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Morsi Wins And Loses After Egypt Passes Draft Constitution

Egyptians wait in line to vote on a new draft constitution in Giza, south of Cairo, on Saturday. Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Morsi Wins And Loses After Egypt Passes Draft Constitution

The Islamist-backed constitution has polarized the nation. Critics say the document neglects human rights and reform, while expanding the role of Islam in the document. There seemed to be no question, however, that the document would pass.

Egyptian Constitutional Referendum Appears To Have Passed

Polling station officials count ballots in Cairo on Dec. 15, at the end of the first day of vote in a referendum on a new constitution. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Egyptian Constitutional Referendum Appears To Have Passed

The outcome is unofficial at this point as the government has said it will not announce official results until the referendum concludes in the rest of Egypt next Saturday. Though voting counts differed, most major supporters and opponents of the constitution reported it had received a majority "yes" vote.

Egyptians Hurry To Vote On Draft Constitution

Women wait in line outside a polling station to vote on a disputed constitution drafted by Islamist supporters of President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Saturday. Amr Nabil/AP hide caption

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Amr Nabil/AP

The Two-Way

Egyptians Hurry To Vote On Draft Constitution

Turnout was high Saturday morning at polling stations in several Cairo neighborhoods where Egyptians are deciding whether to approve their country's controversial draft constitution.

Egyptians Hurry To Vote On Draft Constitution

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As Egypt Prepares To Vote, Only One Side Seems Organized

An Egyptian activist holds a banner used to spray-paint graffiti on a wall urging Egyptians to vote against a draft constitution. The opposition says the constitution does not represent all Egyptians, but its efforts have not been particularly well-organized. President Mohammed Morsi and his Islamist supporters support the draft constitution. Voting begins Saturday. Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

As Egypt Prepares To Vote, Only One Side Seems Organized

Islamist groups have been well-organized and have been winning the political battles to create a new Egypt. This could propel them to a victory in the vote on the new constitution when balloting begins Saturday.

Egyptian Opposition Calls For Protests Against Referendum On Constitution

Protesters chant slogans during a demonstration in front of the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday. Petr David Josek/AP hide caption

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Petr David Josek/AP

The Two-Way

Egyptian Opposition Calls For Protests Against Referendum On Constitution

The move came a day after President Mohammed Morsi annulled a decree that gave him sweeping new powers last month, but said he would go ahead with the Dec. 15 referendum. At a news conference Sunday, the coalition group said the draft constitution "does not represent the Egyptian people."

Egyptian President Nullifies Expanded Executive Powers

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi held a "dialogue" in Cairo on Saturday. Overnight, an official announced the president would nullify a decree that gave him expanded powers. Maya Alleruzzo/AP hide caption

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Maya Alleruzzo/AP

The Two-Way

Egyptian President Nullifies Expanded Executive Powers

The referendum on the draft constitution is still set for Dec. 15, an official said in an overnight news conference. President Mohammed Morsi had been planning to give up those extra powers then.

Coptic Christians In U.S. Fear 'Terrible' Reaction In Egypt To Muhammad Film

Father Mina celebrates the Christmas Nativity Liturgy, the start of Christmas, at the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. George on Jan. 6 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Coptic churches around the country have witnessed a surge of Christians fleeing Egypt since the start of the Arab Spring. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Coptic Christians In U.S. Fear 'Terrible' Reaction In Egypt To Muhammad Film

The film Innocence of Muslims, which denigrates Islam and its prophet, Muhammad, has put the spotlight on a little-known community. Egypt's Coptic Christians have been coming to the U.S. since the 1950s, but are emigrating in greater numbers since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak last year.