Photo Gallery A Split Egypt
Mohammed Morsi is the president of Egypt, but who really pulls the strings? His allegiance to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood suggest that he hardly makes a move without consulting top members of the group. Here, an image of the president depicted as an octopus on the wall of the presidential palace in Cairo.
Opposition to Morsi has strengthened since the end of November when he issued a decree awarding himself far-reaching powers. He has since backed away from the decree, but protests have continued. His supporters, depicted here, have been equally active, leading to clashes last week.
Many in Egypt are concerned that Morsi, with the backing of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood is moving the country toward a theocracy. Here, a protester holds up a Koran, a cross and and Egyptian flag in an appeal for cooperation.
Even as Morsi seemed to back away from his controversial decree granting him far-reaching powers, he still intends to hold a referendum this weekend on the country's controversial new draft constitution. Protests have continued, such as this one in front of the presidential palace in Cairo on Tuesday evening.
The Egyptian military was called in to provide security and to keep the Muslim Brotherhood separated from the anti-Morsi protesters last week after five people were killed in clashes.
The Muslim Brotherhood was illegal under the regime of autocrat Hosni Mubarak and have been waiting decades for their crack at holding power. Analysts say they aren't about to give it up quickly.
Morsi has deep ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and some say that he consults with the Islamist group's leadership at every step.
Egyptian troops providing security at the presidential palace on Tuesday evening. Many in the country fear that Morsi has no qualms about pushing Egypt to the brink of civil war or even beyond.
A massive protest against the Muslim Brotherhood last week in Cairo. There seems to be an increasing number of people abandoning the Islamists in recent weeks.
The clashes last week were notable for their violence. Muslim Brotherhood thugs attacked anyone they could get their hands on and opposition protesters responded in kind.
The draft constitution Egyptians are being asked to vote on this weekend is controversial for having largely been drafted by Islamists and Muslim Brotherhood members after many opposition politicians dropped out of the process.
Police patrolling out in front of the presidential palace in Cairon on Wednesday. Opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood has united the various opposition groups, which last week joined forces to form the "National Salvation Front."
