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Reaction to Egyptian President Morsi's power grab

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    How should U.S. respond to situation?

  • Duration 3:08
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Let's continue our conversation on what's happening in Egypt now with Michael -- a former senior director of Middle Eastern affairs at the National Security Council also managing director for near east policy.

At the Washington institute as we take in live shots Michael.

After -- square we just heard from some on the ground a business man.

Our Christian who says listen I work with moderate Muslims that work with Christians and work with other egyptians and what -- saying is that.

We don't like the Muslim Brotherhood and were worried -- what do you make.

That perspective from Cairo today.

Well what's interesting here -- is that you know Mohamed Morsi the president of Egypt is trying to sweep away really the last check on his power.

And he's asking egyptians to trust him to trust him to sort of guide Egypt through this transition.

And what these people on the streets and a man you were just speaking to are saying is that they don't trust him they don't trust the Muslim Brotherhood.

To make Egypt into a democracy -- opposed to an Islamist state and that's what this is about on the streets of Cairo.

Do you think that is with the Muslim Brotherhood is attempting to do.

Well look I think if you look at the draft constitution which has been put forward by this constitutional assembly which is dominated by islamists.

A lot of liberals look at this and say this in fact is trying to enshrine.

A religious state in Egypt because it concentrates all the power in the hands of the president.

Who is right now Mohamed Morsi.

And it you have to trust them to give it up and it also seems to curtail human rights and give religion a special place in the states.

So there is not good things.

It's not good things at all and I and I think that what we're seeing now on the streets now is perhaps actually -- a liberal secular coalition.

Facing a test can they come together to oppose these.

He's really undemocratic moves by Mohamed -- and can they get more seats -- sort of back often and rescind at least partly has -- -- just last week we were talking about whether or not Egypt is gonna have this role in and then an immediate cease fire between Hamas and Israel we did see that come to fruition now this week we're talking about something completely different.

Michael what what should the role of the United States be an.

And also on that what have you heard about reports potentially -- that the military -- -- of the military Egypt that we supported so much over the years.

Rising up against -- Well -- -- this is sort of back to the future because remember -- Mubarak wanted essentially a deal with the United States and got one for a long time where.

Look -- a responsible player in the region but you ignore what he does inside of Egypt.

And it seems like you know this is coming right on the heels of -- the last move -- -- was right on the heels of big terrorist attack in the Sinai.

And I think what he's hoping for is a free pass from the United States from the international community to say nor what I'm doing at home.

And just concentrate on my role in the region and I think is important we not do that look as for the military -- you remember this gas the supreme council of the armed forces.

Nobody talks about -- many more in part because -- -- sort of usurped the role that they had.

Back in August and so I'm not sure the military's in a place right now to it to come up and challenge them.

You just wonder what's next in the pension it's been a big question really over the last several years and it's one we're gonna continue to talk about.

Michael great to have you back with us today thank you so much -- senate rules and.

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