The White House is casting a wary eye on Egypt, as President Morsi called for curfews and declared a state of emergency in the face of a violent and deadly weekend.
An estimated 50 were killed in political clashes over the last few days, with most of the unrest occurring in the Mediterranean coastal city of Port Said, according to various media reports. The chaos came as 21 involved in a mass riot at a Feb. 1, 2012, soccer game – during which 74 were killed – were sentenced Saturday to death.
President Mohammed Morsi declared a state of emergency and curfew in the three regions rocked hardest by protesters. In an angry, televised rant, Mr. Morsi also threatened further discipline.
A White House spokesman, meanwhile, expressed increasing concern about the Muslim Brotherhood’s growing influence in Egypt, the Associated Press reported.
“It’s not just about majority rule,” the media reported on White House official as saying, regarding the Muslim Brotherhood influences that drove Mr. Morsi into power. “There are democratic principles that we continue to support.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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