Mursi Pushed by Public on Economy Brokers Gaza Cease-Fire
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When Israel launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip last week, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said the “Zionist entity” had committed a “criminal aggression.” President Mohamed Mursi, drawn from the same movement, said only that it was unacceptable “under any circumstance.”
The contrast showed Mursi’s moderation and efforts to find a balance by his government that helped broker yesterday’s cease-fire. Faced with a struggling economy, a public quick to protest if its demands aren’t immediately met and Egypt’s dependence on about $1.3 billion in yearly U.S. military aid, Mursi needs to retain the global credibility that helped his country this week sign an initial accord for a $4.8 billion International Monetary Fund loan.