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News Tip: Expert on Muslim World Says Tragedy in Egypt Was Avoidable

Ebrahim Moosa says undermining democratic process created an alternative that's 'infinitely worse'

More than 500 people have been killed since government forces in Egypt started cracking down Wednesday on supporters of deposed president Mohamed Morsi. A Duke University expert on current affairs in the Muslim world says the loss of life did not have to happen. Ebrahim Moosa Professor of religion and Islamic studies, Duke University moosa@duke.edu  http://religiondepartment.duke.edu/people?Gurl=/aas/Religion&Uil=moosa&s... http://ebrahimmoosa.com/Twitter: @EbrahimMoosaMoosa specializes in contemporary Muslim ethics, Islamic law, theology and current affairs involving the Muslim world.Quote:"The tragedies of July and August and the loss of life in Egypt were all avoidable. Still wishful thinking in Western political circles claims it is not a coup. Heard of an ostrich? Western governments expressed 'regret' at the killing of non-violent protesters and called for 'restraint.' Really? What restraint if there are no consequences for the military junta in Cairo with dollars and Euros flowing into their already lush coffers?"Despite President Obama's condemnation Thursday of the actions in Egypt, a president and a White House that prefer extra-judicial killings of people around the world via drone attacks can hardly be torchbearers for the rule of law and human rights. "Yes, the situation in Egypt is complex. The Muslim Brotherhood are no angels. They have to take their share of blame for the tragic state of affairs. But undermining the democratic process created an alternative that is infinitely worse."                                    _        _        _        _  Duke experts on a variety of other topics can be found at http://newsoffice.duke.edu/resources-media/faculty-experts.