> The military’s partial concession over elections put the protestors under pressure, because though theirs is a large and vocal movement, it falls a long way short of a majority. The military for many years kept the Muslim Brotherhood at arm’s length, but the elections are a concession that the Brotherhood is best placed to win, since they are the longer-standing and deeper-rooted opposition in Egypt – more’s the pity.
Well, it's not just a question of organization. The military was willing to agree to elections because they knew the MB is most likely to win them, yes, but they are also completely comfortable with that result. They know the MB, as a state in waiting--which is why it has captured the fancy of western Trot parties--will need and use the military, for domestic purposes mostly. The MB will not sideline the military; if anything, the military will become more a part of daily life under the MB.