''We Need a New Revolution'': Interview with George Ishak (Photo: Qantara.de)

You've been a part of most of the movements for change in Egypt over the past decade. Do you believe that the military's rule is different from that of Mubarak?

George Ishak: There are many similar things with the military. They are both trying to force people to agree with them. But people know better. This is a revolution and they cannot silence Egyptians any longer. They are jailing people like Mubarak and they have killed hundreds of people since they promised to be in power for only 6 months. Now we are one year on, and still they want power.

So you think the military wants to stay in power?

Ishak: Absolutely. They want to run the country. That is why they took power last year. They were not part of the revolution and are taking advantage of it.

But the military said it was protecting the revolution, and we have had elections?

Ishak: Whose elections? On the first day of voting, my colleagues were burying their friends and family from Mohamed Mahmoud Street.

This is the country they want. They want to have the Islamic groups and parties win because then they can say to America and the West: "we have to be here to protect the country". They are politicians. And most of the ruling council was part of the former regime. No different.

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Interview by Joseph Mayton

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