Forum Post: Caught between opposing forces, military is reluctant to step back into politics

The latest series of events brought the Armed Forces back under the spotlight, and, in some areas, back on the streets. However, experts say that while the military has no interest in returning to politics, there are attempts by different political groups to drag it back in.

“All political forces are now seeking to have the military enter the political game on their side. This is dangerous, not only for the political order but for the military as well,” says Robert Springborg, professor of National Security Affairs of the Naval Postgraduate School in the US.

Following the eruption of violent clashes in canal governorates last week, the military was deployed to aid police in restoring order.

Springborg says it is unclear whether the military demanded this increased power or whether the Brotherhood granted it voluntarily. The latter would indicate the Brotherhood’s attempt to use the military to defend itself as well as its control over the state — a role, he says, the military seems reluctant to accept.

“This places the military in a very awkward position, for if indeed it arrests civilian protesters it seems to be siding with the Brotherhood. At this stage, it has not done so and I suspect it will continue to be very wary of using its powers of arrest,” says Springborg.

Oh dear lawd read the rest here

Note that all three people that are interviewed live in the US.

Besides, the military is busy trying to lay claim to an island that the courts ruled twice to keep their mitts off.