Huffington Magazine Issue 85 | Page 44

AP PHOTO/KHALIL HAMRA OPEN SEASON state of affairs, regardless of the democratic ideals that drove the revolution. The once-popular battle cry of “bread, freedom, and social justice” has seemingly been forgotten, trumped by the military-backed regime’s promise to restore security. Indeed, a referendum held earlier this month on a new constitution that effectively affirms the military’s dominant role passed with overwhelming support — albeit in an atmosphere of fear and pressure. HUFFINGTON 01.26.14 This government is more oppressive than Mubarak. Anyone can be arrested.” Many here now credit Gen. Sissi with having “saved Egyptians from befalling to the fate of the Brotherhood-led Islamic state,” says Hafsa Halawa, a former employee of the National Democratic Institute, an advocacy group that was prosecuted by the military regime that ruled after Mubarak’s ouster. Pro-military propaganda has Egyptian protesters set tires on fire during clashes between supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood near the group’s headquarters in Cairo on March 22, 2013.