Commentary
Amr Hamzawy
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Egypt's Political Future, March, 9, 2010
President Mubarak has neither a vice president nor an established successor, and his increasing health problems are causing many Egyptians to fear that his illness or death could create a power vacuum that would threaten the stability of Egypt and the entire region.
By Amr Hamzawy
Published on Mar 9, 2010
Source: Al Jazeera's Inside Story
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s latest health issues have brought further scrutiny on Egypt’s political future and the question of succession. Presently, all signs point to Mubarak running again in the 2011 presidential election. Amr Hamzwy argues that “the focus of the debate needs to be on the openings for political competition.” Opposition parties need to begin preparing not only for the elections in 2011, but also for the parliamentary elections to be held later this year.
Hamzawy suggests that public debate is too closely focused on the issues of presidential succession and personalities, namely President Mubarak, his son Gamal, and former IAEA Chief Mohammed Elbaradei. No one is discussing the platform of the ruling National Democratic Party or its performance since the last elections in 2005. “The focus on personalities and who is saying what is not good for Egyptian politics,” warns Hamzawy.
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
- U.S. Peace Mediation in the Middle East: Lessons for the Gaza Peace PlanPaper
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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