Marina Ottaway, Omar Hossino
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Egypt's Regime `Sacrificed' Mubarak
There is little doubt that Hosni Mubarak's legacy in Egypt will primarily be seen as economic stagnation and lost regional influence.
Source: Bloomberg TV

Ottaway described the problems that led to the uprising in Egypt as chronic. The Egyptian people had been chafing at their country's lack of freedom and democracy and poor economic conditions for decades. However, Ottaway said, it is difficult to predict when unrest will percolate to the surface and catalyze a revolution. Accordingly, it will be difficult to determine whether or not further demonstrations will lead to similar changes occur throughout the Arab world. Ottaway concluded that, in the eyes of his nation and the region, “Mubarak’s legacy will be very poor," since under his leadership, the country stagnated economically and Egypt lost its traditional role as regional leader.
About the Author
Former Senior Associate, Middle East Program
Before joining the Endowment, Ottaway carried out research in Africa and in the Middle East for many years and taught at the University of Addis Ababa, the University of Zambia, the American University in Cairo, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
- Reactions to the Syrian National InitiativeArticle
- Slow Return to Normal Politics in EgyptArticle
Marina Ottaway
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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