Egyptian politics appear to be as changeable as a kaleidoscope. Recently, the entire cabinet led by Hazem-el-Beblawi as Prime Minister resigned from office. Of course, Egypt already had a Prime Minister to fill in the gap, Ibrahim Mahlab, who was housing minister in Beblawi’s cabinet. What is curious is that Ibrahim Mahlab started his career as a disciple of former dictator Hosni Mubarak who has long been disgraced. All this looks like a quiet revolution and the future hangs in the balance. The Opposition has been forced to go underground. The straws in the wind seem to suggest that the decks have been cleared for the Egyptian armed forces to grab power. Such a coup will of course raise a storm of controversy in democratic countries although it is coming in a roundabout manner. The former Prime Minister Beblawi was put in power by the Egyptian army. The resignation of the cabinet is still wrapped in mystery. One interesting development is that General Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, former military chief had joined the cabinet as Defence Minister and has now quit. The new Constitution which has been democratically adopted allows only a civilian to run for the office of President. Sissi seems poised to seek the highest office. However, the General, the army and the Supreme Council of the armed forces have decided to keep future moves under wraps.
The army poses to be the protector of the people from Islamist radicalism. And the Beblawi government was hardly in a position to shore up the sagging economy and snuff out militancy. There was need for boosting public confidence. Mahalab could hardly be more than a temporary head of government. The stage is being set for Sissi to go to the people to seek the office of President and in the prevailing chaos, he may make it.