Photo: AP

Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sissi on Tuesday warned that the current political crisis "could lead to a collapse of the state". He made this statement in the context of thousands of people defying a government curfew. 52 people have died in the violent protests of the past few days.  “The continuing conflict between political forces and their differences concerning the management of the country could lead to a collapse of the state and threaten future generations," Egypt's defense minister said on his Facebook page. He said the economic, political and social challenges facing Egypt represent "a real threat to the security of Egypt and the cohesiveness of the Egyptian state". He pledged to safe guard the infrastructure systems of Egypt, including the Suez Canal.