EGYPT – Egyptian history professors and historians today criticized the current situation in Egypt in light of recent decisions by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), including its reluctance to lay out a clear timetable for the transfer of power to a civil authority. Historians warned Egyptians by reminding them of what happened in March 1954, when conflicting political movements struggled to find democratic voice. Another trend, too, insisted on dominating individual ruling power, canceling political parties and opposing criticism in the media. Historians also claim that Egypt is currently in a transitional phase and the real conflicts are between political forces and SCAF. They called on SCAF to put a clear power transfer schedule on track. “SCAF is making a large error by not putting together a schedule for power transfer,” said history professor Assem el-Desouky. El-Desouky also criticized SCAF's handling of the parliamentary elections procedures, and called on the ruling body to elect an institute to hash out constitution and presidential election procedures. He also compared Egypt's similar history in March 1954, when the military was responsible for policy. In 1954, he added, the conflict was for power and authority while now the conflict is between political forces and SCAF and the schedule for power transfer. SCAF is now internally reeling because of pressure from civilian and political powers to transfer power and achieve revolutionary demands, said history professor Zaki el-Behiery. Egyptians will once again rise up if SCAF remains in power, he said, adding that million man demonstrations will become the norm, not the exception.
