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Who calls the shots in Egypt?

The 529 death sentences are yet another embarrassment to the Egyptian government.
A riot police officer stands guard outside a police academy, where ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi's second trial session was due to take place, on the outskirts of Cairo January 8, 2014. Mursi's arrival at the Cairo court where he was due to stand trial on Wednesday was delayed by poor weather, state TV reported. Mursi was due to be flown to the Cairo police academy where the court was due to convene. Mursi is currently in a jail near the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

The incredible verdict sentencing 529 to death raises many questions about who is running the show in Egypt. Some analysts think that it is all connected — that there's one man who must review and approve all important decisions. Most of those subscribing to this camp further believe that this ultimate decision-maker must be Field Marshal Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. Others think this to be improbable and unrealistic — that it's impossible with the level of complexity the country is facing for any single person or even an institution to be able to handle the volume of important decisions, each of which represents a serious risk if mishandled.

It's hard to believe that one smart man who can manage all these intricacies would be making so many of such foolish errors, such as this verdict, which damage Egypt’s reputation, make Egyptians look like bloodthirsty savages eager to drink the blood of their fellow countrymen. Yet, it's also difficult to buy that there is no connection between the series of unfortunate events that form a disturbing trend of poor political judgment and total disregard for Egypt’s brand and its international image.

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