
Egypt’s role in the Middle East is falling as perceptions grow that the former power is preoccupied with its own domestic affairs. The election cycle currently under way will help define the extent to which those perceptions become reality.

During the last two decades, Egypt has distanced itself from Africa and the countries of the Nile basin by de-prioritizing them within a foreign policy framework and limiting its economic, commercial, and cultural ties with them.

A nuclear-test-free zone in the Middle East would be a realistic and practical way to lower regional tensions.

The popularity of Sayyid Qutb among some members of the Muslim Brotherhood may speak to a desire to pull the Brotherhood back from its broad social and political work and refocus its efforts on reforming society through a more elitist approach.

The renewal of the state of emergency in Egypt heightens concerns that the Obama administration’s practice of quiet diplomacy is not bearing fruit. The United States is uniquely positioned to engage the Egyptian government and civil society and encourage them along a path toward reform.

Opposition activity is heating up in Egypt as the country heads for parliamentary elections this fall and a presidential election in 2011. What ramifications will this activity have on the Egyptian political system?

Recognition by Egypt's leading Jihadists that violence has failed to achieve political change and in fact has been counterproductive has led them to a remarkable change of course.

Insisting on the establishment a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone in the Middle East is unrealistic and creates counterproductive expectations. A Nuclear-Test-Free Zone, however, would be a step in the right direction.

Egypt is at a critical turning point. If the United States does not take a serious interest in promoting democratic reform in the country, Egypt is likely to slide backwards into increased authoritarianism.
The entire Egyptian political order is carefully structured so that all lines of authority lead to the president. The regime has retained its control over the political sphere even when, as a result of President Mubarak’s illness, it is no longer clear who is actually wielding power.