July 11, 2012. Copyright 2012, Graphic News. All rights reserved

All eyes on Egypt's Mohamed Mursi
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, July 11, Graphic News: Few leaders have begun office under such intense scrutiny as Mohamed Mursi, the first democratically elected president of Egypt who has stepped into the vacuum left by former dictator Hosni Mubarak. The famous "Mursi Meter", a website tracking his election vows, is the least troubling of efforts to monitor the long-time Muslim Brotherhood member.

Mursi, who has now resigned presidency of the Islamist group, has pledged to rule "for all Egyptians". But secular Egyptians are nervous that his regime will introduce socially conservative policies, such as restricting women's dress. He will also find it hard to make a move without arousing suspicion from Middle Eastern neighbours, in particular Israel: they have kept a cool peace for 30 years but the Brotherhood's dislike of Israel is well known.

The west will remain on the alert for significant new policies (e.g. on Syria), and watch for signs that his regime is purely symbolic, that real power lies with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which has already over-ruled his decree to return the dissolved parliament and has been seeking to restrict presidential powers.

Mursi, 60, a calm, bespectacled academic, has been praised for his measured approach but inspirational and inclusive rhetoric since winning elections in June. However, there is little in his background to indicate how he will continue the revolution begun in Tahrir Square, or deal with the inevitable power struggle with Egypt's wealthy generals.

Born in 1951 in Sharqiya on the Nile delta, Mursi studied engineering at Cairo University before continuing his studies in California, where he later worked as an assistant professor. His children were born in the United States and have U.S. citizenship. From 2000-05 he was an MP for the Zagazig party. In 2011, when the Brotherhood founded its own political wing, the Freedom and Justice party, Mursi became its head.

Mursi experienced first-hand the repressive tactics of the Mubarak regime: he spent several months behind bars in 2006 and was also arrested during the 2011 revolution. His entire outlook has been shaped by his loyalty to the Brotherhood, whose deputy leader, Khairat al-Shater, was first choice as presidential candidate before being disqualified. Initially dismissed as uncharismatic and bland, Mursi came into his own in a campaign during which he inspired Egyptians with Islamist rhetoric, toned down since his victory.

Mursi stands with his country at a crossroads. Detractors say he lacks the imagination or independent vision to take Egypt forward. Others are satisfied that, for now, the military are keeping a rein on the president, fearing the imposition of Sharia law if his regime gains too much power. His neighbours in the Gulf share many socially conservative ideals but remain nervous about revolutionary fervour that swept Mubarak from power.

For now, the only clear step forward would seem to be rebuilding the battered economy and strengthening, if possible, the fragile unity of his people.
/ENDS