White House downplays Islamist push for power in Egypt

The White House released a short note on Tuesday downplaying rising concerns about the growing power of Islamist theocrats in Egypt.

The White House note instead played up the relatively minor issue of economic trade, even as a pro-democracy riot broke out at Egypt’s presidential palace.

Egypt’s president is an Islamist who is pushing a controversial draft constitution that would establish Islam as the foundation for the nation’s laws, society and business sector.

Since Nov. 22, when Egypt’s president declared himself exempt from judicial rulings, White House spokesman Jay Carney has said little about the coup and turmoil.

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