Egyptian Islamists throwing their weight around

The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt issued a statement on Thursday belatedly joining calls by protesters for the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to immediately transfer power to a civilian government instead of sticking to the original plan of waiting until after presidential elections in June. “We call on the military council to sack this government that has failed to handle this big event and to form another government,” said Brotherhood spokesperson Mahmoud Ghozlan. “If there is a government in place that is really backed by the choice of the people, it will act without regard for any pressure from anyone. It will seek to reassure the people and provide it with security.” He added a suggestion that the SCAF could appoint a Brotherhood member to become Prime Minister, who would then have authority to restore order and revive the economy.

“We are a considerable bloc that can create an agreement over such a government,” said Essam Erian, a leading Brotherhood lawmaker. “The country needs an effective government.”

Crime, riots and massive unemployment are among the top complaints of protesters, as a string of bank robberies and soccer riots have caused many people to fear being outside their homes even during the day, even as major industries like tourism have collapsed. The army has deployed in many cities, but is mainly concerned with protecting government buildings, banks and industrial facilities, with little ability or inclination to protect ordinary citizens. A general strike has been called starting on Saturday, 11 February, to coincide with the one year anniversary of the beginning of the revolt against ousted president Hosni Mubarak.

Supporters of the former president have been bitter in their denunciations of the revolt.

"For 30 years, he ensured stability with the outside world, avoiding a new war with Israel, and at home too," Dalia, a government employee, told AFP. "I was against his resignation because I didn't want the Muslim Brotherhood. I was worried about the economy, tourism, and my fears have been confirmed. It's even worse with the Salafists."

In another indication of creeping Islamist domination of Egyptian society, a group of students and professors aligned with the Brotherhood shut down filming of an Egyptian TV series at Cairo's Ain Shams University Thursday, declaring that the clothing of the actresses were "indecent" and threatening to violently attack the film crews if they continued.