COMMAND

Morsi Gives Himself Sweeping Powers

Acting like a “new pharaoh.”

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on Thursday banned any opposition to his decrees—and he ordered a retrial of those accused of shooting at protesters during the 2011 demonstrations that brought down former president Hosni Mubarak. It’s unclear if the retrial will affect Mubarak himself, who is currently serving a life sentence for ordering the shooting. Egyptian opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei said Morsi is attacking like a “new pharaoh” as thousands have gathered this past week at Tahrir Square in demonstrations demanding political reform. Morsi has gained new power after taking a role as an international mediator during the Israeli-Gaza conflict.