• Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Global logoCarnegie lettermark logo
DemocracyIran
  • Donate
{
  "authors": [],
  "type": "other",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
  ],
  "collections": [
    "Arab Awakening"
  ],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "North Africa",
    "Egypt"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform",
    "Democracy",
    "Foreign Policy"
  ]
}

Source: Getty

Other

U.S. Should Give Meaningful and Constructive Support to Egypt’s Democratic Transition: A Statement by the Working Group on Egypt

The United States must renew its support for the democratic principles that guided Egypt's revolution to ensure that Egypt realizes its potential as a free and independent regional leader.

Link Copied
Published on Jun 7, 2011
Program mobile hero image

Program

Middle East

The Middle East Program in Washington combines in-depth regional knowledge with incisive comparative analysis to provide deeply informed recommendations. With expertise in the Gulf, North Africa, Iran, and Israel/Palestine, we examine crosscutting themes of political, economic, and social change in both English and Arabic.

Learn More

Source: June 7

Egypt’s popular uprising succeeded in its goal of dismantling Hosni Mubarak’s authoritarian regime, but the country’s democratic transition has only just begun. It is imperative that the United States renew its support for the democratic principles that guided the revolution, to ensure that Egypt realizes its potential as a free and independent regional leader.

President Obama’s call for $1 billion in debt relief, plus loan guarantees and the creation of an enterprise fund to stimulate investment, was a positive gesture signaling the administration’s commitment to the political transition underway in Egypt.

  • Congress must now support this vital assistance package in order to provide greater opportunity for all Egyptians and ensure that an economic downturn does not jeopardize democratic reforms.

  • U.S. assistance will also set an example for other donors and creditors to Egypt.

  • Debt relief and other assistance, as well as steps toward free trade, should be structured to provide incentives for and reward passage of key milestones such as free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as the writing of a new constitution that enshrines human rights and civil liberties, including the right to assembly, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and equal opportunity for women.

As Egypt’s military leadership prepares to transfer authority to an elected civilian government:

  • The United States should support free, fair, and monitored elections that extend participation to all peaceful political forces committed to the rights and freedoms defined above.

  • While various candidates and political parties in Egypt may espouse positions troubling to Americans in the course of the election campaign, the United States should determine the future of its relationship with Egypt based on how a new government formed on the basis of these elections comports itself on critical issues, from respecting human rights and civil liberties to adhering to international commitments.

The Working Group on Egypt is a nonpartisan initiative bringing substantial expertise on Egyptian politics and political reform, and aimed at ensuring that Egypt’s elections are free and fair and open to opposition candidates.

Political ReformDemocracyForeign PolicyNorth AfricaEgypt

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.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

  • Trump and MBS walking across a stage
    Commentary
    Emissary
    Is the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Moving From the Gold Standard to a Gilded Standard?

    Congress should ask tough questions about the agreement’s more unique features and whether they advance U.S. interests or compromise them.

      • Jane Darby Menton

      Jane Darby Menton

  • Paper
    How to Engage with New Media: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Organizations

    To remain effective, organizations need to master new media and legitimacy markers to make a once-in-a-century shift.

      Renée DiResta, Rachel Kleinfeld, Margot Treadwell

  • Commentary
    Strategic Europe
    Germany’s Shattered Consensus

    An overwhelming victory by a far-right-wing party in a small state in eastern Germany will have major repercussions for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition.

      Judy Dempsey

  • People waving to a passing car surrounded by motorcycles
    Commentary
    Emissary
    Cameroon’s President Went Abroad for Months. His Return Brought More Questions Than Answers.

    The ninety-three-year-old Biya’s absence and refusal to name a vice president threaten to upend domestic and regional stability.

      • Dr. Lesley Anne Warner

      Lesley Anne Warner

  • Commentary
    Carnegie Politika
    As It Turns 25, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Reflects the New World Order

    With the growth in points of friction between the great powers, organizations like the SCO will continue to play a role in the strategic adaptation of the smaller powers caught between them.

      Temur Umarov

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie global logo, stacked
1779 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashington, DC, 20036-2103Phone: 202 483 7600
  • Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
  • Donate
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Contact
  • Annual Reports
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
  • Government Resources
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.