A Dialogue with the General?

Egyptian Defense Minister General Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi has called on all elements of Egyptian life, including President Morsi, to join in a "dialogue" about the problems facing Egypt, tomorrow afternoon under the Defense Ministry's aegis. Although various spokesmen are saying they will not be discussing "politics" or the Constitutional referendum, one cannot help but wonder if some sort of pressure is intended. But what sort? (And how can you have a dialogue about Egypt today and not mention politics or the referendum?)

For much of the day there have been confusing reports and denials of what, exactly, General Sisi has called for. But the fact that the Army, which has been silent since the Morsi reshuffles in August, has suddenly been heard from (however ambiguously) seems to be the real news here. Sort lf a "Don't forget we're still here" reminder?