My friend Nancy Okail, who’s written for us here on these pages, has penned a must-read essay over at Freedom House. Titled “‘Muslim Rage’ and the Politics of Distraction in Egypt”, it’s as good a summary as any as to what’s really behind the recent anti-American violence in Egypt. Hint: it’s not really about that execrable film, nor is it about religion. A taste:
The politics of distraction has continued in more pernicious ways. While the world was busy observing the protests in front of the U.S. embassy in Cairo, a host of strikes were mounted across different sectors—by bus drivers, teachers, university workers, students, and industrial workers. President Morsi and his cabinet responded by deploying security forces to violently disperse, arrest, and harass the protesters. And the Ministry of Industry issued a decree banning strikes and protests, and making participation in strikes punishable by law.
