Egypt's Throne

Egypt's presidential throne is up for grabs again this year in June. No prizes for guessing whose grab will be successful . . . that of the sitting president, Mr. Sisi.

One of his potential challengers, Mr. Shafiq, who ran against and lost to former President Mursi has allegedly been bought off from a second attempt, his reward being a return to Egypt from exile in Abu Dhabi. A military officer, according to my driver Gemmel, recently asked for leave to stand which was not only refused but seems to have landed him behind bars.

'So, who is standing against Sisi?', I ask Gemmel.
'I can't remember his name . . . no one has ever heard of him,' he replies.

There are many ways to serve one's nation including as presidential candidate stooge. It will be interesting to see how the breaking news in today’s New York Times claiming Sisi has allowed Israel to bomb his ISIS foes in northern Sinai will play out with the electorate. If they ever get to hear of it, that is.