Commentary
Amr Hamzawy
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Will ElBaradei Run in Egypt's Elections?
Mohammed ElBaradei, the former head of the International Atomic Energy Association, has injected a new dynamism into the Egyptian political scene, but he is unlikely to be able to mobilize enough people to effect any real change in Egypt.
By Amr Hamzawy
Published on Mar 5, 2010
Source: Chicago Public Radio
Many signs point to the maintenance of the power of the Mubarak regime and the National Democratic Party. ElBaradei has expressed interest in running for the presidency, but that would erquire a constitutional change, and there is no indication that the regime will make that change.
While ElBaradei has garnered significant enthusiasm, and his popularity continues to grow, he is so far incapable of moving the masses. According to Amr Hamzawy, “the opposition spectrum’s most striking feature is stagnation. The parties are weak, losing their constituency, and have aging leaderships. They are also sharply divided between secularists, Islamists, and the domesticated opposition that has worked with the regime.” Despite the hope fostered by Elbaradei, the future portends only more stagnation.
About the Author
Amr Hamzawy
Director, Middle East Program
Amr Hamzawy is a senior fellow and the director of the Carnegie Middle East Program. His research and writings focus on governance in the Middle East and North Africa, social vulnerability, and the different roles of governments and civil societies in the region.
- Iran Is Pushing Its Neighbors Toward the United States
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Amr Hamzawy, Sarah Yerkes, Kathryn Selfe
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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