Morsi capitulation would have regional implications

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi addresses the nation in a televised speech on Tuesday. (photo credit: AP Photo/Egyptian State Television)

If Morsi does give in to the demands of the Egyptian army, it will have wide regional implications for Islamic movements across the Arab and Muslim world, Times of Israel Arab affairs correspondent Avi Issacharoff writes.

“Even if he doesn’t capitulate to the pressure, and opts to remain in office, he will be a weak president, bereft of real authorities or freedom to act, and he will eventually have to give up his seat,” Issacharoff says.

Morsi, so far, hasn’t given any indication that he will voluntarily leave office, and, according to a spokesman quoted by Reuters, is ready to “die ‘standing like a tree,’ defending the electoral legitimacy of his office.”