Mubarak is out and the military is in command once again. It is the same system that Mubarak built over a period of 30 years that is taking over the leadership. One can argue there is a change in the leadership, I should say change in on ”façade” not in the mindset.
But let’s wait and see.
With the military in command once again, Egyptians and the international community as a whole are looking for concrete signs, the evidence that a new system is going to take root in Egypt. Despite the jubilant celebration in Tahrir Square after the announcement that Mubarak has stepped down, the population wants to believe that it is the end of “Mubarakism”. I would not qualify their sentiment as unrealistic. But I caution any quick assumption that cronyism and dictatorship is over. To be sure that change has happened; here are some of the key things I will be looking for.
With the military in command once again, Egyptians and the international community as a whole are looking for concrete signs, the evidence that a new system is going to take root in Egypt. Despite the jubilant celebration in Tahrir Square after the announcement that Mubarak has stepped down, the population wants to believe that it is the end of “Mubarakism”. I would not qualify their sentiment as unrealistic. But I caution any quick assumption that cronyism and dictatorship is over. To be sure that change has happened; here are some of the key things I will be looking for.
1- Creation of a transitional team representing a cross-section of the Egyptian community. The team must include among other major partners representatives of the following constituencies. The political parties - including the Muslim Brotherhood, - youth groups, the business community, grassroots organizations, Local human rights groups, the clergy, farmers, Unions, scholars, the diaspora and other local think tanks.
2- Creation of a new constitution
3- Organization of free and fair elections without candidates coming from the military
4- Renovation of the police system and the dismantling of all the torture camps.
If all these “basic” steps are taken, one could say the sacrifice of the Egyptian people over the course of the past 19 days (or shall I say over the course of the past 30 years) has not been in vain.
