The article, “Interpreting the Egyptian mandate” (June 5), had many contradictions, details of poll statistics and voter turnout, for example, which do not support the claim of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s victory being overwhelming and popular. The people of Egypt have suffered for decades under the same “military-guided democracy,” where an extreme regime has bled the country creating an extreme economic crisis and where there has been an excessive use of force to curb any legitimate form of expression. The Egyptian Army has been controlling 40 per cent of the national economy and is the recipient of generous aid from the U.S.
Finally, the popular uprising against Hosni Mubarak was not as non-violent as the writer wants us to believe. Over 800 Egyptians died and many were injured when remnants of the Mubarak regime and Baltagiyas (hired thugs) rode into peaceful crowds of men and women at Tahrir Square on camels, using force to disperse them.
Syed Qamar Hasan,Hyderabad
I still remember from my days as a teenager, the famed charisma behind the unique Nehru-Nasser relationship. It will be interesting to see how the Modi government will tackle diplomacy, keeping right-wing elements under control.
N. Visveswaran,Chennai
The article appeared to project only superficial things. Is it really a “landslide victory”? The fact is that strong opponents, namely the secularists, the liberals and the Islamists are behind bars and the elections were contested with no serious rival. How is it a democracy when the military appoints its new defence minister rising above civilian rule? How can Mr. Sisi really be pious when his own hands are tainted with the blood of thousands of peaceful protesters, and yet seemingly remain unaccountable?
Mohammed Abdul Hannan,Warangal
Mr. Sisi is a master of the political game. It is to fulfil his own political ambitions that he has projected himself as the saviour of Egypt. It is a master-stroke by a military general.
N. Jan Mohammed,Chennai
