According to the latest reports, more than 500 people were killed across Egypt on Wednesday as the Brotherhood supporters clashed with the armed forces trying to break up sit-in protest camps. A state of emergency was declared in the country following the killings.

Although the use of force was disproportionate, the authorities did not have much of a choice as the protesters were defiant in face of many prior warnings.

While the whole world has lamented and condemned the carnage in Cairo, United States Secretary of State John Kerry has called for holding elections without wasting any time. He also observed that political reconciliation efforts have suffered a serious blow and that this is a pivotal moment for all Egyptians to look at that the path toward violence leads only to greater instability, economic disaster and suffering.

It is sad to note that Egypt’s parties and leaders failed to break the deadlock following the ouster of President Muhammad Mursi. As a result of which Egypt is descending into s state of civil threatening the stability of the country. All parties, including the military, must come together with the realization that their country is above their political priorities and preferences. They need to be united to steer the country out of the present mess. Bullet-o-cracy is not the answer or solution to the problems Egypt is mired in now.

Egypt is heading toward a dangerous polarization, which needs to be addressed and reined in by all regardless of their orientations and tilts.

The Brotherhood should stress on holding fair and transparent elections as soon as possible and drop the “re-instatement” demand as part of a constructive strategy to take Egypt out from the painful impasse. The same course should be adopted by all political parties. — Shaukat Ali, Dhahran