Posted on 07/07/2013 10:24:05 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Mahmoud Badr "owns" the Egyptian street.
The 28-year-old activist in sneakers, jeans and a worn-out polo shirt invented the magic formula that drew millions of Egyptians out to demand the overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi. Now he is determined to ensure all their demands are met.
On the day the army stepped in to remove Mursi last week, Badr and his two twenty-something co-founders of the "Tamarud - Rebel!" movement got a phone call from a general staff colonel, inviting them to meet the armed forces commander-in-chief.
Speaking to Reuters in a bare suburban high-rise apartment lent to his protest movement by an obscure political party, Badr said it was their first contact of any sort with the military.
They had to borrow a car to drive - unwashed and unshaven - to military intelligence headquarters, where they were ushered into a room with generals, a grand sheikh, the Coptic pope, a senior judge and political opposition leaders.
Far from being overawed, Badr was soon arguing with General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the military's roadmap for a political transition, and rejecting his suggestion that Mursi should call a referendum on his continued rule.
Millions of people were demonstrating for the recall of the president, not for a referendum, the activist told Sisi.
"I tell you, sir, you may be the general commander of the Egyptian army but the Egyptian people are your supreme commander, and they are immediately ordering you to side with their will and call an early presidential election," he said.
The general surrendered. A bunch of kids in T-shirts had changed the course of the Arab world's most populous nation by mobilising mass protests against the ruling Muslim Brotherhood, then threatening to turn on anyone who resists their demands.
(Excerpt) Read more at in.reuters.com ...
I would guess not for long.
I guess the media wanted a hero it could present to us.
I had read somewhere - probably the Egypt Live threads - that this had been discussed with the military. Coordinated. Hmm. Pinging a few names from the Live thread.
At least they have the sign right!
Yes it was already coming down the pike as Morsi’s administration people began distancing themselves from him, long before the march...further...the peition to oust Morsi had been out for 6 months....so it was all a matter of them coming together on ‘when’ Morsi would be asked to leave..and that too was coordinated.
That is not to say these kids were not a part of the program to oust Morsi...for the surely were instrumental with the people...but I doubt they told the Military what to do...very much....rather they had already determined together how this would come down..and others with them.
None should underestimate the measures which were in place and prepared for months ahead ...’before’ the actual March..both by the military and those “kids” getting the people ready...and the decision makers behind the scenes.
As one said...the people on the street need a hero, I guess..so looks like they’ll make him one.
The General did not surrender, he acknowledged the truth of what the young man was saying. THAT is an honorable response, very full of character. Such character in a man of that level of power may insure that the rules of establishing the will of the people governance shall not fail. Prayers up for Egypt and Egyptians.
From Thouworm..on the Egyptian thread...
..explains very well, and best I’ve heard yet...well worth the few moments to listen....on what is happening and why in Egypt...as well as players.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3039526/posts
“No better a synopsis under 9 minutes.
Excellent Walid Phares mp3 interview (July 2)
-— begins at min 48:30.
Thouworms post # 555
No better a synopsis under 9 minutes.
Excellent Walid Phares mp3 interview (July 2)--- begins at min 48:30.
Phares: "There are multiple layers [of Egyptian "groups"]. Most of the layers dislike the MB because the Brotherhood are fascists in their eyes. They are authoritarian."
Thanks for the pings, very much appreciated.
I’m passing on as much info as I can/have time for!
The 28-year-old activist in sneakers, jeans and a worn-out polo shirt invented the magic formula that drew millions of Egyptians out to demand the overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi... Badr and his two twenty-something co-founders of the "Tamarud - Rebel!" movement got a phone call from a general staff colonel, inviting them to meet the armed forces commander-in-chief.... where they were ushered into a room with generals, a grand sheikh, the Coptic pope, a senior judge and political opposition leaders... was soon arguing with General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the military's roadmap for a political transition, and rejecting his suggestion that Mursi should call a referendum on his continued rule. Millions of people were demonstrating for the recall of the president, not for a referendum, the activist told Sisi... The general surrendered. A bunch of kids in T-shirts had changed the course of the Arab world's most populous nation by mobilising mass protests against the ruling Muslim Brotherhood, then threatening to turn on anyone who resists their demands.
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