Setback to democracy in Egypt

Egyptian Supreme Court calls for Parliament to be dissolved
Egypt court rules entire parliament illegally elected, orders body to dissolve after unconstitutional vote


I don't know why this particular piece of news is having more of an emotional impact on me that any other ongoing disaster in the world, but it is.

I'm among those who are inclined to be alarmed that this decision stalls the handoff of power from the military. Military culture is always an undemocratic culture; you don't want people steeped in that culture running a country if you want democracy.

If the military and the court are concerned about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood--well, I share that concern, too. But that's the risk you take living in a democracy. Egyptians need to work out that problem in a democratic, constitutional framework.

That's rather arrogant Western of me, isn't it? Pontificating about what Egyptians need to do.

Let's put it this way: my prayers are with those Egyptians who see this latest development as a setback to democracy in Egypt. Even if--grimace--those people include Muslim Brotherhood.

That law of the land which is constitutional,
supporting a principle of freedom that maintains rights and privileges,
belongs to all mankind...
And as pertaining to human law,
whatever is more or less than this comes of evil.

(D&C 98: 5, 7)