An old and pernicious idea is back in
circulation since the July 3 coup. It was a running theme in the military ruler’s speech on July 24 where he demanded a popular mandate to “confront
terrorism.” Right on cue, government officials parroted it repeatedly in their
stern warnings to dissenters. Pro-military activists, politicians, and
intellectuals happily invoked it in their jihad against the Ikhwan. The idea is
haybat al-dawla, or the state’s standing and prestige, a central plank
of the Arab authoritarian order that’s making a big comeback.
