Egyptians ponder: How much military control is too much?
Some Egyptians fear the military’s involvement in the Supply Ministry will lead to wider military control, while others think it is the solution to corruption.
The recent decision to appoint Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ali al-Sheikh as Egypt’s supply minister because of his military background has sparked major controversy in political circles.
As Sheikh is the former head of the Armed Forces Logistics Authority, some people are concerned that his appointment will lead to the military controlling ministries and government institutions. But others consider the military institution’s participation strictly a measure to cleanse the ministry, especially after former Minister of Supply Khaled Hanafi resigned Aug. 25 due to the wheat corruption case.
Amid this controversy, several politicians, parties and public figures launched the campaign titled "The Army is the Solution," to garner public support for forming armed forces’ committees to eradicate corruption and reform the education, health and supply systems.
Campaign leaders are taking advantage of the success of their last campaign — “No to Religious Parties” — according to Mohammad Atiyeh, who launched the new effort and distributed brochures supporting its goals to citizens.
