Warnings from Egypt’s military junta that their patience is “running out” with public protests by supporters of the ousted civilian government seem to be having their desired effect, with signs that the remaining protest leaders are prepared to give in.
Reports now say that there are considerations for a deal under which President Mohammed Morsi, who has been held incommunicado by the military for a month, would be sent into exile in return for an end to protests and a televised resignation to hand power to the military.
Two major massacres of civilian protesters and the associated international ambivalence appears to have convinced many that there is simply too much power aligned against them. US endorsements of the coup have certainly bolstered that view.
Absent a deal, the junta is also preparing a number of trials against leaders of the ousted ruling party for “inciting murder” by organizing protests against the junta. Even if the threats finally force people off the streets, resentment over the coup, and the international endorsements of it are likely to linger for a long time.
Yes there is a lot of pressure on the MB. Several hours ago representatives from US, EU, UAE and Qatar met with MB's Deputy General Guide, Khayrat Al Shater in prison. He was reportedly to have said that any negotiations should go through the elected president, Morsi. The MB may be forced to break up the protests to avert a blood bath but they will get further concessions in the process. The sit in's are the only cards in their hands. I doubt that they will give them up so easily. The issue has gone beyond the MB and now is an issue between legitimacy and a coup.
The issue that is perfectly hidden from american view is the power of Salafism. Mursi was not toppled by "secularists" protesting, but by masses of dumb Salafis brought to the street — ostensibly to force Morsi to be "pro Sharia", and to accept the supreme Sharia ruling as issued by Wahhabis of Mecca. But Mursi had the constitution passed on referendum that stipulates the power of Egyptian Sunni authority, Al-Azhar, as the supreme authority on any legislation based on Sharia. Salafis were led to believe that this RELIGIOUS matter was the crux of the problem, while Salafi leaders, Al-Nur party, plotted on behalf of Saudi Arabia and US to get the Salafi general Al-Sisi to power. Saudi-controled and financed Salafis are pro IMF, pro deal with Israel, against Iran, with US on Syria. But result is that now MUBARAK era people are back in power, and leaders of Al-Nur cannot explain this to their cheated followers. Now, MB and joined by a sizeable number of Salafis, and against Saudi Salafis. That is civil war. So, the presure is on Morsi to SOLVE THE PROBLEM for Al-Sisi to give them rule on the silver platter. In the end, Al-Sisi may have to run for dear life.