21-Democracy: Egyptian Style Part 3: Now What?

Morsi was not the first to be handed the People's ultimatum from the Army. As with Mubarak, the military gave Morsi time to consider the protester's demands. Morsi reacted in a similar fashion. Insulted, he repeatedly used the word 'legitimate' as if it could save him. Both men spoke of cooperation but neither consider compromising their personal position as president. Like Mubarak, Morsi was also removed by the Deep State.

In Egypt, it is widely held that a cabal between the media, the military, and the courts comprise the true powers of Egypt – the Deep State. A concept coined in Turkey, the Deep State controls both private and public wealth, both physical and intellectual properties. Their treasure is so immense, no one knows its true extent. A mixture of leverage, law, incentive, and nepotism binds this network of self-interest and mutual benefit. In Egypt, the best way to own a chain of retail outlets by age forty is to start in the Army at sixteen.

The predisposition of the Deep State may simply be its own existence. It is difficult to believe it will not survive in some form no matter what happens; just as it is also easy to see that much of it will necessarily dissolve into this new Egypt with its emerging definition of politics. In the end, it is possible for the Deep State to dive far enough and grow vast enough to emerge into the light of legitimacy. When the “Good Ol' Boy's Club” mentality of the Deep State gives way to the maturity of a functioning democracy, this new State will include all Egyptians.

Let us call on all sides to end the violence. Reject fear. Work together. Simply vote. Give the Deep State what it really wants: the fortune of a capitalistic economy and the role of local sheriff. As long as Egypt is stable, strong, and at peace with Israel (as long as the Canal is open), a healthy alliance with the West insures their piece of the pie. Whatever the reason the Brotherhood resists a vote, when elections are finally held, will the Brotherhood and SCAF accept all this death as a worthy price? Recently the Brotherhood was again declared illegal but should a similar candidate win or a member of SCAF like the US War College graduate General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi rise to the post, let Morsi's failure be instructive: Egypt is neither homogeneous nor capable of swallowing the rule of a single hand.