The Egyptian constitution does not give citizens the means to challenge the state and thus could help the Mubarak regime maintain the status quo in Egypt.
The Obama administration should commit to a true transition to democracy in Egypt and the creation of an open political system that protects civil rights and liberties.
Egypt’s transition toward democracy could still be undermined by the Mubarak regime, which is empowered by a constitution that grants overwhelming power to the executive.
It is important for the United States to support a real and sustained transition to democracy without appearing to interfere in Egypt’s domestic affairs or being sidetracked by the current regime’s piecemeal reform efforts.
While the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia might been triggered by the economy, issues of governance and the need for political reform are at the heart of the demonstrations.
After Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down, a transitional government needs to act to help Egypt move toward a fully democratic system rather than a military regime or a slightly liberalized autocracy.
The gap between Egyptian society, particularly the younger element, and the government has been widening over the past several years and has greatly contributed to the current protests in Egypt.
Mubarak’s continued unwillingness to acknowledge his complicity in the recent violence sharply undermines his ability to play a role in a peaceful transition toward democracy.
As demonstrators continue calls for President Hosni Mubarak's immediate resignation, the United States faces diplomatic challenges in its relationship with Egypt.
The growing gap between Egypt’s extremely young population and the Mubarak regime, combined with the regime’s inability to recognize that gap, helped catalyze the unrest in Egypt.