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Subscribe to RSSOn the doorstep of Egypt's presidential palace, angry protesters accuse Mohamed Morsi of stealing power and imposing a constitution they consider illegal. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
Updated at 4:25 p.m. ET -- Opposition protesters fought presidential supporters outside the Egyptian presidential palace on Wednesday, while inside the building the president's deputy proposed a way to end a crisis over a draft constitution that has split the most populous Arab nation.
Stones and petrol bombs flew between opposition protesters and supporters of President Mohammed Morsi, and the Interior Ministry said 32 people had been arrested and three police vehicles destroyed.
The Egyptian ministry of health told NBC News 60 people have been wounded in the clashes, but said there have been no fatalities.
The president's backers tore down tents erected by opponents of Morsi who began a sit-in protest on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
The demonstrators are angry over the president's expanded powers and his decision to rush through a new constitution they say does not represent the whole nation.
Tweets from activists on the scene said some anti-Morsi protesters were overwhelmed by the president's backers, who beat some of the protesters with clubs. Rocks were thrown, and some protesters were left bleeding.
Riot police were deployed between the two sides to try to stop confrontations that flared after dark despite an attempt by Vice President Mahmoud Mekky to ease the crisis.
Mekky said amendments to disputed articles in the draft constitution could be agreed on with the opposition. A written agreement could then be submitted to the next parliament, to be elected after a referendum on the constitution on Dec. 15.
"There must be consensus," he told a news conference, saying opposition demands had to be respected to reach a solution.
Violence breaks out in Cairo, Egypt, outside Mohammed Morsi's presidential palace. NBC's Jim Maceda has more on the clashes and a possible constitutional compromise by the Egyptian government.
Ready for dialogue
In a news conference Wednesday, opposition coordinator Mohamed ElBaradei said: "We hold President Morsi and his government completely responsible for the violence happening in Egypt today."
"We are ready for dialogue if the constitutional decree is canceled ... and the referendum on this constitution is postponed," he said of the document written by an Islamist-led assembly that the opposition says ignores its concerns.
Opposition leaders have previously urged Morsi to retract the Nov. 22 decree, defer the referendum and agree to revise the constitution, but have not echoed calls from street protesters for his overthrow and the "downfall of the regime."
Morsi has said his decree was needed to prevent courts still full of judges appointed by ousted leader Hosni Mubarak from derailing a constitution vital for Egypt's political transition.
Protests spread to other cities, and offices of the Muslim Brotherhood's political party in Ismailia and Suez were torched.
Morsi flees Egypt's presidential palace as 'last warning' protesters battle cops
Khaled Elfiqi / EPA
Egyptian supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood attack an Egyptian opposition protester in front of the presidential palace one day after a protest against President Mohammed Morsi, in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 5.
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Egypt's unrest showed the urgent need for dialogue between Morsi's government and opposition figures.
Supporters of Islamist president push Egypt to tipping point
Speaking at NATO, Clinton said the U.S. wanted to see a constitution emerge that protects the rights of all Egyptians — men and women, and Christian and Muslim.
But asked to specifically address any shortcoming in the Islamist-supported draft constitution, Clinton didn't name any.
Rights groups as well as secular opponents of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood have criticized the draft. They say it rolls back the rights of women, religious minorities and others.
Liberals, Christians left out as Islamists back Egypt's draft constitution
Clinton said Wednesday the dialogue needed to be two-way — not the government imposing its view.
She also called for Egypt's courts to be allowed to function.
On Tuesday, Egyptian police battled thousands of protesters outside the palace, prompting Morsi to leave the building, presidency sources said.
The Associated Press reported that some people broke through barbed wire around the building and hurled chairs and rocks at retreating police on Tuesday night.
The crowds had gathered in what organizers had dubbed "last warning" protests against Morsi, who infuriated opponents with a November 22 decree that expanded his powers. "The people want the downfall of the regime," the demonstrators chanted.
NBC's Jim Maceda and Charlene Gubash, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hassan Ammar / AP
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's supporters, background, clash with opponents, foreground, outside the presidential palace, in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 5.
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All of the Middle east will fall to the muslim brotherhood...it is necessary to fulfill prophecy.
It is up to the Middle East to stop the brotherhood themselves before it is too late.
It's already to late to stop them. You Christians said they would never get past Constantiopal (now Istanbul) and that Islam would be eradicated off the face of the earth. This is written and recorded history here folks. This is the price that you pay for your failure. Your God might be forgiving but Alluh isn't as far as the Jihadist are concerned. Either pick up a rifle and get to work or learn to embrace the Koran. Either way you are in a loose, loose situation. Even the Bible tells you to and how to defend your butts. If your going to follow the Bible, you need to follow all of it, even the Warring parts.
@6dogs I agree with you about the relation of what is happening today and the events that led to the fall of Constantinople. I read a fascinating book by John Julius Norwich titled "A Short History of Byzantium" and my disturbing conclusion was that the West is repeating the same mistakes that the Christian World have fallen into before the fall of Constantinople. While the Muslims have one unifying goal, their Holy Grail, of occupying Constantinople, the Christians were divided.
On the religious front the Churches of Rome and Constantinople were arguing about the Decree of Faith. Rome taught that "the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son," while Constantinople taught that "the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father," and the two Churches broke up.
Politically, Christian monarchs were fighting each other and in some cases they used Muslim states to beat back their Christian rivals.
Sadly, you can see similar events taking place today.
"Clinton said Wednesday the dialogue needed to be two-way — not the government imposing its view".
Sounds like Obama's government here!
Obama, Clinton and Rice issued statements that the attacks on the protesters were reaction of peace loving muslims who were outraged by Morsi having to leave his palace in the middle of his prayers.
Yeah, the triumvirate of spin doctors!
hmmmm you mean Hussein Obama right?
No matter what happens in the world m it is always some wacko Muslims involved. Strange how you never hear a peep out the so called moderate Muslims. And Muslims wunder why people are against them.
I don't have a problem with people practicing their choice of Religion. Even Christianity has its extreme points. I have no problems with Islam either. Just like with all Religions just keep it inside you your Church Mosc or where ever it is practiced. If you live your daily life, and are respectful to one another who cares what anothers Religion or even Party affiliation is.
yes but sadly muslims dont do that... its not a relgion its a cult political movement the sooner the western world realizes it the better chance they will have to survive this disease
It is about time that they(the protesters), recognise the dangers of an Islamic government. I am glad they are rising up in protest. My prayers are with them....
Soon as the people of the mid east see that church and state mix dose not work in this modern world they just might see there life improve. Religion dose not work as a govern form. Europe and The Americas figured this out not long ago. Arabs have not found this out yet. oddly enough as much fighting they been in slow learners i suppose. i didn't help there cause that most Arabs sided with the Nazi's in ww2, they are just getting there dependence from the winning nations the last 50yrs. too bad they are blindly following re legion
No, problem is that Islam IS a government, just like Zionism - has its own laws, its own judicial system, the whole thing. Our mistake is in treating it as a simple religion - while by their own book, they divide the world into those who follow their laws, those slaves who must submit, and the enemy, which must be crushed. No co-existence, as Christians, Buddhists and others have learned - sooner that the world accepts this, the fewer casualties will be in the final battle. And there will be - just like a cancer, you either cut it out or it kills the whole.
Zionism is a western style of government, which fundamentally recognizes a separation of synagogue & state.
Sharia Islam does not recognize the separation of mosque and state. Allah is the be all and end all in that sort of government, and will never be able to accept religious plurality.
Part of the problem is with the Jihadist and Sunnah part of having the Queran as Law there is no way Government fits into the Framework. Hence no advancement of Civilization or Society.(just my thoughts on the subject.) They know they cannot destroy Eu or the US by War, but they do know they can destroy from within. Like I have always said one must know everything about your enamy. I means facts and not spins by trolls. If you listen to those guys, you're going down.
The mad plumber:
The Christian Right in this country doesn't believe in Separation of Church and State--the way they want to control everyone else's (especially women's) lives is proof enough. Just look at what they've tried to do in recent years. I really wonder sometimes if they know the meaning of Separation of Church and State.
democracy isn;t pretty but it;s worth the struggle keep religion out of it
We have been a Socialist Democracy for over 100 years. It may or may not be the greatest thing going but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
One of the Muslim radicals threaten the protesters of jihad against them on TV.
the translation
Mohamed Abu Samra - Secretary General of the Party'' safety and development'' - their intention to use jihad and armed violence on a wider scale if tried opposed to President Mursi dropping.
He said - during his intervention telephone calls to Al-Arabiya -'' If there is an attack on President-elect or the coup attempt on Sharia, we will announce Jihad, a right that we maintain the legitimacy of the elected president, and this announcement all jihadist currents on their websites. 'He said Abu Samra:'' invasive thousands who reject the referendum tell them pulled down and people separated us, and I rely on the people who accuse opponents half of ignorance. I of this people, and I want the voice of the people''.He went on:'' We are the people and we have used force against most of them, if they go out for legitimacy announced in front of everyone as all jihadists will use the harshest force to defend the legitimacy of the people''
That sounds like like one of those Yeh, Yeh, Yeh situations.
Hmmm, why not just storm the palace and carry him out and destroy the palace, just like in benghazi. Gh, wait, Mr. BO in the white house will come to his rescue, not like Benghazigate. failed, failed, failed, BO. Cannot we find the power to indict for treason the Potus and all of his cronies who were in on this horrific coverup?
First of all it is still being investigated, but if you want to play Spin Doctor answer me this. Why was the Senate Security Council given $440,000 to have Security at Bengazi and yet they failed to supply it? Now keep in mind the Security Council is all Republicans (if you want to go that route with me). The only treasoners here are the ones jumping the gun. I'll even go one better, why did the Republicans break Protocol on the investigation of the Benghazi incident? Could it be they are hiding the fact that they dropped the Ball on security? Duh.....suppose??? Keep spinning Troll!!
How naive it was to think that these people could ever exist in a country where free thought and debate could happen without violence?
Say what you want about the disagreements between liberals and conservatives in the USA, but at least we do not resort to violence.
The Arab spring was poisoned from the get go. At least with Mubarek he was able to assert some sort of control over his people.
AHHHH, The Arab Spring!! The wonderful fragrance of blooming roses....
Imagine a world
with no religion. Imagine no suicide bombers, no 9/11, no 7/7, no Crusades, no
witch-hunts, no Gunpowder Plot, no Kashmir dispute, no Indo/Pakistan partition,
no Israel/Palestine wars, no Serb/Croat/Muslim massacres, no Northern Ireland
'troubles'. Imagine no Taliban blowing up ancient statues, lashing women for
showing an inch of skin, or publicly beheading blasphemers and apostates.
Imagine no persecutions of the Jews - no Jews to persecute indeed, for without
religion they would long ago have intermarried with the surrounding populations
Arabs seem to be the most hot-headed, angry, brutal, sex-starved, bloodthirsty, emotional and misinformed people on the planet -- right behind the North Koreans. At least the North Koreans still believe in unicorns.
north korans are led by a brutal doctatorship im not sure the actual people are that bad ,,cant say same about arabs,,they are total @!$%#
The answer to all the troubles in the Arab world is to simply hand the whole region back over to the Turks.
well i suggest you read some hoistory books first, the turks were brutal invaders of europe and decimated the christian armenians albanians and other southern europeans who wouldnt convert,, funny how Erdogan criticizes anyone, based on their history he should stfu
It's true; the Turks don't put up with any crap. They would know what to do to stop fanatical Arab terrorism. It might not be pretty, but it would be damned effective. No legal niceties about waterboarding and such with them. Order would be restored, and the world would be a lot safer.
I am from Egypt and all I can tell you all ...that the situation is way worse than what is in this article...Muslim brotherhood mob with their leader "El Morshed" which by the way he control Morse as well are killing some of the finest and good men of country ...thank you Obama for your failed policy and your support still to date your people trying to show this as a clash between supporters to the president and opposition ...that is completely a lie, this is a fight against directorship...I ask whoever can to pray for Egypt...it is sad that the US let Egypt fall in the hands of these people and we will pay the price dearly in the future.
prayers dont help my friend, the muslim brotherhoods need to be extinguished
muslims are trouble, everywhere you look death, violence, killing of innocents seems to invovle muslims, they are the scourge of this world. The rest of us better wake up, they are infiltrating the west through immigration and population growth they are a disease on westen civilization and all civilization, they should all be shipped back to whence they came
ajar not sure Youssef would agree with you sounds like he will fit right in with the republicans that post on here. Obama did not elect Morsi the Egyptians did so what was he to do, start a war and throw him out. U.S. did that with Mubarak and see how that worked out.
I'm the type of person who believes in giving a man a chance before destroying him. With the power he gave himself he may use it to bring peace and tranquility to their region. I believe the Brotherhood of Muslims want peace but to have peace all concerned need to want peace just as much including Israel. Israel has to stop it's building on land that could conceivably be land for the Palestinians. I would like to see represenatives from China, Russia, the U.S. Palistine, Egypt, Iraq and other countries concerned about what Iran's plans are and go there to see everything for it's self. Leave no leaf unturned and have Iran submit to any of the representatives demands. If they have nothing to hide then they should be able to show what they're doing at any time. I just wish China would have done that with North Korea. Instead they let North Korea make fools of China by disregarding what China had promised the world.
Muslim brotherhood = Nazi's. Isaiah 19:1-2 The oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud and is about to come to Egypt; The idols of Egypt will tremble at His presence, And the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them. “So I will incite Egyptians against Egyptians; And they will each fight against his brother and each against his neighbor, City against city and kingdom against kingdom. This was written almost 3,000 years ago. There is filling of scripture and fulfilling as we see, judgement has come upon nations. Look at Europe riots in Greece, Spain and will spread. This will come to America.
The muslim brotherhood are terrorist that is a fact , they are hate christian and jew, ask a christian in Egypt how much freedom they have, there churches are burn down , they are beheaded, where is the out rage.
Where's the coverage on Syria? 40,000 Syrians have been massacred since wacky Asaad and his wife ordered their deaths. Where is the United Nations in all of this too? The United States was quick to respond to alleged and unfounded voter fraud in the United States, but has done little to nothing about Syria. Where is the world's priority, seems it changed when B.O., the do nothing president go elected. Hope to God it won't be your children next that have to live in a society like this.
Morsi is a good observer. I'm guessing that after watching news about Obama Morsi realized he should promise everything to get elected and after he was in power he could do anything he liked.
Seems like a lot of their problems reflect our problems.
The Gov is forcing change down their throats.
Seems familiar.
Remember when Morsi quit the Muslim Brotherhood ?
Obama took him off the list of Known terrorist and invited him to the White House.
The end is near.
Some of you folks sound upset, Morsi was elected in a Democratic election praised by Hillary, Barack, and most of the media. But we can blame these killings and disruptions on a short film made in Hollywood.! Then again the weapons could have been given to the people of the DOJ but, don't ask Eric! Ain't radical democracy fun.
You guys are out blaming the Muslim Brotherhood, they back by our President and Secretary of State. Sharia equals peace and fair play and isn't that what everyone wants in the White House. Boys will be boys, I'm sure the tragedy taking hold in Egypt can be directly linked to the GOP and Bush. Don't take my word on it ask Chris and Rachel. I am sure Ol' EDDY will put in his two bits also.