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‘Moral Vigilantism’ Reportedly on the Rise in Egypt as Islamist Pres. Unilaterally Appoints Cabinet

Moral Vigilantism and Radicalism Reportedly on the Rise in Egypt as Morsi Unilaterally Appoints Cabinet

Egypt's newly-elected President Mohamed Morsi addresses officials and heads of states on July 15, 2012 during the opening of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. (Photo: Getty Images)

An alliance of pro-democracy advocates criticized Egypt’s newly-elected Islamist president over the weekend for unilaterally choosing a prime minister with no track record, while leading without transparency and alienating political groups with liberal leanings.

The National Front alliance — an umbrella group of democracy advocates, secularists and moderate Islamists behind the uprising that drove longtime authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak from power last year — said Mohammed Morsi has reneged on campaign promises to form a national unity government.

(Related: Egyptians Cheer as President Morsi Vows to Fight for Power, Says He ‘Fears No One But God’)

On Tuesday, Morsi surprised the country by choosing an unknown technocrat and former “water minister,” Hesham Kandil, as his prime minister.

Many advocates see Kandil, a U.S.-educated engineer in his 40s, as a political lightweight, and therefore, likely easy to control.

The new government faces a mounting crisis amid alarming lawlessness, a flagging economy, and public frustration. Hospitals have come under attack by angry Egyptians, while demonstrators block roads in frustration over frequent power outages and a lack of running water. Labor strikes are widespread.

The Los Angeles Times has more on the “moral vigilantism” that is reportedly on the rise:

An engineering student [was] killed for walking with his fiancee by men reportedly linked to a group called the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Women are harassed for not wearing veils, owners of liquor stores say they’re being threatened, and fundamentalists are calling for sex segregation on buses and in workplaces.

In a news conference, the Front said Morsi’s decision-making “lacks transparency and clarity,” creating “a clouded political scene.”  They reminded the president of his debt to allies who supported him last month in the decisive round of voting, helping him beat old-guard rival Ahmed Shafiq.

In return for the support, Morsi had pledged inclusiveness later in his term, but has seemingly changed his mind.

Moral Vigilantism and Radicalism Reportedly on the Rise in Egypt as Morsi Unilaterally Appoints Cabinet

(Photo: Getty Images)

The L.A. Times adds that the “crucial” upcoming battle in Egypt will now be how deeply shariah law influences the constitution.

(Related: ‘The Koran Is Our Constitution’: Egyptian President Promises to Ignore Egyptian Constitution for the Sake of Shariah in Chilling Speech)

The L.A. Times continues:

Sheik Mustafa Albadry, an ultraconservative preacher on the outskirts of Cairo [said:] “Scholars need to be aware of this rising current. The oppression of the old regime created radicalism because the youth didn’t have proper guidance. And today’s financial problems are making people more prone to extremism.”

Mubarak persecuted and manipulated Islamist groups for decades, most notably the Muslim Brotherhood. His secular police state led to anger that inspired terrorist attacks and provoked preachers and scholars who are now restive and unbound. Some former militants have renounced violence and formed political parties.

This new atmosphere has elevated piety — and public expressions of it — to an important social barometer. Egyptian men have been distinguished by the callused brown spots on their foreheads that come from years of prostrating themselves. Police officers and Egypt Air flight attendants are now demanding the right to grow beards, which was forbidden under Mubarak.  [Emphasis added]

The liberal Wafd party, one of the oldest parties in Egypt and a one-time political ally to the Muslim Brotherhood, said in a statement that it will not join Morsi’s new government and several current ministers, including Wafd party Tourism Minister Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour, a Christian, have said they will not serve in the new cabinet if asked.

Unfortunately, that leaves pro-democracy activists and Christians with little or no official power.

The L.A. Times concludes with the statistic that about 29% of Egypt’s population is between 15 and 29, and with the ever-shrinking job market, many worry they have offended God.

Albadry explained: “They’re more willing to go to mosques and seek advice from religious scholars [than before]…But a lot of religious scholars are not necessarily angels and they have not always interpreted wisely.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)

Comments (36)

  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 2:36pm

    Watch what you ask for – you just might get it. AND MORE!

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report Post »  
  • coalfired
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 1:28pm

    Imagine that, a muslime brotherhood dude that lies! We should send Hillary over to Egypt with some more tax dollars. I bet he will tell the truth then!

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 10:25am

    If that is what Egypt wants let them have it and suffer the consequences of it but don’t bomb their country and occupy them for that.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • Passerby
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:17am

    Clueless, thinking Hussein has any control over Egypt, or that anyone other than the same Military runs it.

    And the Muslims being intolerant bigots, persecuting Christians etc. isn’t exactly new either.

    Report Post » Passerby  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:14am

    Gee, isn’t this a big surprise ?! Kind of reminds me of the 50′s when the “ glorious” Cuban Revolution heralded in handsome Fidel and Communism. Think our Lefty media, like the NYT, also supported him ! Guess Lefties never learn. They just always love a ” revolution.“ Must be that anarchy and anger which seems to be at the base of their social justice philosophy which is merely ”revenge” wrapped in PC wording !

    Report Post »  
  • wboehmer
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:05am

    Sorry, “moral” & “islamist” do not belong in the same sentence.

    Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:37am

    It’s very hard to believe that anyone would vote for a President who supports the enemies of the United States of America. Our enemies are radical Islamists. They are are Muslims of specific cults in the Islamic World. Egypt is rapidly “transforming” into an enemy of the USA, just as Iran did when Jimmy Carter was President.

    This is what Egypt will become – just as Iran became, Women will have no human rights. If they are raped, ONLY the testimony of four MALE Egyptians will be accepted in their Court as proof that the woman was raped. Female visitors to Egypt, who are not covered head to toe, are “asking to be raped”. That‘s because male Muslims aren’t expected to control their urges when they can see more than the eyes of a female. What non-Muslim woman would want to visit a Country with a mind-set from the seventh Century?

    I see nothing good about being a Muslim. They have a War-like, Conqueror mind-set. It’s kill, kill, anyone who disagrees with them. These warring people are the people that Obama supports. Almost four years and the Obamas‘ still haven’t joined a Christian Church. That’s because they are not Christians. I’m not sure that they have any religious beliefs, but their past actions support the enemies of the USA, Muslims. I would guess that there are prayer rugs hidden in the White House from Obama’s actions.

    Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:27am

      The Battle lines are clearly drawn: a fight between love and hate. Pretty easy to see which group the fanatic Islamics fall into, but I wonder if people can identify where the OWS / Obama’s class and race baiting rhetoric belong ? Today’s Democrats are all ” anti.” Started with Blame Bush and has evoked into Blame Capitalism. Bottom line : revenge and hate. ( can see why Western Lefties are attracted to the anti-Isael philosophy of the Muslim Brotherhood types : HATE unites them ; REVENGE fuels them )

      Report Post »  
    • Passerby
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:21am

      The Machine appointed Hussein to deal with the Muslims. Get a clue.

      Followed GW’s agreement in Iraq precisely, doubled the troops in Afghanistan, attacked Libya, bombed the beejeepers out of any terrorists we could find with hellfire drones, anywhere on earth and didn’t ask permission, etc. Heck, that Stryker serial murderer and his flunkies, that hacked up all those innocent civilians for laughs and took thousands of pictures, the Muslims were fine with all of it, but under GW, some photos of prisoners in their underwear and the world is coming to an end.

      Shake off the partisan blinders.

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • NoFilter
      Posted on July 31, 2012 at 5:40pm

      Diane I agree with you about Muslims, I have lived with them when I lived in Europe. What amazes me is how the left have taken their playbook on how to spread their beliefs. Look at OWS, the Chick-Fil-a debacle and the other news story here on The Blaze about the cake baker and the gay wedding customers. How would a gay baker like it if Christians boycotted them? How long would they be in business? Chicago’s population are shooting each other in record numbers but the have Chic-Fil-a on their radar! It seems fine for Libs to protest about anything yet conservatives just keep their heads down and keep going. They demonize Michelle Backman about the letter asking whether Huma Abedin was properly vetted! The Fort Hood shooter was not properly investigated because the FBI did not want to appear inPolitically Correct!

      Of course I could go on and on but I think everyone reading this will get my point. If we do not buckle under to the left they have a fit!

      Report Post »  
  • v15
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 12:35am

    I‘m curious what President Obama is thinking will happen to him and his family by destroying our country’s assets, trampling on our Constitution, snubbing our allies, helping oppressively violent regimes into power, etc. I‘m actually surprised that there haven’t been any assassination attempts on him (I’m not hoping he gets assassinated btw). When he helps plunge the world into further chaos and finally gets voted out what is he thinking he will do? Or maybe he went in with intentions of never leaving the White House? The United States can’t take 4 more years of Obama – he hasn’t finished his first (hopefully last) term and already I don’t recognize this country.

    Despite what some people on here post, there is a huge contrast between Romney and Obama. I believe Romney has some Progressive ideals, but I don’t believe he would invite our enemies into the White House. The Ron Paul supporters need to wake up and get behind Romney; however, it seems like a lot of Ron Paul supporters would rather the country burn down than vote for Romney…….(the username “brother winston smith” comes to mind).

    Report Post » v15  
    • jake-spoon
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:30am

      He did say in a debate with Mccain that he would have to deal with a-jad,chavez and castro for the next eight to ten years. Surely this constitutional“professor” knows at the most he could only be elected for 8 years legally. Did he not know that or did he let some plan slip out?

      Report Post »  
    • jake-spoon
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:35am

      Btw the story says something about “moderate Islamist”, no such animal.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 6:14am

      Pretty simple really as to what they think will happen for them, leftists believe that the laws of nature and natures God do not apply to them

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • dylan
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 12:20am

    How‘s that great sharia workin’ for ya?

    Report Post »  
  • Paul
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:43pm

    Don’t worry barry…

    You have everything under control, I should say you have followed God’s Word to the letter, you will be gone in due time, neither in battle or anger…. Written in the book , you probably spit on…….

    Report Post » Paul  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:40pm

    I would be curious to see exactly what Egyptian democracy “looks like”. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and MSNBC should all send some more female correspondents into the public fray to measure the ‘pulse’ of Islamic democracy. Any takers? C’mon…. put your money where your agenda is….

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • NOT A CRAZY
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 1:56am

      They WILL send over more female correspondents. They do not live in reality. That is exactly why you cannot talk to a Leftist. They cannot hear or see the truth even if it violates them.

      Report Post » NOT A CRAZY  
  • capnbrit
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:26pm

    Everyone say it with me: “Thank you Mr. President, for backing these wonderful people!”

    Report Post »  
  • Constantine Ivanov
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:17pm

    Just pondering:
    What is better – “moral vigilantism” of Islamic Fundamentalists or “PARTICIPANTS IN ‘WORLD NAKED BIKE RACE’ SEEMINGLY BRING THEIR CHILDREN” (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/disgusting-participants-in-world-naked-bike-race-seemingly-bring-their-children/) ….
    Honestly, I’m sick of both. But…
    who and how finds and establishes some limits and rules commonly acceptable?
    The world is crazy. Both, the Muslim world and our super-ueber-sexualized licentious American world

    Report Post » Constantine Ivanov  
  • zoro51
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:16pm

    wow MORE MURDERING MUSLUMS.. when will it end… they are in a man made CULT of hate n death tere IS no gad CALLED ALLAH thats a FALSE MAN MADE STONE DIETY they are in a cult of hate n death all muslums shall be in hell not heaven so WHOM could be in islam when its all down hill….??

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:00pm

    “said Mohammed Morsi has reneged on campaign promises to form a national unity government.”

    Silly people. Don’t they know that the #1 rule of being an islamist is that you lie through your teeth, you lie in wait, you lie in bed, you lie , you lie, and then you lie some more.

    Deception is the primary tool of evil.

    Report Post » Tankertony  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:18am

      Deception: 99% of the Democrats International Left agenda .

      Report Post »  
  • Chromo200
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:53pm

    You want to see what will happen to the US if we keep playing footsie with these morons .. go to Dearbon MI. With everthing available to them to enlighten them selves .. they live in the 18th century. Morsi came to the US to get educated and he did not learn anything about freedom just got smarter of how to subjugate people.

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:51pm

    Thank you Mr. President for creating another enemy state for our Country to have to deal with for decades to come, you Judice.

    Report Post »  
  • v15
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:51pm

    Mohamed Morsi is the extreme version of Gamal Abdel Nasser and I’m not even sure if Nasser was in the Muslim Brotherhood. If you’re a woman selling alcohol, then I suggest relocating.

    Report Post » v15  
    • v15
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:56pm

      never mind, Nasser banned the Muslim Brotherhood from Egypt.

      Report Post » v15  
  • Loi
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:30pm

    This may surprise even Pres Obama..When Sharia law takes over…. goodbye same sex anything! If even a man be killed for dating near other men with a woman???? coming to America soon if things like Chick fila heat up..yes God will be angry, and send Sharia law to USA

    Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:01pm

      This whole Chick-fil-A controversy shows, at least to me, how divided Americans really are and how unstable things will become in the future.

      Report Post » v15  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:17pm

    I feel sorry for the young Egyptians that protested and overthrew their gov’t. I really do. See-they KNEW NOT WHAT THEY HAD DONE.

    Break out the Burka’s. Make sure every ankle {and all in between} is hidden! Allah forbid an ankle flash should appear before the IRANIAN BACKED/MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD GANGS find you out shopping in the local market.

    I despise you people with every fiber of my being. You rank right up there with the Chinese who abort baby girls. Rank right up there with the Indians who dump baby girls into the Ghangis because it’s the wrong sex. Your God calls for such actions??? Really???

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:44pm

      Yes Freedom to choice another tyrant over one that at least gave you some freedom over your life now you will have no personal freedoms at all and live in fear every day some nut will turn you in for having a picture of someone banned by law.

      What Idiots these people are don’t they see how much they have lost or are going to lose in the near future?

      Report Post » Mikev5  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:15pm

    Is David Axelrod running President Morsi’s administration too? That all sounded VERY familiar.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:11pm

    And these are the leaders Obama supports; the bloodbath will soon begin in Egypt, headed by the brotherhood, and Obama will smile with glee of the insane.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MeteoricLimbo
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 12:00am

      I think you pegged it Snow.

      Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
    • philipzhao
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:23am

      Hey, Morsi, my brother, you didn’t build it, I made it happen. I, too, didn’t make to the White Mosque, the self-hating American voters put me there !

      Report Post »  

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