Policy

Kerry Says Egyptian Military "Restoring Democracy"

That word may not mean what you think it means

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Secretary of State John Kerry offered an unexpected lift to Egypt's military leaders on Thursday, saying they had been "restoring democracy" when they deposed the country's first freely elected president, Mohamed Morsi, on July 3 after mass demonstrations against his rule.

"The military was asked to intervene by millions and millions of people" who feared the country would descend into chaos, Mr. Kerry said during a visit to Pakistan, a country that has seen four military coups since the 1950s. In Egypt, Mr. Kerry said, "The military did not take over, to the best of our judgment — so far."