Violence Continues in Egypt

Over the past week, the violence in Egypt has continued to escalate as dozens more of protested were killed. The United States is expressing concern over these events as the bloodshed has been extensive in Egypt. The protests began after the democratic, inclusive government  was overthrown and changed into a military backed regime with exclusive tendencies. The democratically elected leader, Morsi, had been a Muslim and the first leader in Egypt considered to have been truly chosen by the people, as previous elections were more than likely rigged. The new extractive political institution has began to persecute Muslims living within the country, claiming they are trying to stop terrorism. They outlawed the Brotherhood last week, and seized all of their assets as a way of enforcing this policy. The protestors are taking extreme measures to rebel against the religious persecution, most recently shooting guards and setting off car bombs. Although violence is never the right answer, these protestors are trying to push back a government that has become an extractive, unfair institution compared to the inclusive political environment that they thought they were finally achieving during the elections. 

The United States does not condone the actions of the Egyptian Government, saying they have "a responsibility to protect all Egyptians and create an atmosphere in which all Egyptians can exercise their universal rights, including free assembly, expression and press." USA TODAY However, the United States government has refused to offically call the act of the military overtaking the government a coup, as that would force them to stop funding to the country. Although the U.S. does not agree with the extractive institution's actions, they do not wish to take action due to the backlash that would most certainly ensue.