Tunisia and Libya are well beyond Egypt in the transition. The old establishment in large part is still intact and clings to its political and economic privileges – it’s not just about this weeks resurgent Tahir Square demonstrations or the suspiciously aroused Coptic-Muslim sectarian violence. The pictures above from Tahir Square in Cairo are not from last spring, but this weekend – already claiming lives and injuries as police and protesters clash. (Read – “UN Call for Probe of Egypt Clashes” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-calls-for-probe-of-egypt-clashes-by-ambassador-mo/36188). The process of reaching elections and a new president appears from the perspective from many Egyptians to be taking far too long. While many perceived the Egyptian military as a force for stability, perhaps even the most respected national institution, others are suspicious of what they see as the prolonged clinging to power of the military council that clings to power. Perhaps most troubling, are continued repressive measures regarding free speech and criticism of the ruling military council. The concern has reached to the level of the United Nations. From both the Secretary General’s Office and the UN Office of Human Rights, imprisonment of individuals for free speech offenses and the failure to repeal the State of Emergency has been of particular focus. Read – “UN Concern/Egypt Freedom & Human Rights” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-concern-egypt-freedom-human-rights-by-ambassador-mo/41703 Egypt’s revolution is critical, as Egypt is both the largest Arab country and a trendsetter in the Arab world and beyond. Egypt stands on the fault line of the Israeli-Palestinian fault line. It is one of few friends that Washington has had in the region. For young Egyptians who have suffered from inadequate job opportunities and inadequate economic development overall, the prospect of change has been a beacon. (See Film Report – “Egypt’s Revolution” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/egypts-revolution/28483). Unfortunately though Egypt could be stalling at a critical time in the evolution of its democracy and free society. Between sectarian violence and poor economic prospects, Egypt is not beyond the risk of waves of revolutionary and repressive tides. Egypt’s revolution is being propelled by almost an unbreakable wave seeking change, but will it start to resemble a prolonged struggle, the Arab world’s version of the French Revolution. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice