Egypt’s Transition to Democracy, One Year On: Recommendations for U.S. Policy

Life for most Egyptians has deteriorated one year after the overthrow of President Mubarak following mass popular protests in January and February. The economy is approaching a crisis, and lawlessness and insecurity have spread throughout the country. Yet Egyptians remain optimistic about their revolution and hopeful that a new civilian government will begin to deliver on promises of change. The U.S. government’s role in Egypt’s uncertain transition is controversial; it is often mischaracterized in public discourse, not least by Egyptian officials. The U.S. government needs to focus more on delivering a clear message about its policies and goals in Egypt and in ensuring that it is received by the newly empowered Egyptian public.