Egypt's Military Outmaneuvers Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) claimed victory June 18 in Egypt's presidential runoff, held June 16-17. Various exit polls, including those of the MB, showed MB candidate Mohammed Morsi carrying approximately 52 percent of the vote, more than the 48 percent tallied by former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, the candidate supported by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). The vote remains too close to call, and official results will not be announced until Thursday.

Even if the MB wins, the position of the president may be heavily weakened. On the evening of June 17, shortly after polls closed, the SCAF issued a constitutional decree granting itself expanded powers. The move came only three days after the country's highest court issued a ruling that led to the dissolution of the parliament.