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Egyptians May Have Learned From U.S.

Egyptian colonels and generals who overthrew the regime of former President Mohammed Morsi probably have more experience with and knowledge of terrorists than do U.S. Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham.

Morsi’s government, linked to the Muslim Brotherwood movement, was ousted by the military in a move that appears to have been supported by most of the Egyptian people. Afterward, Morsi and many of his Brotherhood supporters were jailed.

During a visit to Cairo, McCain, R-Ariz., and Graham, R-S.C., urged Egypt’s military to release the detainees, then negotiate with the Muslim Brotherhood. Other U.S. officials have said the organization ought to be part of the process of restoring democracy to Egypt.

Egypt’s interim president, Adly Mansour, rejected the suggestion by McCain and Graham.

A substantial number of Muslim Brotherhood members appear to believe in violence, even outright terrorism, as a tool to gain political power. It is no wonder that Mansour wants to keep them locked up.

Perhaps he is aware of the U.S. experience in releasing detainees from the Guantanamo Bay prison. Many of those set free returned immediately to careers in terrorism. Egyptian leaders may simply want to avoid making the same mistake.

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