Beyond the Crisis: A Roadmap for Reconciliation in Egypt

Abstract

With the election of a new president, Egypt has reached another milestone in its roadmap for transition, but democracy and peace are still a long way off. The election of Abdul Fattah el-Sisi, former Minister of Defense, is likely to further complicate the country’s political crisis, since the Muslim Brotherhood holds him responsible for last year’s succession of massacres. Continued polarization fans political violence, impeding stability and much-needed economic growth. Changing the dynamics of the conflict through measures aimed at reconciliation and confidence-building could push the two major adversaries - the Muslim Brotherhood and the regime - to change course.