Publication

This report explores the power dynamics of post-Mubarak Egypt and the prospects of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) relinquishing power. The interests which SCAF wishes to defend are a mix of the national and parochial, but since the military is persuaded it alone can protect Egypt, it has a tendency to conflate its well-being with that of the country. The presidential election may be SCAF's last chance to peacefully produce a balanced political system, reflecting the Muslim Brotherhood's parliamentary supremacy, while protecting interests critical to the military. The author concludes that a successful transition will require the SCAF to exit from power.