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Subscribe to RSSAs protesters clashes, President Mohammed Morsi of Egypt announced a referendum on a proposed constitution. NBC's Jim Maceda reports.
CAIRO — Protests by Islamists allied to President Mohammed Morsi forced Egypt's highest court to adjourn its work indefinitely on Sunday, intensifying a conflict between some of the country's top judges and the head of state.
The Supreme Constitutional Court said it would not convene until its judges could operate without "psychological and material pressure," saying protesters had stopped the judges from reaching the building.
Several hundred Islamists had protested outside the court building ahead of a session in which it was due to examine cases against the legality of the upper house of parliament and the assembly that drafted the new constitution, both bodies dominated by Islamists.
The cases added uncertainty to the crisis ignited by a Nov. 22 decree that temporarily expanded Morsi's powers, triggering countrywide protests and violence that has deepened the rift between newly empowered Islamists and their opponents.
Egyptians fear decades of Muslim Brotherhood rule, warn Morsi is no friend to US
The judges said that they had been intimidated when they tried to get to the court on Sunday morning.
After issuing a decree making himself more powerful than the courts, Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi has sparked a wave of anger – some of which is directed toward the United States. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
"As they approached the building there was a crowd of people surrounding the court from each side, as well as the road leading to the entrance gates, and on top of the walls, chanting slogans denouncing the court’s judges, and inciting people against them," according to a statement.
The statement added:
"The Supreme Constitutional Court now have no choice but to declare to the great people of Egypt that they cannot immediately work on their holy task under this charged atmosphere of rancor and hatred and the desire for revenge and the fabrication of fictitious conflicts. And we declare the suspension of hearings until we are able to continue our mission and continue in proceedings before the court without any psychological and physical pressures to which we are subjected."
The protest reflected the deep suspicion harbored by Egypt's Islamists towards a court they see as a vestige of the dictator Hosni Mubarak era. The same court ruled in June to dissolve the Muslim Brotherhood-led lower house of parliament.
"It is now a power struggle unconstrained by legal means," Gamal Abdul Gawad, a political science professor at the American University of Cairo, told NBC News.
Christians, liberals left out as Islamists back Egypt's draft constitution
"Parties are using physical force to obtain political goals," he added. "They used an act of violence, of physical power to prevent judges from entering the court. It is a turning point in our political development."
According to NBC News' Charlene Gubash, tanks were parked at Cairo's main entrances, indicating that the military was on high alert.
Protests
Hundreds of supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Morsi to power in a June election, gathered outside the court through the night. "Yes to the constitution," declared a banner held aloft by one pro-Morsi protester. Chants demanded the "purging of the judiciary."
Egypt's Morsi announces vote on draft constitution
The court earlier postponed a session set to examine cases that could further complicate the country's political crisis.
Three people have been killed and hundreds injured in recent protests. The wave of street demonstrations continued through Sunday with a protest by at least 200,000 Morsi supporters at Cairo University. Morsi opponents are staging an open-ended sit-in in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the cradle of the uprising that toppled Mubarak.
Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood hope to end the crisis by passing the new constitution that that was wrapped up on Friday. Morsi received the constitution on Saturday and immediately called a Dec. 15 referendum, urging all Egyptians to go out and vote.
"The Muslim Brotherhood is determined to go ahead with its own plans regardless of everybody else. There is no compromise on the horizon," said Hassan Nafaa, a professor of political science at Cairo University.
The constitution, he said, would likely be approved by a slim majority. "But in this case, how can you run a country with a disputed constitution — a constitution not adopted by consensus?" he said.
Reuters and NBC News' Charlene Gubash and Taha Belal contributed to this story.
More world stories from NBC News:
- Cuba pushes swap: its spies jailed in US for American contractor held in Havana
- PhotoBlog: China tears down house in middle of highway
- PhotoBlog: Dueling demonstrations in Cairo
- Egyptians fear long Muslim Brotherhood rule, warn Morsi is no friend of US
- Bread and expired milk: School lunch scandal sparks outrage in China
- Fast cars go cheap as bubble bursts in 'China's Dubai'
- Video: Morsi loyalists rewrite Egyptian constitution
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Same ideological madness in our country. Obama carried 50.9% of the 58.7% of voters who bothered to show up. That 29.9% plurality is typical. Even a landslide of support (60%) out of a record-breaking turnout (80%) elects a candidate with 48% approval. Less than half. The genius of the system is in its balance of power, because the President both guides and is governed-by the will of the Congress, and both are restricted by judicial review. NBC emails show that Democrats would like one-party rule to "finish the job," when the true meaning of that demand is to end the Constitutional framework of our government. Yes, I'm looking at you freaks.
Wrong. Misinformed. Ignorant.
Let's not forget that it was former House Majority Leader, Tom Delay, staunch Republican, that advocated, fought for, and wished for something called a "Permanent Majority."
He meant it would be a wonderful thing to have the Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House.
So before spouting off nonsense, do some research.
Well, hell yes ! .. everyone sees it coming. The common man sees and senses what lies down this road of Islam.
While our legislature sits on their free-market, democratic asses trying to break thru with a negotiated "peace" and "understanding" the cancer of Islam quietly spreads throughout Europe and here in the US, as well as the powder keg in the middle east.
You can be 100% sure :
1) Islam will continue with its charter to destroy Israel and usher in its savior the Madhi.
http://frontpagemag.com/2010/ryan-mauro/imam-rauf-on-israels-destruction/
Yes, the Iman behind NYE Ground zero mosque advocates Israel's destruction.
2) Islam will continue to spread throughout the west by virtue of liberalism and religious rights
http://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/bans-sharia-and-international-law
** need to read the ACLU's response to Oklahoma's initiative to outlaw sharia law.
3) There will be no peace with Islam . Period.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/honest-broker-muslim-brotherhood-chief-calls-for-jihad-on-israel-just-one-day-after-egypts-president-mediated-ceasefire/
So, of course, nothing will be done ! We are ancient Rome. Nothing can topple us ,, the greatest nation ever on this planet !
But wait ! National debt, WW economy malaise, multiple front of conflict ( North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan) !
It's coming ! It is really coming to your neighborhood ! For God's sake we have a mosque literally at NYC ground zero ! It's tradition for Islam to erect a mosque on conquered land.
yeah, fear fear and fear your muslim neighbors and destroy their mosques like many were burned down to the ground by the racist, GOPers and tea partiers and toothless rednecks.
YOU ARE A COWARD filled of hatred. why would you care what the Egyptian people want for their country? they are Muslims and they dont tell us what relegion to follow or what kind of president to vote for. LEAVE THEM ALONE
@ok so... Looks like the only thing that isn't racist is your licking of Jihad Uranus, and in that cause you are so nobly advanced.
It's useless to converse with the likes of you, Peik...
So let me just say this: You're an idiot.
I know, I know, I'm a lousy Libtard name calling.
I'll live with it.
ok so.. truth is NOT hatred. But only a true coward runs from the facts. If, in fact, it were not true, you would have had adequate response, without a personal attack on the individual.
So, no offense, but you validate others MORE with your response. Just a heads up, the "put them on the defensive with cries of hatred and racial biased" is old. It's worn out, and people are growing more and more tired of it...
Ok So,
I was not advocating violence but it seems the only viable remaining option left for US based upon the 3 facts I referenced before. That's the trend .. like it or not ..
Soon, there will be a concerted effort by Islam to topple/invade/attack Israel and then the entire world will be suffering from the pox of Islam.
do you really expect any of us to think the radicals ( Iran, Hezbollah,Syria, Hamas ) to ever accept a lasting negotiated peace? the answer is no .. thus ... the only option will be war.
I don't like it but it's coming ..
There will never be democracy and freedom in a muslim country. Sharia law and democracy cannot co-exist. It will be either one or the other - there is no middle ground.
Muslims do what their good book tells them.
It is the same in any religion.
Accept it and move on.
Tom Paine (atheist), Ben Franklin (agnostic) Washington and Jefferson (deists) John Adams (Christian proto-abolitionist) created a secular, democratically-elected republic of limited government, constitutionalism, rule of law, due process and individual liberties (freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and free markets). That was 236 years ago. Most of the Arab/Muslim world is still trying to catch up.
I don't care what Muslims do, and whether their book is good or not is highly debatable. As long as they stay out of my face, and every non-Muslim face, I'll reciprocate. If they don't, then they should expect retribution.
Arab/Muslim dictators are funded by stolen British and American oil properties. They control OPEC and OPEC controls Big Oil. We care about what these savages do because our own domestic imbeciles refuse to be energy independent.
The doctrine of Christianity is worlds apart different than the Muslim faith.
The founding fathers knew the American Republic would only work for Christians who practiced Christian principals.
It has worked up until now, but even America is on a slippery slope now because of too many conflicting beliefs.
When America was born Christianity ruled supreme.
Now Obama comes out and blatantly say America is NOT a Christian nation. It was though, it was.
"... and as every sect believes its own form the true one, every one perhaps hoped for his own... they believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." - Thomas Jefferson, September 23, 1800
Secular Humanism is a religion practiced by other failed systems of government like the former communist USSR for example.
Europe seems to feel that Secular Humanism will work for them, but will it?
Teatotally,
"Now Obama comes out and blatantly say America is NOT a Christian nation. It was though, it was."
Obama neve said that. You're lying. Either that or you heard it somewhere, took it as gospel, and are now repeating it, which makes you an idiot.
Supply us the link so we can read it for ourselves. Go on, we'll wait. Otherwise, you just another Tea Bagger liar.
Wow, what a suprise.
Obamanatioon said America is not just a Christian nation' ?meaning it was also Islamic or what?
Jesus says,expect no reward from God loving only who love you,even sinners love their own-conservatives,being compassionate conservatives,conservative with compassion,are more likely to love only those who love them,fellow conservatives,and hate liberals,and the Bible says if you hate your fellow man the love of God is not in you. God on the Cross of Jesus Christ is liberal with His compassion as John 3:16,says,God so loved the world,all the people in the world,and it's this love,God's love, that Saves man.And if everybody in the world isn't Saved,it's not the work of God,He is not a hypocrite saying one thing in the Bible and doing another,but it's the work of men not loving as God loves.And in wars men love only who love them,even disobeying Jesus when he says,love your enemies,and all sin is disobedience to God.
Your point?
Matthew 24:34 KJV "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." The generation that heard the speech were all dead shortly after 100 A.D. Enough with the religious stuff.
another jewish article - go democracy in Egypt, go president!
so that american sheeple can only envy and be jealous while keep paying jewish tax!!!
I really wish the Mossad of Nazi/Jihadi paranoia was on the rooftop across from your window. It's a clean line of sight, isn't it? A moronic mancow is an easy takedown.
So, let me get the straight... The Judges are on a "Holy" task, though they should be impartial? And they do not like the fact that the citizens have taken to physical force to disrupt the flow of government?
Well.. might be me, but really think it's too bad, because THEY SHOWED THEM HOW WELL IT WORKS!
Always say, never open a door, unless you are ready for the opposition to walk through.
Always factor that those you did agree with, will eventually figure out, and will exploit it for all it's worth. Even if your talking Tea Party, Muslim radicals, or just your run of the mill. Power and control are more important, and they will do what ever it takes, including deceiving the masses.
And since individuals have become lazy and co-dependent on certain things, all they need to do it get control of those dependencies... and use the road map provided by those that came before them.
You obviously are just another raghead. We will sooner or later destroy you once the Western leaders see what a threat TO THE WORLD you children of Satan are. Do you really think most people believe your lies?? Just look at the number of Nobel prizes the 1.2 BILLION Muslims have won, compared to the number JEWS have won, who represent .oo2 of the worlds population. You people have produced NOTHING have made next to zero contributions to the world. Your "legacy" is death and destruction. Your time is coming-you'll push too far and that WILL be the end of you.
Looks like the Egyptians aren't going to settle for another dictator.
Good job!
This is going to play right into the brotherhood's hands. Without the functioning court, they can declare whatever they want.
I really don't care what they declare. If they want to declare Egypt to be another Islamist Sharia Law dung heap, then let them. The rest of the world can then mock and disparage them as the idiots they so surely are.
That sentiment would be fine if the American leadership would stay out of it and let them do what they want. Unfortunately, Obama and his 'Spring' have caused this whole mess by working on getting Mubarek removed. Mubarek was the one who kept the muslim brotherhood under wraps in Alexandria when they started killing tourists and causing upheaval in all of Egypt. Makes one wonder why Obama had to go and interfere, especially right after he had the muslim brotherhood as valued guests in the White House. Furthermore, Egypt didn't get near as much foreign aid from America during Mubarek's rule than it gets now under the muslim brotherhood's.
And, we give them $1.5 billion annually? Forget Egypt. Pay American families $1M each (equal to $1.5B) and our Government will see a quick turnaround in our economy. Egypt will never benefit America, but Americans (with Egypt's handout) will greatly benefit America. What are we thinking? Why are we not taking care of ourselves first? Where is the logic?
In government, logic and reason are anathema to the slack-jawed goobers who comprise it, and scares the hell out of them, to boot.
COMPLETELY AGREE!! We're GIVING this huge sum to people who are our ENEMIES!!! it is unbelieveable! Let Obama keep it up.With every "assist" to these countries , he's leading us closer to WWIII.
Morsi and the MB have come a long way in trying to impose their rule on the Egyptians. They will not back down now. Watch for a civil war, then attack on Israel as a diversion and means to bringing people together under MB.
It will give the rest of the world something amusing to watch on CNN. Nothing like lots of explosions to hold the audience's attention. Once the explosions simmer down, and the real killing begins on the ground, it won't be nearly as amusing. They need to keep the explosions coming, because everyone likes seeing things blowed up real good. No explosions? No TV for you!
Are you blind ?
another jewish article - go democracy in Egypt, go president!
so that american sheeple can only envy and be jealous while keep paying jewish tax!!!
I really wish the Mossad of Nazi/Jihadi paranoia was on the rooftop across from your window. It's a clean line of sight, isn't it? A moronic mancow is an easy takedown.
I guess the only fitting response to your pitiable little screed is BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Morsi is probably going to get brutal now in a desperate bid to hold onto power.
Lets watch and see if Obama tries to help him.
He better stay the hell out of it! Period! Let them all shoot, and stab, and blow each other to Hell!
It is Western civilization born from the Roman empire vs Ottoman born from Middle Eastern civilization.
The middle east has been westernized, but clings to its primitive ideals, hence the enigma.
The Highest Court in Egypt, was going to dissolve the Shura council which constists of mostly MB and Salafist members and state that Morsi's decree was unconstitutional but the Muslim brotherhood's supporters rushed with a protest by the Court today to prevent the decision from being released. It was postponed, everyone needs to support the rule of law and the Court system, not this tyranny who claim absolute power like Morsi.
Morsi was sworn into office and became a president under the Egyptian Constitution and before the Court Judges. His decree is absolutely unconstitutional. Non of the previous Egyptian president has done something as crazy and radical like what Morsi did.
english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/59621/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-Constitutional-Court-postpones-all-sessions-.aspx
The more I read about the Muslim brotherhood and its MO, the more they remind me of the Tea Party and the Republican politicians in bed with them. Just like Morsi is changing the constitution, Republican Governors, far to the right or Ronald Reagan, are drafting legislation to suppress the vote, to redistrict their states to ensure a veto proof majority, blatant intrusion on women's right to contraceptives and abortion, relegating science to the back seat while pushing creationism, banning books at libraries and editing/censoring books not in accord with their views. They even go to elementary and high school book publishers demanding revisions to the books they have produced for decades. They want to rewrite history if you listen to the nuts Palin and Bachmann. They have their own morality brigades in the American Family Council and other evangelical extremist organization. They use hollow excuses like the "War on Christmas" spewed on a daily basis by Fox News propagandists just like the Mullahs. They want to amend the constitution rejecting some amendments and forcing others on us. They march to the drumbeat of war and belligerence just like the Iranian leadership, conjuring lies and fear campaigns to mobilize the masses in their favor. The GOP is watching Chavez smooth and gradual take over Venezuela's power through manipulation of the system and radical changes in the laws, and is learning from it. In several States they try to remove Supreme Court Justices blocking their destructive agendas. Just like Islamists they attack minority groups blaming them for every malady affecting the nation: the gays, the welfare queens, the undocumented workers, the liberal media, Hollywood, union workers, scientists warning us about global warming, even picking on some veterans for demanding too much after they gave it all for us. The Hannitys, O'Reillys, Cheneys, Becks, Limbaughs...all cowards who would run to the nearest cave if they heard a car backfiring....I could go on forever but you get the picture. We must stay vigilant and avoid another 2010 elections who swept these radicals into many positions of influence.
God Bless America, our Commander-in Chief and his lovely family. God knows they have been relentlessly attacked by the tumors that have infected the GOP.
If the republicans are in bed with MB, then why our persident supports the MB and praises morsi??
This is how Islam works. The proponents of an Islamic government think they will get more from their government if they turn the power over to the Muslim Brotherhood. What they will get is murder intimadation and resources being used by those in power not for all the Egyptian people but for their violent agenda. God help them now.
Hey, they asked for it, and now they Got it. I don't feel a bit sorry for those people at all. In fact it seems to me that these Muslims in the world like to have a foot on their Neck, thats why they let Religion run their lives. Why don't they ask Allah for help??
Egypt has no oil. Israel has no oil.
You don't know much, do ya?
With no oil game over.
they control the suez canal.
Suez canal not so important anymore.
Suez canal cuts the travel time in half.
i'm really sad to think when i die there's nothing else.....i really want to see my wife and children again
i don't attend any church & don't think i should have to
This what happens when people let "Religion" run a country. Some humans in parts of the world are really very Stupid.
did anyone ever hear of a board game called risk?
not all muslim populations are jihadist
but all jihadists are muslim!
whats jihadist?
So, anyone else here NOT surprised that they find it a problem, too? Question, isn't that how they started the overthrow of the last government?
The real danger of religion is that it removes the natural corrective of human fallibility. That is, whenever we act on what we think is God's will , we cannot be wrong as God is infallible. Very dangerous!
this is so surprising n shocking... i thought ppl in the middle east were peaceful, hated violence n mayhem... amazing
This is what the Egyptians voted for...now they realize what they have...I can foresee blood shed and it will not be nice...The people just like in America or Europe listened to the BS the politicans spewed out and this is what they got...Now the people realize what is going on,,,maybe not to late...The average Egyptian wants freedom, respecting their religion, not that of the extremists...they brought Mubarak down, and it is possible to do the same with Morsi and co...but it will take time....
We need to CUT OFF all aid to Egypt NOW! Are we going to aid a "party/dictator" who has SAID on numerous videos Israel needs to be destroyed?? This is a country ALLIED with us?? LOL!!