“It’s not a coup because the military did not take power,” Mohamed Tawfik, the Egyptian ambassador in Washington, told Foreign Policy magazine. “The military did not initiate it. It was a popular uprising. The military stepped in in order to avoid violence.”

◼ A Coup? Or Something Else? $1.5 Billion in U.S. Aid Is on the Line - New York Times
◼ Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood on Thursday condemned the military coup that has ousted Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, calling it a "US-led conspiracy." - Ahram Online
◼ Egypt’s second revolution: Questions of legitimacy - Ahram Online
◼ KERRY CALLED DEPOSED FOREIGN MINISTER, ASKED IF HE WAS STILL IN POWER - Breitbart

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Amr “had tendered his resignation hours earlier but agreed to stay on.” Kerry wanted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to call new presidential elections, replace the prime minister, and bring others into his government. When Morsi said no, the coup was on.

The Journal notes, “The moment served to underscore the Obama administration's limited ability to steer events in a Middle East still being swept by political upheaval.

◼ Obama’s propped up Muslim Brotherhood Bosom Buddy Out! - Judi McLeod/Canada Free Press