The ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi, following four days of nationwide mass protests, has placed power in the hands of a military junta which is committed to the defense of the economic interests of the country’s ruling class and to the geo-political aims of American imperialism.It is clear to me that the Egyptian military (SCAF), which is now directly ruling Egypt, is very much wedded to the Pentagon and the Empire. This has been accomplished by three means: 1) the annual $1.3 billion in military aid, 2) training of the Egyptian military officers in the US, and 3) the promotion of social ties between Pentagon generals and their Egyptian counterparts by sponsoring social events to include both.
It is also clear that US officials are in constant contact with SCAF officials and are likely decisively managing events. Empire operatives are totally incapable of directing Egypt's affairs to the satisfaction of Egypt's 99 Percent as is evident once again with the example of the Muslim Brotherhood's regime. They will have to come up with some other party to serve their neoliberal interests and, once again, manage elections so that their puppets win. That won't be easy this time. The Egyptian people were not prepared last time when opposition parties were not allowed under the Mubarak regime. (see this) This time may be a different story. Thus, I expect to see a lot more turmoil ahead.
Also, see this coverage on the Egyptian crisis from Reflections on a Revolution.
Clearly, these critical power resources of the Egyptian military stand in constant conflict with one another. The army’s need for popular legitimacy constantly runs up against the elite’s continued pandering to US and Israeli interests, as well as the enormous wealth its leadership has acquired over the decades. This is why the army constantly needs to radiate an aura of patriotism that claims to align the military command with the wishes of the people and the goals of the revolution; even if these wishes and goals are in many way in direct opposition to the army’s social dominance and its unaccountable “autonomous” role within the state apparatus.
