In a recent debate, President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim brotherhood party, listens to his advisors – chairmen of the prominent political parties in Egypt – debate Egypt’s options concerning plans by Ethiopia to place a dam on the Nile river.

Surprising and shocking statements emerge concerning the extent of anti-American sentiments – even in a debate ostensibly about water and Ethiopia. As Morsi listens – and fails to object — Magdi Ahmad Hussein, chairman of the Islamic Labor Party, voices his opinion, unaware that the meeting is being broadcast on live TV.

“I am very fond of battles. With the enemies, of course – with America and Israel,” says Hussein. “but this battle [concerning the dam] must be made with maximum judiciousness and calm. … our war is with America and Israel, not with Ethiopia … imagine what this people would do if its water were turned off, what all 80 million of us would do to America and Israel if our water was turned off …”

Younes Makloun, chariman of the Al Nour party, says to Morsi, “We in the Al-Nour party, believe that the Egyptian agreement to the building of this dam would be a dangerous strategic mistake because the Ethiopians – and the Israelis and the US – are behind it and would use as a lethal bargaining chip to pressure Egypt.”

It is unclear from the video whether or not Makloun realized his remarks were being broadcast on live TV.

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