Return to Tahrir Square: Political Uncertainty, Military Unrest Color Protests

Egyptians mark the first anniversary of the revolution that toppled former dictator Hosni Mubarak—an uprising centering on Cairo’s iconic square that prompted hopes of a new and democratic politics. Just back from a research trip to Egypt, Distinguished Scholar Robin Wright gives a first-hand impression of the country’s political situation, reporting on protests against the military and the recent parliamentary elections.

This week, some Egyptians will mark the anniversary of the fall of Hosni Mubarak with protests by returning to the now famous rallying site of the initial rebellion, Tahrir Square. Activists will observe a week of "mourning and anger" as they continue to call for an end to military rule. Egypt moved a step closer to building a civilian government with the first session of the country's new Parliament, which as a result of recent elections is now dominated by Islamist parties rather than the former president's political allies. And while the electoral success of Muslim Brotherhood candidates was widely predicted, it also provides another source of concern and frustration for those revolutionaries who demanded secular rule. Meanwhile, the trial of Mubarak continues as does the broader "Arab Spring." To gain perspective and insight on the future of the "land of the pharaohs," we spoke with Robin Wright, an award winning journalist and author, who recently visited the country. Her most recent book is titled, Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World.

Middle East Program

The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.   Read more

Middle East Program