Opinionline: New battles in Egypt after Morsi's decree

Sharif Abdel Kouddous, The Nation: "Egypt's turbulent transition is in the midst of one its most chaotic and divisive periods since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. The leaders of the assembly drafting Egypt's new constitution are hurriedly forcing through a final document amid an uproar by the body's non-Islamist members. A quarter of the assembly has withdrawn in protest, and a growing national strike by judges threatens to bring the country's judicial system to a halt. ... President Mohammed Morsi ignited the political firestorm ... when he issued a controversial constitutional decree granting himself sweeping and unchecked powers. ... Regardless of what happens, the president's power play is likely to produce a constitution that will have little legitimacy among a sizable portion of the population."

Nolan DiFrancesco, The Baltimore Sun: "The very fact the Egyptian people can find themselves in this position is remarkable. Two years ago, they were living under a dictator. And Egypt's future looked no brighter just one year ago under military rule. Now, two diametrically opposed sides can take to the streets to share contrasting visions for the future, and they can do it relatively peacefully. ... For better or worse, Egypt is now a democracy. That responsibility is beginning to set in for those camping out in Tahrir Square. Change cannot happen overnight, but the passion needed to pursue that change can never falter."

Steven A. Cook,Foreign Affairs: "Morsi's miscalculation ... was to think that everyone understood the results of the Egyptian elections the way the Muslim Brotherhood did. In other words, that they gave him and his party a mandate to rule with little regard for those who might disagree."

Jim Maceda,NBCNews.com: "(The constitution) appears to be in every way the expression of a pro-Islamist society about half the nation hoped for and the other half feared. It would not only make conservative sharia law the law of the land, but expand that, constitutional experts here say, to 'dangerous' levels. Besides Islam, only Christianity and Judaism — fellow Abrahamic religions — would be recognized. ... If it passes (Morsi) could then transfer his legislative powers to a new (likely Islamist) parliament, elected within two months of ratifying the constitution. So, in theory, the current 'constitutional crisis' could be over in three months."

Charity Wallace, (New York) Daily News: "The proposed constitution fails to enshrine equal rights for women. (The) assembly rejected a proposed article banning human trafficking and the sale of women and children. Opponents complained that it would have prohibited the marrying of girls under 18. ... Yet another clause compels the state to 'protect the authentic values of the Egyptian family.' Many observers are worried that this could give protection to practices like female genital mutilation."

Vivian Salama,The Daily Beast: "Egypt literally can't afford to wait much longer. The country's benchmark stock index plummeted 9.5% after Morsi granted himself sweeping powers. Economic growth slowed to 2.6% in the third quarter, down from 3.3% a year earlier. Tourism, once the nation's bread and butter, has slowed to a trickle. Foreign investors, who once deemed Egypt a cash cow for its robust natural resources and large consumer base, are anxiously waiting on the sidelines for calm to return."

In addition to its own editorials, USA TODAY publishes diverse opinions from outside writers, including our Board of Contributors .