Ignored in the noise in Western media surrounding Egypt's decision to prosecute 19 Americans in connection to foreign funding of non-governmental organizations is the rash of bank robberies and police station sackings across Egypt. Just Saturday, three police stations were attacked. An HSBC and armored bank vehicle were also robbed this week.
It is things like this about which average Egyptians are concerned. In an idea world, yes, foreigners aiming to build up civil society should be allowed to operate. But the lack of security, which evidently cannot even be guaranteed for the pillars of stability and security--the police force and financial industry, is a more immediate and tangible concern.
This was an incredibly bad week for Egypt, from the football clashes that killed over seventy to the kidnapping of two American women to the bombing of pipelines to Israel. And don't forget Mubarak's ongoing trial. Cairo is beating under the fourth day of clashes following the football incident. Perhaps as time passes the dust will settle and events will return to the uneasy stalemate that ruled before Port Said. Perhaps, however, the lack of security and a failed economy will push a restless--and powerful--Egypt forward.
It is things like this about which average Egyptians are concerned. In an idea world, yes, foreigners aiming to build up civil society should be allowed to operate. But the lack of security, which evidently cannot even be guaranteed for the pillars of stability and security--the police force and financial industry, is a more immediate and tangible concern.
This was an incredibly bad week for Egypt, from the football clashes that killed over seventy to the kidnapping of two American women to the bombing of pipelines to Israel. And don't forget Mubarak's ongoing trial. Cairo is beating under the fourth day of clashes following the football incident. Perhaps as time passes the dust will settle and events will return to the uneasy stalemate that ruled before Port Said. Perhaps, however, the lack of security and a failed economy will push a restless--and powerful--Egypt forward.
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