The crisis of government isn't over

摘要

In a new year's message Muhammad Ba-dia, the Supreme Guide of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, advised his followers to temper resilience with magnanimity. "Be like the tree which, when battered by stones, drops its finest fruit," he said. His most prominent adherent, President Muhammad Morsi, has certainly proven resilient. Ignoring a tide of opposition that has swollen since he took office in June, Mr Morsi pushed through a controversial referendum in December to endorse a new constitution. Since then he has faced down challenges from Egypt's restless judges, braved serial resignations of advisers and ministers, and parried opponents by sponsoring a national dialogue that is actually being held just by Brothers and their allies. At elections next month for the lower house of parliament, the Brotherhood's party looks set to do well. In the interim, thanks to an election last year when only 10% voted, it controls the previously weak upper house, which the new constitution has helpfully turned into Egypt's sole if temporary legislature.