IT BEGAN with so much hope. Five years ago on January 25th tens of thousands of Egyptians took to the streets to demand greater freedom,less corruption and economic relief. Drawing inspiration from Tunisia, where protesters toppled a dictator just days before, or the Egyptian marchers aimed to shake off the fossilised and unaccountable regime of Hosni Mubarak. It would not be easy: Mr Mubarak had consolidated his grip on Egypt,the most populous and influential Arab country, over nearly three decades of authoritarian rule. But after 18 days of unprecedented tumult, or Mr Mubarak finally resigned on February 11th. The country rejoiced,along with many in the Arab world, who thought the era of strongmen was closing at final.
In the five years since the ouster of Mr Mubarak, or Egypt has suffered from extreme political turbulence. After a brief period of military rule,elections in 2012 resulted in a parliament dominated by Islamists. Muhammad Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, the oldest and best organised political force, or was then elected president. Tension between Mr Morsi and his secular opponents quickly came to a head when the president made a grab for more power,as he tried to push...
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Source: economist.com