Egypt needs to follow roadmap to normality

The violence in Egypt, instigated by the Muslim Brotherhood and their supporters, must be stopped. The people, who took to the streets on Saturday to celebrate the anniversary of the January 25 revolution, will not be intimidated by the pressure tactics of the Brotherhood and their foreign allies.

The Brotherhood had their chance to govern but just blew it. They went for the kill, seizing every chance to advance their narrow ideological agenda, tailoring a constitution that could have led to sectarian divisions in the largest Arab country, and stuffing state bodies with their supporters, threatening the very fabric of Egyptian society, known for thousands of years for its tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Saturday’s violence cannot be looked at separately from the terrorist bombing that targeted security buildings on the eve of the celebrations. They are meant to force the current administration to enter into negotiations with the Brotherhood. But the people have already spoken, seven months ago, when millions took to the streets on June 30 to demand the ouster of former president Mohammad Mursi.

The success of the constitutional referendum added insult to the Brotherhood’s injuries. And instead of accepting the will of the people and opting to join the political process and contribute to a stable democracy in Egypt, the Brotherhood’s leaders are attempting to muscle up the people.

Armed with the twisted support of few countries, which think they can turn back the clock, the delusional Brotherhood strangely believes it can seize power again.

However, despite the tragic events of Saturday and terrorist bombings on Friday, the political roadmap, announced by the provisional president last July, is on track. It is the best hope for Egypt to return to normality and rebuild its political and economic systems. And most countries in the region are firmly behind this transition to help Egypt regain its leading role in the Arab world.