The Warraq island clashes are on columnists’ minds, including Amr El Shobaky, who writes in Al Masry Al Youm that the government’s decision to clear the island of squatters came abruptly and was implemented poorly. El Shobaky also says the government’s reasoning remains unclear, particularly as rumors are swirling about that an Emirati investor eyeing the island as a potential site for a megaproject. Mohamed Amin echoes El Shobaky’s main points, saying that the violence was completely unnecessary and could have been avoided if the decision had been planned and implemented correctly. Authorities are taking steps in the wrong order by trying to forcefully vacate the island and then deciding to hold public discussions to clarify the reasoning behind the campaign, he says. Meanwhile, Al Shorouk’s Emad El Din Hussein takes a step back to point out a double standard in government critics’ rhetoric. Although they often call on authorities to exercise their power to nip problematic issues in the bud, they have fiercely criticized the state for its campaign in Warraq, he says.

Tags: