Rice tones down criticism of Egypt over reforms--I do not think she should

be backing down so easily. Seems to me this clause----so called Reform--is just as bad as our Patriot Act---and NSA etc.





http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070325/wl_nm/egypt_rice_dc;_ylt=AmLUHqQGikO3_cmqnvY7Hl_MWM0F

Rice tones down criticism of Egypt over reforms

By Arshad Mohammed and Alaa Shahine Sun Mar 25, 8:27 AM ET

ASWAN, Egypt (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice on Sunday toned down criticism of planned amendments to Egypt's constitution that rights groups have called a step backward for freedom and democracy.

..........

The amendments include an anti-terrorism clause that enshrines sweeping police powers of arrest and surveillance in the constitution. Opposition groups, including the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, plan to boycott the ballot.
............

The amendments would allow Mubarak to dissolve parliament unilaterally and would weaken judicial oversight of elections, which have been marred by complaints of irregularities. The amendments would also bar political activity based on religion, seen as a swipe at the Muslim Brotherhood.
...........