Egypt Constitution Sparks Outrage

Critics of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi slammed the country's draft constitution after it emerged from a hasty all-night session, with opponents charging the document was a jumbled attempt to impose Islamic law produced by what they called an unrepresentative body dominated by Islamists.

The draft charter, which the president has vowed to put to a national vote soon, emerged a week after Mr. Morsi issued a decree broadly expanding his powers, spurring violent rallies against the president in the worst crisis of his five-month term. The battle is expected to play out in coming days both in Egypt's courts, where judges will hear challenges to Mr. Morsi's decree, and in the streets, where supporters and opponents have been laying plans for large rallies.

The draft constitution was finished early Friday by Egypt's 100-member Constituent Assembly, a body that had been conceived as representing Egyptians broadly. The group became dominated by Islamist politicians, however, after it was boycotted by Christian and secular members who had made up more than one-quarter of it. The assembly, bolstered with replacement members, sprinted to complete the draft ahead of a scheduled hearing Sunday in the country's top court, where the assembly itself faces a challenge as unrepresentative and unconstitutional.

Assembly chairman Hossam El Gheriany said early Friday that he and 85 members would hand-deliver the document on Saturday to President Morsi, who would then announce the date for a national referendum. The vote would be held by mid-December, several government officials and members of the panel said. '

"Completing this historic step represents important progress for Egypt and its people," said the Muslim Brotherhood, the main party in Mr. Morsi's Islamist coalition.

The question for Mr. Morsi and his allies is whether they can overcome a barrage of opposition that has grown in the past week and now includes representatives of the judiciary, youth and liberal and secular forces, and also many Christians, moderate Islamists and a large cross-section of the population that considers itself independent.

"We are watching, we are sitting in and we are rejecting a shameful constitution," read a large banner in Cairo's central Tahrir Square, where tens of thousands of people flocked Friday to demand an end to the document, the panel that drafted it and the extraordinary powers Mr. Morsi gave himself.

"We consider the current project for a constitution illegitimate from the standpoint of form and content," the National Salvation Front of opposition political parties, which was formed to confront Mr. Morsi's decree, said in a statement read Friday on Tahrir Square by politician Mohammed ElBaradei. The square has been filled, for eight days, by thousands of Mr. Morsi's opponents.

The president's Islamist supporters, who had largely stayed off the streets in the past week, came out in processions around the country Friday. They are planning a massive gathering Saturday outside the main campus of Cairo University to rally around "Shariah [Islamic law] and legitimacy," as described by parties in the governing Islamist coalition.

Many legal experts said they saw major ambiguities and contradictions in several articles dealing with the role of Shariah, or Islamic law; the powers of the president and the legislature; the nature of the judicial and electoral systems; and the establishment of regulatory and oversight bodies and agencies.

The Supreme Constitutional Court is expected to convene Sunday to take up a case asking to disband the Constituent Assembly, which was formed by the Islamist-dominated lower chamber of Parliament. It was later dissolved by the same court when Egypt was ruled by the interim military that preceded Mr. Morsi's rule.

Many Egyptian legal experts now expect the constitutional court to postpone its case on the body itself, while the administrative branch of the judiciary hears more than a dozen separate lawsuits filed against the decree Mr. Morsi issued last week shielding his own decisions and those of the Constituent Assembly from the judiciary.

If the court finds the Morsi decree is unconstitutional, it could then consider the status of the assembly.

On Friday, a group of judges with the State Council, the body overseeing the administrative judiciary, issued a statement lambasting Mr. Morsi's decree as "worthless" and "null and void."

Several articles introduced to the constitution this week are already provoking a backlash among many Egyptians.

"Every section tacitly bolsters Islamic rule in Egypt, whether politically or socially," says George Messiha, a member of the dissolved parliament and Coptic Christian, who was among the 26 who boycotted or resigned from the Constituent Assembly before the vote on the constitution Friday.

Also under scrutiny is an article banishing members of the former ruling party of ousted president Hosni Mubarak from political life for 10 years.

Many Morsi opponents who flocked to Tahrir Square on Friday said the president is forcing Egyptians to choose between living with his decrees or accepting a constitution drafted mainly by Islamists.

"He gave us a choice between something that smells bad and something that smells very bad," said Hani Sabet, a retired music producer who came to the square with his wife, Rosemary, a dramatist and novelist.

Obama Duels With Boehner Over Need to Compromise in Cliff Talks

President Barack Obama and U.S. House Speaker John Boehner each demanded the other compromise as they ended a week of public jockeying for advantage in fiscal cliff negotiations with a standoff over taxes.

Obama, warning of “prolonged negotiations,” used a campaign-style appearance yesterday in Pennsylvania to appeal for help from voters to put pressure on Republicans in Congress to pass an extension of tax cuts for middle-income Americans as a first step toward resolving the impasse. That would leave decisions on reworking the tax code and cutting spending until next year.

“It’s not going to be enough for me to just do this on my own,” Obama said on the floor of a toy factory in Hatfield.

Boehner, speaking less than a half-hour later in Washington, said the administration plan presented to congressional leaders by Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner would risk growth by raising taxes on small businesses. He said it left talks no further along than they were before the election.

“There’s a stalemate, let’s not kid ourselves,” he said.

The deadlock over whether to continue Bush-era tax rates for the top 2 percent of wage earners extends a battle that has been waged for more than a year between Obama and Republicans in Congress. The issue has gained more urgency as the clock ticks down on more than $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to start taking effect in January.

Top Earners

Obama has proposed a framework that would raise taxes immediately on top earners and set an Aug. 1 deadline for rewriting the tax code and deciding on spending cuts, according to administration officials.

It calls for $1.6 trillion in tax increases, $350 billion in cuts in health programs, $250 billion in cuts in other programs and $800 billion in assumed savings from the wind-down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the officials, who asked for anonymity.

Obama, speaking at a facility of the Rodon Group that makes Tinkertoys and K’NEX building sets, said quick action by lawmakers to extend tax cuts for middle-income Americans -- while letting top rates rise -- would allow time for tougher negotiations on spending cuts to lower a budget deficit that has exceeded $1 trillion for each of the four years he has been in office.

Retail Sales

With the approach of Christmas, and the retail sales the season sparks, Obama said acting onrates would give consumers certainty even if the debate on spending and the tax code isn’t settled. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of the economy.

“Where the clock is really ticking, right now, is on middle-class taxes,” he said. Settling that issue “would then give us in Washington more time to work together on that long- range plan to bring down deficits in a balanced way.”

Boehner refused to give in on raising tax rates on high earners, saying it would deal a “crippling blow” to small business and hurt economic growth.

“We’re willing to put revenues on the table, but revenues that come from closing loopholes, getting rid of special interest deductions and not raising rates,” Boehner said. “We think it is better for the economy clear and simple.”

Weekly Gain

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose less than 0.1 percent to 1,416.18 at 4 p.m. in New York yesterday, erasing an earlier 0.3 percent drop and capping a second straight weekly gain. Yields on 10-year U.S. notes were little changed at 1.62 percent after losing seven basis points during the week amid concern about the budget standoff.

The dueling appearances by Obama and Boehner followed Geithner’s shuttling between congressional leaders on Nov. 29 with a plan to trade $1.6 trillion in tax increases on top earners for about $350 billion in unspecified entitlement- program cuts. It also seeks about $50 billion in stimulus spending in this fiscal year.

Republicans complained that the offer was little more than a rehash of old budget proposals, setting the stage for more contentious negotiations over the next several weeks.

It “was not a serious proposal,” Boehner said. “And so right now we’re almost nowhere.”

Entitlement Programs

Republicans also are seeking an overhaul of entitlement programs in exchange for raising tax revenue through other methods, such as limiting deductions. They want a higher Medicare eligibility age and an alternative yardstick for calculating inflation that would reduce Social Security cost-of- living adjustments, according to a Republican aide who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly

Gene Sperling, director of the White House National Economic Council and one of the administration’s principal negotiators, said the ball was now in the Republicans’ court.

“It’s for them now to come forward with their plan, with their details, so that we can start working quickly to getting an agreement,” Sperling said on “Political Capital with Al Hunt,” which airs this weekend.

That stance was echoed by Democrats in Congress, including Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat.

“I don’t think it’s a take it or leave it offer,” he told reporters. If Republicans “don’t like it, which apparently they do not, they need to counteroffer.”

Tax-Rate Increases

Sperling, while saying Obama insists on tax-rate increases for the wealthy, signaled flexibility on how much they might be raised and on the composition of the stimulus.

He said Obama has offered “very specific savings that have been detailed in our budget.” That proposal includes “$600 billion in entitlement savings, about $350 billion in health entitlement savings, such as in Medicare,” he said.

As part of the administration’s campaign for public support, Geithner also will appear tomorrow on the five main Sunday news interview shows, on NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and CNN. Next week, Obama will meet with a group of governors on the fiscal cliff and address the Business Roundtable.

Senator Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, said the public posturing eventually will give way to serious negotiations.

“When it’s serious is when there will be negotiations that aren’t being leaked out for public consumption,” Corker said. “This is all theater that I don’t think anybody ought to pay any attention to.”

Clinton calls on Israel to embrace moderate Palestinians, negotiations

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned on Friday that without progress toward peace, Israel will be forced to choose between "preserving democracy and the Jewish identity of the state." ‫

Speaking at the Saban Forum 2012 at the Willard InterContinental in Washington D.C., Clinton rejected Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's pessimism concerning the Palestinian Authority's capability of governing its territory and bring about a lasting peace.

"With very little money, and no natural resources, they have accomplished quite a bit, building a security force that works every single day with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). They have entrepreneurial successes. They are nationalistic - but largely secular. Israel should support them."

"Some Israelis claim [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas is not a partner for peace," Clinton continued, "Well, I think that should be tested."

Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, the secretary of state said, "That fragile cease-fire is holding, the skies above Israel are clear... but the world knows - and always will know - that whenever Israel is threatened, the U.S. will be there. What threatens Israel threatens America, what strengthens Israel, strengthens America."

Clinton warned the Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, that "If more rockets are smuggled into Gaza, it will lead to more violence. We will never work with terrorists. Hamas knows what it needs to reunite Palestinians and rejoin the international community."

Clinton said she wasn't naïve about the prospects for achieving a lasting peace. She explained that she thought "that even if you cannot reach complete agreement, it's in Israel's interest to try. It gives Israel a moral high ground that I want Israel to occupy. That's what I want Israel to occupy."

"Rockets launched from Gaza at Tel Aviv only stress what we already know - the international community must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," Clinton segued. "The Iranian regime already exports terrorism around the world. Nuclear Iran is a threat not only to Israel; it's a threat to all nations. The U.S. will not have a policy of containment, but prevention, built on a dual track of sanctions and dialogue."

Clinton said the United States tried to engage the Iranians in bilateral negotiations but that they refused.

"Protecting Israel's future is not simply a matter of policy for me, it's personal," Clinton said, turning to a more personal tone as she recalled her visit to Israel shortly after her daughter Chelsea was born. The secretary of state, who will soon be ending her service, added, "I know with all my heart how important it is that our relation goes from strength to strength. I am looking forward to returning to Israel as a private citizen on a commercial plane. It's not a great secret I hope to become a grandmother one day - and I hope one day to take my grandchildren to… Israel."

Falcons put end to Brees' TD streak

The Atlanta Falcons couldn't do anything offensively.

Not to worry. The defense left Drew Brees with egg on his face.

Brees threw five interceptions for the first time in his career and, rubbing salt in the wound, the Falcons also ended his NFL-record streak of touchdown passes. The result was a 23-13 victory Thursday night that pushed Atlanta to the brink of a division championship and might have finished off the Saints' fading playoff hopes.

The Falcons (11-1) built an early 17-0 lead, then struggled to move the ball. They finished with 283 yards, by far the lowest total allowed this season by a Saints defense that was on pace to give up the most yards in NFL history.

But William Moore had two interceptions, and Thomas DeCoud, Sean Weatherspoon and Jonathan Babineaux had one pick apiece. Another by Corey Peters didn't count because of a penalty.

''That's the first time that's ever happened to me, so that's extremely disappointing,'' Brees said. ''I pride myself on being a good decision-maker and not someone who will be a detriment to the game.''

The Falcons will clinch the NFC South with a month to go if Tampa Bay loses at Denver on Sunday. The Saints (5-7) need to win out to have any chance, and even that might not be enough to get the defending division champs back to the playoffs.

''It looks pretty bleak right now,'' interim coach Joe Vitt said.

Brees had thrown a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games, breaking Johnny Unitas' long-standing record earlier this season. There was an apparent scoring pass to Darren Sproles late in the first half, but it was nullified by a penalty.

''I didn't realize that until we walked off the field,'' Falcons coach Mike Smith said. ''That's an unbelievable streak. Drew Brees is an outstanding quarterback. The way the defense played tonight speaks volumes. The guys had gone out there and thrown touchdown after touchdown game after game after game.''

After Sproles' TD was wiped off the board, Brees made another huge mistake with New Orleans inside the Atlanta 10, allowing the clock to run out in the first half without at least attempting a field goal.

Four days earlier, Brees had two passes picked off and returned for touchdowns in a loss to San Francisco.

This one was even worse. He finished 28 of 50 for 341 yards but had a rating of just 37.6, the third-lowest off his career.

''I feel we have one of the best secondaries in the NFL,'' Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson said, ''and I think we came out and showed that.''

When the Saints arrived in Atlanta, their bus was pelted by eggs at the airport, epitomizing the long rivalry between the teams. New Orleans had dominated in recent years, winning four in a row and 11 of 13.

This time, Michael Turner scored on Atlanta's opening possession, Tony Gonzalez hauled in a touchdown pass from Matt Ryan, and Matt Bryant booted three field goals, including a 55-yarder.

The defense did the rest.

''We got the monkey off our back,'' DeCoud said.

After winning so many close games, the Falcons started this one as if they were intent on routing the only team to beat them this season. New Orleans knocked off Atlanta 31-27 at the Superdome on Nov. 11, the bright spot in a tumultuous year that was marred by a bounty scandal and a season-long suspension for coach Sean Payton.

Ryan completed a pass on the first play from scrimmage before turning it over to a running game that has struggled most of the season. Turner burst around right end for a 35-yard gain. Jacquizz Rodgers broke off two straight 14-yard gains. Finally, it was Turner going in standing from 3 yards out, giving Atlanta a quick 7-0 lead.

That was Turner's 58th touchdown in five seasons with the Falcons, breaking the team record he had shared with Terance Mathis.

Atlanta struck again in the opening minute of the second period. Julio Jones hauled in an 18-yard throw from Ryan, setting up a 17-yard touchdown pass to Gonzalez in the back of the end zone. He beat former teammate Curtis Lofton; maybe as a sign of respect, Gonzo just flipped the ball over the crossbar instead of his customary basketball dunk.

Brees' second interception, this one a sloppy pass behind running Chris Ivory that deflected into the arms of Weatherspoon, set up Bryant's 45-yard field goal for a 17-0 lead.

Then, suddenly, the game completely changed.

For the rest of the second quarter and most of the third, the Saints totally dominated. Mark Ingram scored on a 1-yard run, capping an 11-play, 80-yard drive, and New Orleans should have tacked on more points at the end of the half. Brees made a rookie-like mistake with 12 seconds remaining, dumping a pass over the middle to Sproles with no timeouts. He was wrapped up at the Atlanta 3 and the clock ran out before the Saints could spike the ball.

''Honestly, I thought we had more time than we did,'' Brees said. ''The last time I remember, we had 17 seconds. ... But it was down to 7 when I looked up after the completion. That wasn't enough time to get the spike. That's on me.''

But New Orleans got the ball to start the second half, and Brees went back to work. This time, he made a couple of nifty moves to avoid sacks, completing six passes on an 83-yard drive consuming 15 plays and more than 6 1/2 minutes. But the Falcons held again, forcing Garrett Hartley to boot a 21-yard field goal that cut it to 17-10.

Hartley connected again from much farther out on the Saints' next possession, a 52-yarder that brought New Orleans even closer.

The Falcons, meanwhile, failed to pick up a first down on five straight possessions, a stretch in which the Saints had a 289-30 lead in total yards and a staggering 18 first downs.

NFL fans are a special breed, and they bring their own brand of craziness on game day.

But the Atlanta defense kept coming through when it counted.

Late in the third, Brees rolled to his right and threw over the middle. Moore stepped in front of the receiver and returned it to the New Orleans 16. Ryan connected on first-down throws to Gonzalez and Roddy White to set up Bryant for a 29-yarder that extended the lead back to a touchdown.