Day: September 17, 2013
It’s the economy
Bloodshed and revolts have filled Egypt’s streets since the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. But the root of Egypt’s hardships is economic. A majority of Egypt’s population lives in poverty with high unemployment and incessant corruption.
The Middle East Institute conference on Egypt last Friday included a panel, moderated by Woodrow Wilson Center and U. S. Institute of Peace Joint Scholar Robin Wright, focused on meeting the needs of the Egyptian people. The discussion featured Hossam Bahgat from the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, Mirette Mabrouk from the Atlantic Council, Jawad Nabulsi from the Nebny Foundation, and Diane Singerman from American University.
Bahgat said progress can only be made with structural political reform, rather than a merry go round of regime changes. This merry go round began with the ouster of President Mubarak in 2011. After Mubarak’s fall, the mililtary took charge. Then the Muslim Brotherhood won elections, which brought a form of Islamic democracy, nonetheless theocratic. A year later, frustrated with Morsi and the Brotherhood, another popular movement swept them from power, with the Army playing a crucial role. But there is a clear lack of accountability and reform in the Egyptian government. Read more
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