EGYPT
July, 2005
"Egypt's Moments of Reform: A Reality or an Illusion?"
Policy Brief
By Emad Shahin, Former Faculty Affiliate, The Dubai Initiative
The movement for democratic reform in Egypt seems to be gathering strength. Some of the factors that would make a good case fordemocratic transformation are rapidly converging: the formation of a wide spectrum of discontented segments in society; the mushrooming of pro-reform grass-roots movements that agree on a clear list of short-term demands; and a sympathetic pro-reform international context. With presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in September and November respectively, will Egypt finally experience its democratic spring?
February 2005
"Political Islam: Ready for Engagement?"
Working Paper
By Emad Shahin, Former Faculty Affiliate, The Dubai Initiative
This paper explores the possibilities and implications of a European engagement with moderate Islamists on democracy promotion in the region. It argues that the EU approach to political reform in the Middle East region needs to be enhanced and linked to realities on the ground. Political reform cannot be effective without the integration of non-violent Islamic groups in a gradual, multifaceted process.
