Conflict in Egypt: Will Democracy Be Achieved? (Revised)

Summary

- Political conflict in Egypt
- Attempting to transition to democracy
- Currently being governed by military personnel
- Leadership styles of Hosni Mubarak have caused an uprising
- Enacting a constitution to allow for civilian rule
- Due for review and approval February 24th 2011
- New Egyptian government sends formal request to freeze all assets of Mr. Mubarak on grounds they may be fraudulent
- Mr. Mubarak has reportedly left Cairo for his vacation home on the Red Sea
- Concerns for the former president's health grow as he has been reported to have stopped taking his medication
- To avoid conflict the military is asking everyone to return to their jobs

Opinion

The current debacle in Egypt is a classic example of the political and social repercussions of having a single political party controlling all of the decisions of a country with no opposition. To be successfully democratic, which had been described as the "long-term goal", Egypt must realize the need for balanced competition in their political system. To move positively towards democracy the new Egyptian government must stress the importance of a leader of opposition as opposed to a government in which one party is the de facto unquestioned leader of the country.

While the military has been doing an excellent job of keeping relative order in the country during such a disorienting time, it is absolutely not a sustanable system of government. Military rule works in the short term because it is filled with people who are trained to act and think in the short term, as opposed to political leaders who can make long term decisions for the country. The real question is whether is whether Eygpt can construct and deploy a successful decmocratic system while at the same time surviving without a real political leader. As for the answer to that question only time will tell, but it will be a difficult feat and could be the first step in the road towards democracy, or a step back into the lane they are trying so hard to get out of.

Complex Mind Map

Interrelated

Political
- New President/political leader
- Attempted change in form of government
- Currently controlled by military
- Caused in part by lack of political opposition
- Constitutions being ammended to allow for civilian rule as opposed to military control

Economic
- Citizens ceasing to work in order to participate in activism
- Military encouraging the continuation of work

Social
- Crisis is focal point for media all over the world
- Split ideals over government and the fate of the former President in citizens
- Riots breaking out in and around Cairo
- Democracy gaining popularity within social environment

Controversial

How Did The Issue Start

- Unfair political system
- President de facto ruler of country
- Lack of a Leader of Opposition

How Should It Be Ressolved

- Military continue to keep order (or as best as possible)
- New democratic government set up
- Emphasise need for balanced and diverse political parties
- Emphasise need for Leader of Opposition