrian International News Agency. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use.

Saudi Banks to Cooperate in Monitoring Money of Hizbullah-Affiliated Members
Naharnet /Saudi banks expressed on Saturday readiness to cooperate with security agencies and hand over the bank accounts and transactions of the people affiliated with Hizbullah. The Gulf Cooperation Council officials had met in Riyadh on Thursday to coordinate sanctions in the six member states against Hizbullah over its support for the Syria regime. Despite that revealing bank accounts is considered prohibited, however the Saudi banks said they will cooperate “absolutely and unconditionally” with the Interior Ministry in this regards as the matter is related to the nation's highest interests and threatens the national security. The GCC's meeting on Thursday was "to develop mechanisms to monitor movements, financial transactions and business operations of Hizbullah," said Bahraini deputy interior minister Khaled al-Absi.
The GCC monarchies decided on June 10 to impose sanctions on Hizbullah, targeting residency permits and its financial and business activities in reprisal for the group's armed intervention in Syria.
Absi told reporters two expert teams will be formed: one to "coordinate with central banks" and the second to review "legal, administrative and financial matters" linked to the sanctions. Last month's measure was taken "after the discovery in GCC states of several terrorist cells linked to the group," said Absi. However, he did not say how many Hizbullah suspects would be affected by the sanctions or their estimated assets and financial and commercial operations in the region. The sanctions would be implemented "in coordination... with ministers of commerce and the central banks of the GCC," the council's Secretary General Abdullatif al-Zayani has said. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar expelled 18 Lebanese citizens from the gas-rich Gulf state on June 20.
An estimated 360,000 Lebanese work in the Gulf, remitting some $4 billion (three billion euros) annually. Lebanon has a population of just 4.1 million. A staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, of the Alawite sect of Shiite Islam, Hizbullah has backed him since protests erupted in March 2011, openly declaring its military involvement last month. The Sunni monarchies of the Gulf back the mostly Sunni rebels, and the GCC has warned that it might add Hizbullah to its list of terrorist groups.

Geagea on Egypt: Similar Democratic Change Will Spread to Arab World
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea noted that the Egyptian people were right in adopting democracy last year because it helped lead to the overthrow of the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood, reported the daily An Nahar Saturday. He predicted: “The democratic change in Egypt will spread to the rest of the Arab world and even Turkey.” “Opposing democracy is the greatest mistake one can commit,” he declared. This democratic change will reach Syria and depose President Bashar Assad, he remarked. Geagea added however that no one can predict the exact date of when he will be overthrown. The military deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi earlier this week after massive protests demanding his ouster. The Muslim Brotherhood accused the military of conducting a brazen coup against Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, after millions called for his ouster on the June 30 anniversary of his first turbulent year in power. The armed forces have already sworn in an interim president, however, and the newly appointed Adly Mansour issued his first decree on Friday, dissolving the Islamist-led parliament and appointing a new intelligence chief.

Jumblat Considers Political Situation 'Unsound,' Calls for Dialogue
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat described on Saturday the current political situation as “unsound,” stressing that the only way to resolve disputes is by dialogue. Sources close to Jumblat expressed the Druze leader's annoyance that a certain party decided to boycott the recent parliamentary session that Speaker Nabih Berri called for, in comments published in As Safir newspaper. The legislature was set to meet last Monday for three days but the March 14 alliance, the Change and Reform bloc and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati boycotted it, which forced Berri to postpone it to July 16. Concerning Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam's cabinet formation process, Jumblat delegated caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour to meet with President Michel Suleiman on Thursday night to discuss the formation of the government, The deadlock in the cabinet formation came against the backdrop of a dispute between Speaker Nabih Berri and Miqati, who has refused to attend a parliamentary session amid a resigned government. Berri postponed the three-day session to July 16 after March 14 and Miqati claimed that the speaker cannot ask parliament to convene to discuss not important issues amid a resigned cabinet. Jumblat also delegated caretaker Transportation and Public Works Minister Ghazi al-Aridi to meet with Berri, who in turn said that “nothing is looming in the horizon” concerning the formation of the government. The PSP leader hailed in comments published in As Safir Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri's exerted efforts to gap the bridge between the Lebanese foes. Jumblat considered that a meeting between Asiri and Aoun was “positive,” and indicates the “Saudi kingdom's keenness to maintain stability in Lebanon.”On Tuesday, Asiri held talks with Aoun in Rabieh, which was seen as an attempt to amend ties between the kingdom and the FPM leader.

Deputy head of the Higher Islamic Council, Mesqawi Calls for Disarming 'Chaos-Created Organizations'
Naharnet /Deputy head of the Higher Islamic Council Omar Mesqawi stated on Saturday that disarming the country's organizations “is the only way to get out of the current political situation in Lebanon.”
“Getting out of the current political situation can only be achieved through disarming factions and organizations that possess illegal weapons and that were created in the midst of chaos,” Mesqawi said after an extraordinary meeting of the HIC held in the southern city of Sidon, following June's clashes between armed supporters of Salafist cleric Ahmed al-Asir and the military institution. He added: “It can also be achieved through holding on to the state's security, judicial and social role for the sake of Lebanon and its religious coexistence.” Mesqawi blamed the state's “declining role” for Sidon's clashes, remarking that these events were “unsurprising in their reasons, aspects and statements.” "Only days before Sidon's battles, an armed clash took place and the state should have dealt with it in a strict and balanced manner without taking sides or allowing exceptions.”"But unfortunately, the state sufficed with the role of an observer,” he commented. Eighteen soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded in the fierce clashes in Sidon with gunmen loyal to al-Asir on June 23 and 24. Twenty members of Asir's armed group were also killed. “We call on the army and the judicial system to adopt a transparent and nationalistic approach in their pursuits and arrests.” Mesqawi stressed on the army and the security forces' role in safeguarding people's security “without any bias or lenience that could lead to the fragmentation of the state and its collapse.” "The so-called the Resistance Brigades is only a militia with known orientation and affiliation and its goal is to trigger strife in several Lebanese regions,” he said. “Parties supporting and organizing this illegal group should be questioned.”He also praised the “intensive, continuous and rapid efforts” exerted by Sidon's MPs, the municipality of Abra neighborhood and the city's residents. "These efforts contained the destructive consequences of these events,” he pointed out, urging the caretaker cabinet to “quickly” evaluate the damages and offer help and compensation to the affected families. The HIC also announced the formation of a committee of the council's members to follow-up on this case. “We also demand political leaders to quickly form a new cabinet as it could be a factor that serves stability and the conduct of the state's affairs.” Mesqawi explained after the talks that through continuing to play its role, the "HIC is emphasizing on the council and the Awqaf's legality."

Bkirki Delegation Tours Sidon: Extremists a Small Minority, Arms Can't Solve Problems
Naharnet /A delegation from the Maronite patriarchate that toured Sidon on Friday said exremists are only a "small minority" and that they pose a threat to both Christians and Muslims, as former premier Fouad Saniora lauded the Maronite bishops' latest statement that stressed the importance of the army's role in protecting all the Lebanese. "We met with the governor, the officials, the army and the religious leaders and we tell Sidon that what happened was something that the city did not want and it was not part of its spirit or of the Sidon we know," Bishop Boulos Sayyah, who was accompanied by two bishops, said after meeting with the city's dignitaries.
"We came to offer condolences to the army and to those who lost beloved ones and we urged compensations and aid to those affected by the Abra clashes," Sayyah added.
"We were pleased to see major reconstruction works in Sidon and the most important thing is the spirit that is being promoted by Sidon's figures and restoring the spirit of brotherhood," the bishop went on to say.
Eighteen army troops were killed in fierce clashes with supporters of Islamist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir in Sidon on June 23-24. At least 20 of Asir's supporters were also killed in the 24 hours of violence, which raised tensions throughout Lebanon and ended with the cleric on the run. “Problems cannot be solved through weapons but rather through dialogue and we reiterate our support for the army and we hope the army will protect everyone,” Sayyah stressed. “We must not say that extremism is the dominant current, as it is a small minority,” he added.
For his part, Saniora said after meeting the delegation: “We thank (Maronite) Patriarch (Beshara) al-Rahi for dispatching the bishops and it is a call for moderation, which is the trait of the city of Sidon, the city of coexistence.”“I laud the latest statement that was issued by the dignified bishops who stressed the importance of coexistence, this feature that was mentioned by the pope who described Lebanon as a message,” Saniora added.
“We salute what was mentioned in the statement about the importance of resorting to the state and we stressed the importance of the role of state institutions and the army, under the law and the constitution, in protecting all the Lebanese,” he went on to say.
Saniora noted that experiences have proved that “only the state can protect the citizen and that illegal arms -- as the bishops' statement mentioned -- will only justify the possession of illegal arms by other groups.”
He underlined that the state has the exclusive right to “possess and use weapons,” adding that the Lebanese “must realize that any dispute will only lead to the destruction of their country.”
“We appreciate the patriarch's dear initiative and God willing the coming days will carry progress in terms of mending the wounds and extending the exclusive authority of the state,” Saniora said.
“We are against all forms of extremism because it is not beneficial at all and we must put an end to this phenomenon and al-Asir was created by Hizbullah's extremism,” he pointed out.
The ex-PM added: “We are keen on the army, which must confront any attack on its troops or on citizens.”
“We demanded a transparent and fair probe into the deadly attack on the army and to determine who allowed Hizbullah to take part in the operation and human rights must be respected,” he said.
After talks with MP Bahia Hariri in Majdelyoun, Sayyah said: “Sidon will emerge stronger from the war and MP Hariri's remarks are encouraging.”
Earlier, Sayyah and the bishops visited a number of Sidon political and religious leaders, accompanied by Maronite Bishop of Sidon and Deir al-Qamar Elias Nassar and a number of governors and security officials.
During a meeting with South Lebanon Governor Nicola Abu Daher, Sayyah said: "Patriarch al-Rahi is giving this issue special attention and is always thinking of the tragedies that happened in this dear region, and he calls for dialogue and for resolving issues in a manner that can reconcile viewpoints," adding that "Sidon will overcome this tragedy the same as it had triumphed over the tragedies of the past."
Later on Friday, Sayyah met with Popular Nasserite Organization chief ex-MP Osama Saad. "We hope that problems will be solved through dialogue, as arms only lead to destruction and violence only breeds violence and we have confidence in ex-MP Saad's efforts," said Sayyah after the meeting.
"Sidon is the city of diversity and it represents together with the neighboring areas the same national position and the residents of Sidon and its surroundings are facing the same challenges," Saad said.
"The political forces and state authorities must take care of and protect the political and religious diversity in the Sidon region," he added. He called on the political forces to "realize the importance of diversity in Sidon," warning that "any behavior to the contrary would subject the city to grave threats." "The visit is aimed at backing this approach which is part of the city's national, humanitarian and ethical values and this city has always been a focal point for national unity and for confronting the challenges, especially those created by the Israeli enemy," Saad added. "It has also been at the center of people's causes and in its struggle for social justice, health care, education and job opportunities," he went on to say. Saad said Bkirki is "with us in backing the unity of the region's residents in the face of threats and challenges and for the sake of security, stability and prosperity." In its monthly statement on Wednesday, the Maronite Bishops council condemned the spread of illegal arms in Lebanon, saying that it will only create chaos in the country. “All armed groups must lay down their weapons in favor of official security forces,” said the statement.

Report: March 14 Participation in Extraordinary Parliament Session Linked to Extending Rifi's Term
Naharnet/The dispute over the legality of holding a parliamentary session in the presence of a caretaker government has persisted amid claims that the Mustaqbal bloc and its March 14 allies may take part in it exchange for certain demands linked to the formation of a new cabinet, reported As Safir newspaper Saturday. Widely informed sources told the daily that the bloc is also seeking to propose extending the term of retired Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi in exchange of attending an extraordinary parliament session. An Nahar daily meanwhile said on Saturday that the March 8 camp objects to extending his mandate.
It explained that this proposal will only serve to complicate the approval of a draft law on extending the tenures of security officials. Given these conflicting positions, it added that it seems doubtful that the parliamentary session scheduled for July 16 will be held. Mustaqbal MP Ahmed Fatfat told An Nahar: “Extending the term of security officials is part of the problem linked to the parliamentary session.” “The March 14 camp is adamant in demanding the extension of Rifi's term because it is a political and security necessity for the alliance that has become exposed on the security level,” he explained. Acting ISF chief Brigadier General Roger Salem took over the post of Rifi after his retirement, who was succeeded in turn by Brigadier General Ibrahim Basbous last month. Discussions over extending the term of security officials has included Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji. His term ends in September when he turns 60, the maximum age for the post of the army commander.

Lebanese Army Arrests Soldiers for 'Beating, Insulting' Asir-Linked Detainee
Naharnet/The Army Command announced on Saturday detaining several soldiers for attacking an arrested man involved in last June's clashes against the military institution in the southern city of Sidon.
"After viewing a video spread online that shows a number of soldiers beating and insulting a detainee, the military institution has arrested several troops involved in the incident,” the Army Command's Orientation Directorate said in a communique. The statement stressed: “The Army Command will adopt severe disciplinary measures against those proven to be involved in the attack.”"We will not disregard any violation of this kind, regardless of where and under which conditions it took place.”On Thursday, the army also handed over to the military police soldiers suspected of humiliating and beating a man suspected of ties to Salafist cleric Ahmed al-Asir. The body was identified as Nader al-Bayoumy, whom the Association of Muslim Scholars said had "handed himself in" after the Abra clash. Eighteen soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded in the fierce clashes with gunmen loyal to al-Asir on June 23 and 24. Twenty members of Asir's armed group were also killed. State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr charged on Thursday 27 people for their involvement in the battles where Bilal Bin Rabah mosque is located. Ten of them were charged in absentia, including al-Asir and a onetime prominent singer-turned Salafist Fadel Shaker.

Britain to step up aid to Lebanese Army
By Nicholas Blanford/The Daily Star
BEIRUT: The British government is preparing a “substantial” new package of military assistance to the Lebanese Army to supplement its existing program, according to British diplomatic sources. The new package, which will triple in one year the British government’s total military assistance to the Lebanese Army since 2006, was the focus of discussions Friday between Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi and other top military officials and Gen. Sir David Richards, the British chief of the defense staff, who was on a visit to Beirut. The announcement, details of which have yet to be made public, comes two weeks after a 24-hour battle between Lebanese troops and followers of Sheikh Ahmad Assir, a radical Salafi preacher, in the Abra neighborhood of Sidon which highlighted the Army’s improvements and limitations. “The [Lebanese Army] is playing a critical role in preserving Lebanon’s hard-won peace in the face of the present challenges arising from the conflict in Syria,” Richards said in a statement. He also commended the professionalism demonstrated by the Army’s response to recent episodes of violence and its role in securing Lebanon’s borders. Nonetheless, the new assistance package will focus on the Army’s ability to better control Lebanon’s notoriously porous border. It will emphasize “British specialization” and include nonlethal equipment such as protective material, surveillance and reconnaissance devices. Last year, the British government provided the Army with five observation towers which were erected along a stretch of the northern border in Akkar between Abboudieh and Mqaibleh. The fifth and last tower at Abboudieh was completed Thursday. Since 2006, the international community, led by the United States, Britain and France, has significantly increased its military and security assistance to the Army to build up its capabilities and last year, London said it would double its training programs. Britain has spent approximately $7.7 million since 2006 in security assistance, according to diplomatic sources. The new assistance package will triple that amount to bring it closer to $21 million. The program will “help build the capacity and increase the number and reach of the border regiments,” the diplomatic source said. Analysts and foreign military sources in Lebanon say the Army has seen marked improvements in its capabilities since 2007 when many of the military’s training and equipment deficiencies were exposed during the three-month battle against Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp in the north. Although much of the initial foreign training assistance after 2006 was devoted toward Special Forces regiments, in particular the Rangers Regiment, the Air Assault Regiment and the Naval Commandos, today the Intervention Brigades and the Mechanized Infantry Brigades also have seen improvements in equipment and training.
The training is intended to eventually allow the Intervention Brigades and regular forces to handle flare-ups such as Abra or repeated clashes in Tripoli rather than having to deploy Special Forces troops every time.
The Abra battle was another step on the learning curve. Initial assessments of the Army’s performance, specifically the Rangers Regiment which led the assault, note evidence of a general improvement in tactics and training and utilization of new equipment. But there were shortcomings as well. The majority of the Army’s 18 fatalities were from sniper fire. “The [Army] was relatively effective in using its own snipers but they really have a weakness in terms of counter-sniper [fire] and getting a realistic sense of where the dead zones and blind spots are,” said Aram Nerguizian, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a specialist on the Lebanese Army. Given that sniper fire is a common phenomenon in urban clashes here, Nerguizian said the international community could help by providing technical systems for counter-sniper operations.
Another shortcoming was the lack of use of the Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a small man-portable drone that is intended to provide real-time footage to troops on the battlefield. According to Nerguizian, who wrapped up Friday a fact-finding trip to Lebanon, the Army argued that the loitering time of the Raven was much less than the manufacturer’s claim of 90 to 120 minutes and therefore impractical to use. Another lesson learned from the Abra fighting was that the soldiers preferred to use the RPG-7 anti-tank weapon rather than the United States-supplied AT4, a Swedish-manufactured one-shot disposable missile system. The soldiers were more familiar with the RPG, and its smaller blast radius compared to the AT4 helped reduce collateral damage. Furthermore, an RPG operator has a weight-to-round advantage over the AT4 as he can carry one launcher and fill his backpack with individual rounds. The AT4 is a one-shot disposable system which limits how many an operator can carry. The recent battle between the Rangers Regiment and Assir’s followers should help the Army address its lingering shortcomings and better face the challenges ahead as Lebanon continues to be buffeted by the war in neighboring Syria.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wraps up Lebanon visit
The Daily Star/BEIRUT: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas finished his three-day official visit to Lebanon Saturday, during which he met with senior officials and stressed that Palestinians are not part of internal Lebanese conflicts. Prior to leaving Lebanon, Abbas met with President Michel Sleiman in Baabda. At the farewell for the Palestinian president in the Beirut airport were Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel, representing Sleiman, Caretaker Minister of the Displaced Alaeddine Terro and Palestinian Ambassador in Lebanon Ashraf Dabour.

MP Hariri launches campaign in Tripoli, promises probe
July 06, 2013/The Daily Star/BEIRUT: Sidon MP Bahia Hariri launched a campaign Saturday against violence in the northern city of Tripoli, vowing to uphold the law of the state and investigate recent clashes between the Army and a militant sheikh. “The sense of fear among people is the first sign of the failure of the state,” Hariri said, as she launched the civil campaign "Enough Fear" in the Quality Inn hotel.
Tripoli has been subject to on and off clashes for over two years due to tensions linked to the crisis in Syria. The civil campaign was inaugurated last month in the southern city of Sidon to assist residents following deadly clashes between the Army and supporters of militant Salafist Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir in the nearby suburb of Abra. The campaign’s mission statement claims the right for civil peace within the state and calls for breaking a cycle of fear in order to build a nation that fulfils people’s dreams and aspirations. Hariri voiced concern over Sidon and other cities that lack state control and called for revealing the truth about the bloody clashes in the southern city last month. “I am here to express the concerns of the Sidon and all nearby areas over the absence of the state, she said. “Sidon passed through a difficult phase, but we will confront it. We will not abandon our right to find out the whole truth in what happened in the clashes.” Over 18 soldiers and 28 gunmen were killed in two days of clashes in Abra. Sidon officials have called for an investigation into the battle and the aftermath after some residents alleged abuse by the Army. Some groups have also accused Hezbolpromlah of taking part in the Abra clashes and fighting alongside the Army. Hezbollah has denied such allegations. Hariri also vowed not to remain silent over any official's intimidation and said she would go to the judiciary whenever a citizen is unjustly treated.

Al-Sisi to Morsi: The people want you out
Egyptian newspaper publishes excerpts of conversation between ousted president Morsi, General al-Sisi, hours before Morsi learns military decided to depose him, tries to close deal to leave country with family
Roi Kais/Ynetnews Egyptian newspaper Al-Watan published excerpts of the conversation ousted president Mohamed Morsi had with General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi a few hours before Morsi delivered his final speech in office.
The transcripts were based on the testimony of a reporter that was in an adjacent room, from which he was observing the two on a screen. At the beginning of the meeting, Morsi asked al-Sisi whether it was in the army's responsibility to protect the legitimacy of his government. "What legitimacy?" al-Sisi insisted; "The army follows the will of the people and most of the people, according to reports, do not want you." Morsi persisted: "My supporters are many and will not keep quiet," in response to which al-Sisi said, "The army will not let anyone destroy the country, no matter what." "And if I don’t want to go?" Morsi inquired. "It's a done deal," al-Sisi answered. "Try to retire with dignity. Demand of those you say are your supporters to go home and prevent bloodshed, instead of using them to threaten the people."  "But this is a military coup and America will be all over you," Morsi said, to which al-Sisi replied, "We care about the people, not about America." Al-Sisi added, "I'll be honest with you – we have enough proof against you and many other government officials to convict you of compromising national defense." Following that remark, Morsi asked to place some calls and consult on the issue, but al-Sisi said he was only allowed to speak with family members, adding "You are under house arrest as of this moment."
The president insisted, "The Muslim Brotherhood will not stay silent if I leave. They will set the country on fire," but the general noted that if the Brotherhood tried doing something "You will see how the military will respond.
"Be careful," al-Sisi asserted. "I'm the one who appointed you and I can depose you. I'm the Defense Minister in accordance with the will of the people and you know that very well. You can't fire me because you are done and have no legitimacy." Morsi then tried to find out whether his resignation would provide authorization for him and his family to leave the country without trial, but al-Sisi stressed that there was nothing he could do. "The court will decide," he said, to which Morsi added, "Ok, we will be at war and see who wins." "The people will win," al-Sisi exclaimed.

Egypt hits first snag over PM, Islamists call more protests
July 06, 2013/Daily Star /CAIRO: The appointment of liberal Egyptian politician Mohamed ElBaradei as interim prime minister hit a snag on Saturday, as the army-backed transitional authorities were under pressure to restore order after deadly Islamist protests. State media and officials had said earlier that the 71-year-old Nobel Peace prizewinner and former U.N. nuclear agency chief would be named interim prime minister on Saturday evening.
But a presidential spokesman, speaking shortly before midnight, said there were several options for the job and the presidency had to take account of opposition to ElBaradei. He mentioned no other candidates and added that there was no set date for the appointment of interim prime minister. The Nour Party, Egypt's second biggest Islamist force, said it opposed ElBaradei and threatened to withdraw its support for the military-backed overthrow of President Mohamed Mursi on Wednesday, which was the trigger for the bloody unrest.
A youth activist who met interim head of state Adli Mansour said the two issues were linked. Losing Nour's backing would significantly weaken the position of the military, removing any Islamist support from the transition process, fiercely opposed by Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood. Generals said they had intervened in response to huge popular demonstrations calling for Mursi to resign.
Raising the risk of further clashes, Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood, the dominant Islamist force in the Arab world's most populous nation, called for more protests on Sunday. At least 35 people died in violence on Friday and Saturday, as pro- and anti-Mursi demonstrators fought running street battles in Cairo, Alexandria and beyond in violence that Egypt's powerful army was barely able to contain. Tens of thousands of Brotherhood supporters took to the streets to protest against what they called a military coup, and clashes between them, security forces and anti-Mursi protesters left more than 30 people dead.
Within minutes of the news that ElBaradei would be named, a senior Brotherhood official said that the Islamist movement would reject his candidacy and any other measures implemented by the army-backed administration. He described ElBaradei as "Washington's choice", a reference to suspicions among Brotherhood members of U.S. complicity in Mursi's overthrow.
The Nour Party, which had endorsed the military's roadmap for a transitional phase leading to fresh elections, followed.
While the ouster of Egypt's first freely elected president was greeted with jubilation on streets crammed with millions of people, his many supporters feared a return to the suppression that the Islamists endured for decades under autocratic rulers. The army has given few details and no timeframe for elections, adding to political uncertainty at a time when many Egyptians fear that bloodshed could polarize society still further.
Mursi's dramatic removal and subsequent violence is the latest twist in a tumultuous two years since the fall of Hosni Mubarak in the Arab uprisings that swept the region.
At least 35 people died and more than 1,000 were wounded in the latest violence, with the army struggling to maintain order in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities and towns, where rival demonstrators fought street battles.
The most deadly clashes were in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, where 14 people died and 200 were wounded. In central Cairo, protesters clashed late into Friday night with stones, knives, petrol bombs and clubs as armored personnel carriers rumbled among them.
It took hours to restore order on the Nile River bridges around the landmark Egyptian Museum. Anti-Mursi activists remained encamped in a suburb of the capital, but Cairo and others cities were relatively calm as darkness fell on Saturday.While the Brotherhood has insisted it will not resort to violence, some radical Islamists have no such inhibitions.
On Saturday, a Coptic Christian priest was shot dead in Egypt's lawless North Sinai province in what could be the first sectarian attack since Mursi's overthrow, raising concerns about the potential for further religious violence.
There were more attacks on army checkpoints in Sinai overnight and gunmen fired on a central security building in El Arish, security sources said. A new Islamist group announced its formation in the Sinai peninsula adjoining Israel and the Gaza Strip, calling the army's removal of Mursi a declaration of war on their faith and threatening violence to impose Islamic law.
The events of the last week have raised alarm among Egypt's allies in the West, including main aid donors the United States and the European Union, and in Israel, with which Egypt has had a U.S.-backed peace treaty since 1979. President Barack Obama condemned the violence in Egypt on Saturday and said the United States was not working with any particular Egyptian political party or group. Newspapers quoted ElBaradei as saying that he expected Gulf Arab monarchies that were hostile to the Muslim Brotherhood's rule to offer financial support to the new authorities.
Only gas-rich Qatar provided substantial funds to Mursi's government, totaling $7 billion in loans and grants. Turkey and Libya also provided smaller loans and deposits.
In one of the first outbreaks of violence on Friday, three protesters were shot dead outside the Republican Guard compound where Mursi is being held, security sources said. The army denied responsibility for the shootings. It was not clear whether other security forces were involved. On Saturday, about 2,000 people gathered outside the barracks. A man with a loudspeaker told soldiers separated from protesters by razor wire not to open fire.
Thousands more Islamists braved the fierce midday sun at a sit-in outside a nearby mosque. Shawled women shook their heads and wept as an imam led prayers for "martyrs" of the violence. At least 15 tanks were positioned on streets leading to the square outside the mosque, but they were farther away than on Friday, suggesting that the military was keen to ease tensions.

El-Sisi, a true military man
By: Hussein Shobokshi/Asharq Alawsat
The expression “military rule” is often associated with unpleasant ruling models in the Arab world. It has been associated with oppression, tyranny and despotism, and has produced terrible rulers who subjected their people and countries to incredible level of humiliation. Syrians well remember the series of military coups d’état started by Husni Al-Za’im, which continued until Hafez Al-Assad, a member of the military, seized power.
Under him and his son, Bashar Al-Assad, Syria entered a pitch-black tunnel, and the military became a brutal machine. Therefore, it will not be a surprise to see it murder people in the thousands using the most horrible of methods. Moreover, it continues to use “protecting the homeland” as a slogan. Iraq has also had its share of military rule. It started with Abd Al-Karim Qasim, who did not remain in power for a long time; however, he opened the door to others.In Libya, Muammar Gaddafi’s rule was like a never-ending circus and a pitch-black night. Sudan also suffered for a long timeunder the rule of Gaafar Nimeiry. However, Abdel Rahman Swar Al-Dahab, the great golden man in the history of Sudan, was a noble military man, for he toppled Nimeiry and handed over power after one year, exactly as he promised. The military ruled the country even in Algeria, but from behind the scenes. In Yemen, all rulers imposed tyranny, from Abdullah Al-Sallal and Ibrahim Al-Hamdi to Ahmed Al-Ghashmi and Ali Abdullah Saleh. Of course, there is also the important model of Egypt. When the military came to power after 1952 military coup d’état, Egypt came under the rule of Muhammad Naguib, the quiet and dignified person whom Gamal Abdel Nasser suddenly isolated in a bid to monopolize power, starting a despotic era in Egypt governed by fire, iron and prisons. With the advent of Sadat, many military figures ruled Egypt, including Ahmad Ismail, Mohamed Abdel Ghani El-Gamasy, Hosni Mubarak, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and Sami Anan, each of whom left an imprint, be it positive or negative. Egyptians feel a special passion for their military institution, holding it in trust and veneration. A new star has come whose name will go down in the political history of Egypt, namely Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt’s defense minister. In an extraordinary move, El-Sisi supported the decision of the Egyptians amassed in the streets and squares of Egypt demanding the removal of Mohamed Mursi, who has lost his legitimacy in Egyptian eyes. El-Sisi implemented a highly effective strategy to protect the country by cordoning off the borders, arresting armed gangs plotting to sabotage more than 26 locations across Egypt, and defending the state TV building and other key locations in Cairo and the rest of the Egyptian provinces. Besides this, he consulted with all political factions and legislators before he issued the statement.
When El-Sisi read his statement, he was flanked by prominent figures in Egypt, such as the Al-Azhar sheikh, Pope Tawadros II, and other old and young figures, in an attempt to reflect the true face of Egypt. By doing so, he conveyed to people that this is not a coup d’état, but rather an attempt to return the revolution to those who ignited it so that they could complete and correct it after it was hijacked by the brotherhood.
The interim president of Egypt was sworn in in a civilized and appropriate manner. He also made a brief, but highly patriotic, speech. God has endowed El-Sisi with the Egyptians’ love. In fact, El-Sisi brought a true legitimacy to Egypt, which will open the door to hope after a period of pointlessness, immaturity and distress. El-Sisi will go down in history and has gained the love of people.

The return of the Muslim Brotherhood’s “secret apparatus?”
By: Mshari Al-Zaydi/Asharq Alawsat/Let’s leave the discussion of what happened in Egypt against president Mohammed Mursi for another time. With regards to what happened, who was with, or against, democracy? In fact, what is real democracy? Democracy is not a tool to be used by any one party; rather, it is a complex process. The core and philosophical cornerstone of democracy completely contradicts the structure and texture of fundamentalism which claims to possess the absolute truth. Few people openly recognize this. Many of those who call themselves intellectuals do not recognize this; even many of the vocal oppositionists ignore this fact in a bid to extend the opposition “front” against the authorities, in an act of pure selfishness. This is exactly what we fear will happen, after protestors—with the help of the military—ousted Mohammed Mursi, the Muslim Brotherhood affiliated president of Egypt. Mursi was ousted after all state institutions in Egypt joined the opposition; this is not to mention the role of those who followed the victorious crowd.
Is this the end of the problem? Is Egypt now really witnessing a democratic “renaissance”? We should be cautious about the potentially violent and vengeful backlash from Mursi’s supporters and all Islamist groups, particularly after Mursi, in his penultimate speech, expressed his willingness to defend legitimacy with his blood. Of course, legitimacy for Mursi means that his group should remain in power. Besides, we have read in Egyptian newspapers that the Muslim Brotherhood Guidance Bureau has instructed its members to draw up their wills. Moreover, Mohamed Beltagy, a senior figure in the group, announced that he would defend Mursi with his blood not to mention threats from [Al-Gama'a Al-Islamiya leaders] Tarek Al-Zumar and Assem Abdel Maged, and [Salafist preachers] Safwat Hegazy and Wagdi Ghoneim, among others.
The military appeared to be prepared for such acts, capturing several angry fundamentalist activists, as well as raiding their sectarianism-inciting channels. However, this is not the only solution; and this is not the real problem. The problem is that Mursi, like [Muslim Brotherhood founder] Hassan Al-Banna, [Muslim Brotherhood ideologue] Sayyid Qutb, and others before him, has been transformed into a new “Wailing wall” for the Muslim Brotherhood. Yes, politically speaking, the Brotherhood has been exposed, uncovering their true puritanical face which they had previously managed to hide behind false smiles and shaky claims about democracy, dialogue, tolerance, etc. That is true, at least for many. However, it would be wrong to say that the Muslim Brotherhood has ceased to be influential. Therefore, those monitoring the situation fear the return of the Brotherhood’s “secret apparatus”—an undercover military and security apparatus established by Hassan Al-Banna himself. The apparatus, which Al-Banna established without the knowledge of the Brotherhood leaders to be a parallel organization to the main group, was uncovered in 1948 following the so-called “Jeep” incident. The Egyptian secret police seized an automobile which contained all of kinds of documents and evidence pertaining to this “secret apparatus”, including famous assassinations and bombings carried out during the monarchist era. The secret apparatus’ high command was comprised of ten members, including Abdulrahman Sanadi and Mustafa Mashhour. It was under the guardianship of Mashhour that the most extremist trend within the Brotherhood emerged, including current Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie, and president Mohamed Mursi. Unfortunately, we seem to be approaching a phase of violence and vengeance. The right solution is by creating a mature political class that is able to show real leadership in the crisis. This class should not occupy itself with seeking revenge and public support.
Finally, what is more important than the appearance of democracy is ensuring that the core of this ideology—consisting of vision, ability, and determination—become ingrained in society; everything else is immaterial.

Will Egypt’s victors learn from past mistakes?
By: Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed/What happened in Egypt was a quick knockout. The ousted president and the Muslim Brotherhood were unable to detect the approaching danger although the deadline was already set, the crowds had previously announced their plans, and calls to overthrow the regime were gradually becoming louder. I believe that even the Egyptian army itself did not expect streets and squares all over the country to be filled with millions, even though they had inevitably planned to intervene in case of danger or anarchy. There are now two teams and one game. The winners are the opposition coalition, supported by the majority of people who granted them “legitimacy,” in precisely the same manner that they had initially seized this from former President Hosni Mubarak. The losers are the Muslim Brotherhood, shocked and in chagrined about the outcome of events given the belief that they were the sole holders of presidential “legitimacy,” and they will no doubt fight to recover it. Since the army backed the second revolution, it surprised everyone with its ability to plan, intervene, and lead, an unprecedented, quick, and flawless eradication process. In just one day, the army overthrew an entire regime: a president, a prime Minister, a government and its major departments. The Egyptian army succeeded, in less than 24-hours, in swearing-in a new civilian president before the country’s judicial, religious, and civilian authorities. The army has also refrained from taking over the prime minister’s office, as rumored, announcing that this will remain a civilian post. Moreover, the military leadership avoided issuing contradictory or confusing statements, issuing a single concise statement announcing military intervention and the reasons for this. This is what made the West, in particular, hesitate in labeling what happened a military “coup” since the scene involved millions of Egyptian people, exceeding the number of people who took to the streets during the first revolution. The Egyptian army seems to have handed the country over to civilian leadership.
There is the fear that the revolutionaries will forget the lessons learnt from the recent past and commit the same mistakes as the Muslim Brotherhood, who took the people’s support for granted . In fact, the Egyptian people may be more hindrance than help because they are now expecting a happy ending after toppling Mursi, solely blaming him for the economic, social, and political problems that Egypt has been experiencing. The people gave Mursi one year in office before toppling him, and they may re-emerge one year from now to repeat the process.
The first lesson: Time is the enemy. The media leaked a prediction that the transition phase will last for two years and if this turns out to be true, the transitional regime will have sentenced itself to death. One year from now, we will begin to witness the re-emergence of complaints and demonstrations, the victors will pull in different directions, and the Muslim Brotherhood—who are more skilled than the opposition—will work on provoking public opinion against the army and the interim government. The army has to work on early parliamentary and presidential elections, and prior to that, a new constitution and referendum.
The second lesson: Avoid attacking the opposition. Despite the swiftness of the “coup,” the attack against the media was a mistake. Nowadays, the regime cannot silence criticism. This is a battle of opinions, ideology, and actions and those who are unsatisfied must be allowed to express their beliefs and silencing them is a temporary measure. Even the pro-government television channels will criticize and provoke the people against the new regime; this is the nature of the media, a platform for the dissatisfied.
The third lesson: ethics are just as important as regulations. The majority of the people are against injustice, reprisal, oppression, humiliation, and revenge, especially after what happened to President Mubarak, his sons, and relatives following the first revolution. This generated divisions and criticism, not because the people doubted the justifications, but because it was against human morality. Nobility, loyalty, decency and tolerance are qualities embedded in the Egyptian people; they have been raised to love and treat even their opponents well. These are not only Arabs ethics; what Mahatma Gandhi did in India will be remembered forever, as is the case for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and King Abdul Aziz who unified Saudi Arabia, forgave his opponents, deepened ties with them, and even appointed some of them in senior positions. President Mursi and his associates made a mistake but political issues are not like physics or math. In politics, there are excessive interpretations on which the people almost never unanimously agree. The army and transitional government should work towards national reconciliation that includes all the persecuted persons, and involve them in a joint venture that will end the crisis and establish a state of institutions for the coming century.

Syrian National Coalition elects Ahmed Jarba as president
London, Asharq Al-Awsat—The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) elected Ahmad Jarba as its president on Saturday following a close run-off with businessman Mustafa Al-Sabbagh. The Syrian opposition met in Istanbul on Saturday to elect a new leader following the resignation of former president Moaz Alkhatib earlier this year. No opposition candidate was able to emerge with a majority during an early morning ballot, leading to a run-off vote between Jabra and Sabbagh. Jarba ultimately emerged with 55 votes, edging out SNC secretary-general Mustafa Al-Sabbagh who obtained 52 votes. Speaking following the vote, senior SNC official Adib Shishakly told Reuters, “A change was needed,” adding, “the old leadership of the coalition had failed to offer the Syrian people anything substantial and was preoccupied with internal politics. Ahmad Jarba is willing to work with everybody.”Jarba is a well-known tribal figure from the eastern province of Hasaka and who represents the faction of Syrian veteran secular dissident Michel Kilo. The SNC is deeply divided into three major camps; the Jarba camp, the Sabbagh camp, and the Muslim Brotherhood camp. Muslim Brotherhood representative Farouk Tayfur was elected as one of the two SNC vice-presidents, along with well-known Syrian opposition activist Suheir Atassi. Anas Al Abd, head of the Justice and Development movement, was elected as SNC secretary-general, replacing Sabbagh. The SNC urged the international community to take action to protect civilians in the besieged city of Homs and Daraa on Friday. The SNC appealed to the UN and Friends of Syria group “to intervene immediately” and provide food and medicine to the two cities. Syrian troops advanced into rebel-held areas of the city of Homs on Saturday, occupying buildings and utilizing artillery to drive out opposition fighters. Saturday’s advance into Khaldiyeh district is the first significant gain for Assad regime forces in Syria’s third-largest city in more than a year. The deeply divided UN Security Council failed to approve a statement calling on Syria to facilitate immediate access to 2,500 civilians trapped in Homs on Saturday, after Russia complained about the language. More than 93,000 people have been killed in the more-than two year conflict in Syria. The Syrian revolution initially began as peaceful protests which quickly escalated into an armed revolt after the Syrian opposition took up arms to fight a brutal government crackdown.
 

Egypt's New Pwerful Military Leader,General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
http://www.aawsat.net/2013/07/article55308731
El-Sisi: The General at the Heart of Events
By: Abdul Sattar Hatita
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat—Colonel General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is, now more than ever, a divisive figure in Egyptian society. There are many who laud his patriotism and the central role played by Egypt’s military institution as a stabilizing force in the country, while there are others who believe that this military figure has his own designs on power.
A broad section of Egyptian society had already dubbed Sisi “the voice of the nation” even before the army announced its support for the millions that took to the streets with one demand: the ouster of the president. General Al-Sisi took over as Defense Minister and commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces under dramatic circumstances following the killing of 16 border guards in the Sinai Peninsula.
When Sisi took up his post as Egypt’s senior-most military figure last August, the generally-held belief among Egyptians was that he was sympathetic to the president and the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite launching Operation Eagle in the Sinai to confront Islamist insurgency, few believed that Egypt’s new military commander would truly seek to clamp down on the Islamist jihadists who had infested the strategic peninsula. However, General Al-Sisi slowly showed himself to be a tough and methodical military commander. At the time, the army emphasized that they would uncover the truth behind this controversial incident which resulted in the deaths of 16 Egyptian soldiers, even after the presidency responded that this was not necessarily in the country’s interests. It was clear to observers at this time that the relationship between Egypt’s highest civilian authority and highest military authority was not entirely sound.
Sisi is the 44th Minister of Defense in the history of Egypt since the famous Ahmed Orabi, the scourge of jihadism, at the time of Khedive Tawfiq Pasha at the end of the 19th century. Asharq Al-Awsat has learnt that Sisi is a devout Muslim, praying regularly, while he is also known to enjoy reading about religious matters, particularly books written by Al-Azhar clerics.
It seems that the Islamists failed to recognize Sisi’s independence and strong patriotic convictions until it was too late. There were reports, just weeks before Mursi’s ouster, of senior Brotherhood figures attempting to convince Egypt’s first Islamist president to neutralize Sisi by appoint him as prime minister, replacing unpopular Hisham Qandil. However sources indicated that Sisi refused to consider this, when it was put to him.
Although the presidency denied offering Sisi any deal, rumors about this circulated during a very sensitive time when the army took to the streets in response to threats from Islamists against Egypt’s anti-Mursi opposition. Prior to his ouster, the Muslim Brotherhood had threatened to flood Cairo’s streets with protesters from Upper Egypt to confront anybody who rejects the president’s rule.
There were no visible reactions from Sisi as the president gave a speech on the anniversary of his inauguration in which he threatened the opposition. Sisi was shown to applaud the president several times throughout the speech but without much excitement. There can be no doubt that Sisi would have already had responses in place to deal with the expected nationwide June 30 protests as he sat through then president Mursi’s more than two hour speech. Egypt’s military initially granted the country’s political forces a week-long deadline to find a solution to the crisis plaguing the nation. Following this, Islamist forces began warning against the dangers of violating the legitimacy of the president. When no solutions appeared, the Egyptian military granted Mursi a 48-hour deadline to resolve the situation, particularly as anti-government protests were escalating across the country. The Islamists responded by criticizing Egypt’s defense minister and warning of the consequences of a military coup against the democratically elected president. After the deadline passed, Sisi—backed by a broad section of Egyptian politicians, religious leaders, and senior judges—announced Mursi’s ouster, the annulment of his controversial constitution, and the appointment of Chief Justice Adly Mansour as interim president.
Sisi’s Facebook page reads: “The Egyptian people are the source of authority. The army is the nation’s shield.”
A source close to Sisi informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the general is a firm believer in military discipline and never expected to find himself at the helm of Egypt’s armed forces during such an unprecedented period in Egyptian history. The military is Egypt’s strongest national institution, and has occupied a hallowed place in Egyptian society since the 1952 revolution. Many observers wondered how the military would deal with the new democratic-era in Egypt, particularly after it brought a civilian Islamist president to power.
The source informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the relationship between Mursi and Sisi grew increasingly complex due to fundamental differences in dealing with the Egyptian state, particularly as the Islamists that supported the president were pressuring him to establish an Islamic Caliphate in Egypt. While the military considered Egypt’s recognized geographic borders and its Arab surroundings as sacrosanct. The source stressed, “The state has policies and priorities that may be in conflict with Islamist organizations. Egypt has regional and international ties and must be controlled by the decisions made in Cairo.”
Since Mursi’s inauguration last year, everyone closely monitored the face he presented to the nation. The Islamists, perhaps led by Mohamed Mursi himself, wanted to get rid of anybody would could potentially stand in the way of the Ikhwanization of state institutes. They also sought to marginalize the powerful role played by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, placing Brotherhood figures in a number of key positions.
Since last February, reports and leaks indicate that many secular forces called on General El-Sisi to assume leadership of the country. Prior to Mursi’s ouster, some politicians even condemned Egypt’s army chief of sitting back and allowing the Muslim Brotherhood to destroy the country, saying that he should be playing a more proactive role. Sisi ultimately took the most pro-active decision after it became clear that Egypt’s opposition had taken to the streets, and would remain there, until Mursi’s ouster. At this point, Sisi took the critical decision.
Sisi first appeared on the public scene following President Hosni Mubarak’s decision to step down from power, when he was appointed to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) for administering state affairs. Coming from his position as director of military intelligence, Sisi was the youngest member of the military council. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi was born in November, 1954 in the historic Khan Al-Khalil district in Cairo. He graduated from the war college and began his military career as an infantry officer in 1977. He continued his education attaining dual masters degrees in military sciences from Egyptian and British war colleges. He also attained the prestigious supreme war college fellowship at the Nasser Military Academy in 2003 as well as a fellowship at the US War College in 2006. He is married and has three sons and a daughter. A former SCAF member recalls that Sisi rarely appeared in the media during Egypt’s transitional post-revolutionary state. The SCAF member said: “He [Sisi] didn’t want that. He listened more than he spoke. Many considered him a rare breed for a modern intelligence chief.” Even though he was appointed to the military council that virtually ran Egypt’s affairs during the post-revolutionary period, Sisi was not as widely known as other military leaders like Hussein Tantawi, Sami Anan, Mohammad Al-Assar, and Mamdouh Shahin. Sisi remained in virtual obscurity until Mursi’s presidency, where he was promoted to Defense Minister and army commander-in-chief following the president’s dispensal of Field Marshall Tantawi and Chief of Staff Anan. The new defense minister’s understated behavior drew the attention of many Egyptians at a time when dissatisfaction with the ruling Islamists was on the rise.
The Islamists and deposed president Mohamed Mursi now find themselves out in the cold, while Sisi and Egypt’s secular forces have taken center stage. What does the future hold for Egypt? What does the future hold for General Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi? Only time will tell.