Getting to June 30

While there is always the possibility that June 30 and beyond might end up being an underwhelming event compared to expectations, it does not — so far — seem like that is what we’re set to witness. Trying to absorb some of the mounting public discontent, Morsi’s epic two-and-a-half hour speech on June 26 contained — amid some controversial and eccentric content and decisions — a reconciliation initiative that ended being largely seen as too little too late by the opposition and supporters, who appear steadfast on proceeding with their protests. Many on social media and elsewhere have criticized the speech as provocative, arguing that every apparent positive overture within it was neutralized by something threatening or inappropriately confrontational, and that democracy-touting phrases were followed by others that seemed at least somewhat authoritarian.

Taking a step back from the speech, the rhetoric of both Islamists and the opposition and supporters continues to be successively more fiery than ever. More and more supporters on both sides are claiming the day as the beginning of the other’s rather complete downfall, and the expectation of substantial violence is already widely accepted. Islamists held a sizeable demonstration on June 21 in support of Morsi in which an overtly threatening rhetoric was significantly employed by some, while the opposition has yet to organize marches of their own and instead has been holding pressers and conferences reiterating their calls for Morsi to leave power and discussing visions of what happens after he  supposedly does. Meanwhile, several governorates are already reporting intermittent clashes between Morsi supporters and opposers, while some opposing citizens reportedly continue to try to block some of the new Muslim Brotherhood governors from entering their offices. The “Tamarrod” (rebel) anti-Morsi campaign claims it has already surpassed its target of 15 million signatures demanding early presidential elections, while the “Tagarrod” (detachment) pro-Morsi campaign claims it has thus far collected 13 million signatures as well.

Many people are stockpiling food and fuel in case something big happens, and it drags on for long. Fuel lines at gas stations have been longer than ever, following reported shortages and rumors that petrol reserves were running out, and many are encountering difficulty finding cash at ATMs. Anecdotally, there seems to be more and more “temporary” traveling abroad by the more affluent to avoid being in Egypt during whatever ends up taking place, while increased security measures are being taken by others amid public debate of whether or not each building should form citizen security committees — similar to what was done during the 2011 revolution when the police had simply ceased to exist in the streets. The army and the police are both stepping up security around public establishments, as well as near likely “targets” of attack such as the media production city.