Muslim Brotherhood
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Constitutional Referendum in Egypt
The Islamists' Pyrrhic Victory
Although a slim majority of votes cast in Saturday's first round support the new constitution, the Islamists have little reason to celebrate: only 18 percent of the electorate voted for the blueprint, as the Muslim Brotherhood's popularity continues on its downward trajectory. Commentary by Karim El-Gawhary
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The Writer Alaa al-Aswani
A Desperate Citizen of Egypt
"We will topple Mursi, just as we toppled Mubarak": A few years ago Alaa al-Aswani wrote what is arguably the most successful novel ever to be written in Arabic, now he is fighting for democracy in his homeland. By Tim Neshitov
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Egypt – a Nation Divided
Trapped between the Religious and Secular Fronts
While Egypt's elites see themselves in a culture struggle between a liberal and a more strongly Islamic direction, the poor are growing increasingly disappointed in a revolution that has brought them no improvements whatsoever to date. Claudia Mende reports from Cairo
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Mass Protests against Morsi
Egypt's Democratic Dictator?
While most Egyptians may support Morsi's aims, a dramatic expansion of presidential power in order to attain them was, for many, a step too far. Morsi's decrees have undoubtedly polarized Egyptian politics further, says Omar Ashour
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Constitutional Crisis in Egypt
No More Time for Dialogue?
Faced with ongoing street protests, President Morsi has made some concessions. But the underlying conflict continues – and the opposition has called for more protests. Matthias Sailer reports from Cairo
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The Egyptian President's Power Gain
Morsi Cannot Govern Against His People
When Mohammed Morsi assumed his presidential duties six months ago, he was derided as a "spare tyre". Now Time Magazine is running a front-page story on the man it calls "the most important man in the Middle East". But despite his burgeoning power, Morsi will not be able to govern in a way that ignores the interests and concerns of a highly politicised nation. Commentary by Thomas Demmelhuber
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Political Power Struggle in Egypt
Deeply Divided
Demonstrations for and against Egyptian President Morsi took place this weekend in Cairo. Egyptians face the uneasy choice of supporting a constitutional draft or starting the process over from the beginning. Matthias Sailer reports from Cairo
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Morsi Expands Executive Power in Egypt
I Am the State!
After his diplomatic success in Gaza, President Mohammed Morsi has begun to move against the judiciary and expand his power in Egypt, all with the support of the military. The opposition has taken to the streets. By Naomi Conrad
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The Gaza Conflict in the Wake of the Arab Spring
The Regional Powers' New Confidence
Egypt and Turkey, two regional powers in the Middle East, are getting actively involved in the Gaza conflict. Not only have they condemned Israel's attacks on Gaza, they are also looking for a long-term ceasefire solution. This is creating a new regional diplomacy and reconfiguring the relationship between the region and Europe and the USA, writes Karim El-Gawhary
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Gaza Conflict
A Boost to Hamas
While Israel's air offensive in the Gaza Strip may have weakened Hamas militarily, it has also enhanced the group's standing on the international stage. The US and the Europeans are looking for ways to open dialogue with the new Arab world. Unconditional solidarity with Israel is no longer guaranteed. Commentary by Tomas Avenarius
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Interview with Hassan Abu Haniyya
The Muslim Brothers' Rigid Structures
According to the Jordanian Islamism expert Hassan Abu Haniyya, the Muslim Brotherhood is still adhering to structures developed in the early 20th century by the movement's founder Hassan al-Banna. This, Haniyya says, blocks the organisation's evolution and at the same time encourages breakaway tendencies. Emad Ghanim spoke to him
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Egypt and the Gaza Crisis
Mounting Pressure on President Morsi
After the Israeli attacks on Gaza, Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi is under increasing pressure to balance domestic and international expectations. The anger among Egyptians over Israel and the US could even force Morsi to insist on renegotiating the peace treaty with Tel Aviv. By Matthias Sailer