Into the Frying Pan
For a few heady hours following Hosni Mobarak’s exit from power after 30 years of dictatorial rule during which he (and his family) managed to “save” US $ 40 billion from the salaries paid to him as a public servant of an impoverished nation, the successful revolt in the streets sent hopes soaring about impending freedom and a functioning democracy that would sustain the citizen’s aspirations. Rid of another “indispensable” Pharaoh, Egyptians must be forgiven for believing in this ridiculous farce, at least for sometime.
Who wields power in Egypt today? Appointed Vice President only a few days ago, Gen Omar Suleman, Mobarak’s Intelligence and Security Chief for 18 years, was notorious for torturing political prisoners himself. Barring a handful of skeptics, western leaders gushed “ad nauseam” for days over Mobarak’s dreaded enforcer as the designated successor. In the evolving circumstances Omar Suleman became a distinct liability like his boss. Remaining ahead of the game before their own troops started to refuse their orders, the “Higher Military Council” led by Defence Minister and Armed Forces Chief, 77-year old Field Marshal Tantawi, converted their quiet attempt to push out Mobarak gracefully into a sudden firm shove in the middle of the night.
