Yesterday was a day of unexpected news in Cairo -- personally, and within the nation.
Personally, we were all saddened and grief stricken by the news that a dear, core member of the Fellowship passed away this week. Sister Tita Habib was, as considered by many, "the oldest member of the CCF", not necessarily by age but by length of participation--joining what was then known as "The Center" for Bible study and fellowship in 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Wilbur Skaggs. A Coptic Christian, Tita was active in her the Church of her roots, and remained an integral part of the CCF. She was at our meeting on August 5, asking questions after the message and engaging the fellowship with her wit and love. Tita was preparing to go to visit family in England and sad that she would not be back on August 12 for the conclusion of our 2nd Peter study; she requested and had a time of personal prayer with Keli for her upcoming trip to England. Tita was quickly a positive supporter to our arrival in Cairo and her presence and encouragement will definitely be missed by our family; but the greater loss is for the CCF who have known and loved her for so many years.
Egyptian political news and society have been relatively calm during the month long Ramadan festival that concludes in a week--that is, with the exception of the Sinai border attacks by militants and the military response over a week ago. But, the national news in Egypt was taken aback by the unexpected Presidential announcement of retiring a few leaders of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), including leading military presence Field Marshall Tantawi, whose immediately imposed retirement comes with an appointment to serve as a Presidential advisor. Naval Commander Mamish received his imposed retirement and new responsibility to oversee the Suez Canal Authority.
Many throughout the nation are questioning the motive for this imposed retirement. Demonstrators both for and against the decision were in Tahrir Square last night to express their opinions, and headlines today chronicle the unexpected challenge to power from the new civilian President Mohamed Morsy. Morsy's decrees may also ignore SCAF's retainer of legislative powers until the new Constitution is ratified and a new Parliament is elected--as such, many reports/comments/editorials find it difficult not to see this as just another step in the ongoing power plays between the military and the former Muslim Brotherhood party member.
As with all such news, the population will wait and see what effect this brings to Egypt in the coming weeks and months.
Egyptian political news and society have been relatively calm during the month long Ramadan festival that concludes in a week--that is, with the exception of the Sinai border attacks by militants and the military response over a week ago. But, the national news in Egypt was taken aback by the unexpected Presidential announcement of retiring a few leaders of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), including leading military presence Field Marshall Tantawi, whose immediately imposed retirement comes with an appointment to serve as a Presidential advisor. Naval Commander Mamish received his imposed retirement and new responsibility to oversee the Suez Canal Authority.
Many throughout the nation are questioning the motive for this imposed retirement. Demonstrators both for and against the decision were in Tahrir Square last night to express their opinions, and headlines today chronicle the unexpected challenge to power from the new civilian President Mohamed Morsy. Morsy's decrees may also ignore SCAF's retainer of legislative powers until the new Constitution is ratified and a new Parliament is elected--as such, many reports/comments/editorials find it difficult not to see this as just another step in the ongoing power plays between the military and the former Muslim Brotherhood party member.
As with all such news, the population will wait and see what effect this brings to Egypt in the coming weeks and months.
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