Egypt’s military leaders

Not doing well

The ruling generals seem increasingly out of touch

See article

Readers' comments



I agree with the comments that the Egyptian citizens should calm down a bit, because transitioning is not easy, but I understand why they are frustrated. As the article said, they look to Tunisia in jealousy that they have not accomplished a democracy as smoothly as them. However, I think that Egypt could have definitely been more functioning by now and had some sort of established government, had the army not been so inefficient. The reason why it has been taking so long, is because the army is selfish and is not putting the people into thought over their own. They've dragged this limbo stage out for so long, that the people are fed up. It is blatant that the army only cares about what is best for them and how they will continue to have influence in the government after it has been set up, through the separate budget control and veto power. No army should have any type of veto power in a democracy because the whole idea is to have decisions made by the people who were elected by the citizens, not the army.


This should have been expected by the Egyptian people. Just because you overthrow one government with a military doesnt mean your automatically in the clear, they still have a lot of work to do and many more steps yet to come before they can rest at peace in Cairo. No military government ever does well by the people. They need to produce a democratic government run for the people by the people. Otherwise its just going to be riots and chaos in Cairo for many years to come.

Sour Grapes WINNIE

It is so strange that the prices of house in developing countries is higher than that in developed one, so there are something wrong with their policies. But what we have to admit is that developing countries do make a great difference over the past few centuries. The alarming thing is that an increasing number of people can't afford the prices. Then here comes a question: should we buy a house on a mortgage loan or just rent a place to live?
In my opinion, with the fast development of the society, we may deal with issues from one country to another, thus we have less time to stay at our house than before. Besides, the money we spend on buying is far more than on renting. So in the near future, renting may be prevailing all over the world.


coming up with a new form of government is not easy on the fly. i know Erdogan of Turkey has been working closely with Egypt to try and have a democratic system but still keep the Muslim people happy. the key now i feel like is to have a secular government with a strict separation of church and state without stepping on any religious boundaries. the whole world will be watching Egypt closely as they try to figure out their system


A 76 year old general? What a farce. This is no army. This is a business mafia. Instead of shame at being battered by the Israelis, they have given up that martial role with relief.


Ever since Mubarek has stepped down, Egypt has known that its country was in for a rough road ahead of them. Just as many other European and Asian countries are suffering because of a change in ruler, Egypt will have to find a way to get back on their feet. In order to get back on their feet, the military rulers and the civilian politicians need to work together. Yes it will be hard, but as we’ve seen in other countries (Libya) fighting against your people will only dig a deeper hole for yourself. I’m interested to see what the elections will do for Egypt and if the country will be able to turn itself around.


The concept of running a country without a complete govt. is tough to grasp. Libya is going through the same thing, but how do they enforce laws? protect the people? ie. have the resources to do the basic functions of a govt.


Egypt's state of transition has brought forth two opposing concerns that the country faces. Government officials, being military personnel, have taken a slower approach to transition Egypt's political structure, with the concern that an aggressive approach will compromise future stability. However, the people, who have been under a one-party political structure for years, are concerned that there efforts to make progress towards democracy are being threatened by the length of this transition. Both opposing concerns are legitimate, and both need to be addressed to assure political transition is pursued appropriately and efficiently, with reasonable time to establish stability and progress towards democracy. I think the biggest issue that compromises this is the lack of communication between the transitional government and the people. Better communication would essentially allow both concerning parties to work together rather than in opposition.


Forgive me lady and Gentlemen of Egypt for saying the truth. field-marshal Hussein Tantawi does not know any other way, his failure is known and historical , his war records is nil, he is self decorated general, how in the name of G-d he will bring peace and prosperity to Egypt? The whole system of the Military Council is just a joke; they grip on the power for their own survivor and interest...ashamed on the Supreme Military Council of Egypt, you all will be flushed down in history ....Opinion From Egypt


Stability in the next couple years is imperative for Egypt to get back on it's feet. A rocky start with the possibility of corrupt parties gaining power is not going to do much for Egypt. After the successful overthrow of the government this past Spring, the country must take on a United front, and strong leadership is they key to a successful transition.

Clare S

This is not shocking people, 999 times out of 1000 so called "liberators" of a country get a taste of power and let it go to their heads. It happened with Muammar Ghaddaffi, Fidel Castro, and countless other leaders. It is particularly dangerous if the person "liberating" is in charge of their own militia. Nothing says power more potently than being able to kill with no consequences. I wish Egypt the best, and pray that this doesn't start another vicious cycle of military dictatorships. But let me tell you, the odds are against you. I'm sure Libya and every other country that ousted their leaders will have the same problem. Does that mean they shouldn't have done it? Well no, but they need to pick a leader who will not let the power get to him, and let me tell you that's a very very short list.


There seemed to be much more hope for Egypt's new government right after the fall of Mubarak than there is now. The people have been hoping that the militaristic government will cede to a new more democratic one, but nothing has changed. The military has been in power for months now, and it doesn't appear like power will shift anytime soon, keeping Egypt in the same rut that they were in before. The so called "elections" that is supposed to occur in the next few months most likely won't make much of a difference either. The people will have to choose between their "temporary" government that they have now and a radical religious one. The people of Egypt need to continue to fight for their freedoms and the democracy that they want. Settling with their options now and continuing to be suppressed by their government should not be taken as an option.


Here's the Latest "Radical-Thought", from the FAR-WEST:

Egypt, literally lies on the CrossRoads of the Ancient/Old World!
Egypt, and it's Rebellious People, are a Micro-Cosm of this entire World!!
Egypt, and it's Glorious On-Going REVOLUTION, is NOT Over yet!!!

SCAF, should be Focused on ReTurning Safety & Security to the Egyptian Street, before they DO Any-Thing else!!!
SCAF, should be Wholly Engaged in Helping to Cleanse, Re-Build & Re-Constitute the Egyptian SS (State Security)!!!!
SCAF, should Leave Politics to the Politicians!!!!!

P.S. Every Semi-Successful REVOLUTION, has Al-Ways been Co-Opted & Corrupted (just like they DID back in 07-23-52).
P.S.S. This TIME, it's NOT going to Work..

Peace, Love & Respect.


It is often said Egyptians are a naive people, and I tend to agree. Power was handed on a silver platter to the military, and now -surprise, surprise - that isn't working out so well. Oh well, perhaps they can learn from their mistakes when they have their next revolution, in 50 years or so.

El 7oreya in reply to ToffeeC

'It is often said Egyptians are a naive people, and I tend to agree. Oh well, perhaps they can learn from their mistakes when they have their next revolution, in 50 years or so'

November 2011. 2nd phase of the Egyptian Revolution: what stupid things you say, my friend. I think the Egyptians have just proven all your pathetic views WRONG!!!!!!!!


We know change is not easy and comes at a steep price, SCAF has been frustrating but this is expected from old generals who have been ruing the country since the 1950s. We dont want to elect the Muslim Brotherhood, as a muslim I do not see them fit for ruling the county and I doubt they are as popular as they like ppl to think of them, most organised yes, owns the streets well not one political party can claim this for sure. We do not want help from the US in fact the US in increasingly seen as helping SCAF stir the revolution away from achieving real democracy. Thank you to all those who care for us and all those who have faith in us, likewise I have faith in my people and know we are learning how to choose after not being allowed to do so for so many years. A learning process for all and Egypt is a huge country not like Tunisia who inspired us.


This is why I did not celebrate as soon as Mubarak stepped down. It is not the end of the road. Egypt will be chaos for a while until they can decide what to do with their country. They want the US to help them out but want to elect the Muslim Brotherhood into power? That would not be a good idea.


Change is never easy. The Egyptians are finding this out firsthand. With all the internal strife that is occurring now, Egypt is at a crossroads. These next couple elections will determine the direction Egypt will take for quite a while. Making the wrong choice could lead to even more political turmoil. However, I have faith in the Egyptians, and trust that they will learn from Mubarak's reign and become an example of a well-functioning government in the Middle East.


Ho,hum.I hope the West which goes around promoting and prescribing democracy as the panacea for all political ills is taking note of these events in Egypt.As we should all have learnt from the Palestinains,democracy in the Arab world has the potential to throw up some peculiar beasts.Be careful what you wish for.

NefertitiTheOriginal in reply to femi

Democracy in the West has also the habit of throwing up some ugly political beasts, Bush, Shamir, Sharon, Tony Blair, Berliscuni and the list goes on and on and on. Enough with this Oh my they dnt knw how to attitude, look at your self and your country and the demonstrations across the World and the economic crisis and ask your self arent these politicians in power in your fairy tale of democracies beasts too?

Perrihan in reply to femi

Given the current state of the "West" and its democracies (the Euro Crises, the economic and political stalemate of the US, the global "Occupy" movement) and given that they had supported all these oppressive regimes for their own self interests for so long, it is time that they refrain from meddling in the region and instead start cleaning house. The Middle East may be unveiling beasts, that is true, however, they are our beasts to contend with. When a country is under oppressive military rule for close to 60 years, the last thirty of which were blessed by the West, emerging beasts should be expected. Unfortunately, Egypt does not only have to contend with a stunted and illiterate socio-political environment in the face of these public outcries for freedom, it also has to deal with the sanctimonious West who would prefer we remain oppressed so long as we are biddable in their geo-political plans for the region. What is happening is not an Arab Awakening, it is The Awakening, the future is changing Mr./Ms. Femi and past alliances and individual country interests are going the way of quicksand. After all, History is a cycle, right? But then again, nobody - the all-knowing democratic West included - learns from the past do they?



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