EGYPT

Morsi Orders Army Chief Out

Strips military of wide-ranging powers.

The Egyptian military’s top officer is out Sunday, stripped of his powers by President Mohamed Morsi in the latest development as the country’s political and military leaders jostle for power. No explanation was given Sunday for Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi’s dismissal. Morsi also announced Sunday that he was canceling amendments to the country’s Constitution that gave significant scope and power to military leaders. Just how much control army brass have over the administration and government of Egypt has been central to debate about the country’s future since dictator Hosni Mubarak was tossed from power. That argument has only heated up since Morsi, backed by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, was voted into office.