Egyptian President Morsi Invokes 'Emergency Powers' to Stop Riots [Poll]

Egyptian President Morsi invoked "Emergency Powers" on Sunday night to quell riots that have killed "nearly 50 people." The unrest has been boiling over since the new president rammed through a new constitution that many believe gives too much power to a radical interpretation of Islam.

Despite the army deployment, "gunmen roamed streets lined by shuttered shops and littered with garbage," as reported by the LA Times. The Egyptian president declared during a televised speech, "Those who try to scare citizens, use weapons, block roads, throw rocks at the innocent, those who attempt to jeopardize the safety and security of this nation, we must deal with them with all force and firmness." The question is whether or not the new president will use force against the roaming gunmen or on the peaceful protestors?

Last month, in Tahrir Square, one man told the NBC Foreign Correspondent, Richard Engel, "Obama is supporting a terrorist." The President of Egypt has received much criticism for making himself above the law, by declaring himself "above judicial oversight, his decisions final and unassailable." Some Egyptians have argued that an "extremist interpretation" of Islam is being "forced down their throats," as reported by NBC News.

The United States is gifting four fighter jets to Morsi's Egypt, which has raised eyebrows, particularly because of his anti-Jewish rhetoric. Egyptian leadership is not alone in its open animosity to lonely Israel, however.

The much hyped "Arab Spring" has been referred to by some as being followed by an "Arab Winter," as the Middle East struggles to implement new leadership after previous dictators have been toppled. Should America continue to fund Egypt?

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