Mubarak's legacy and its implications

Professor Amin Saikal, Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia), delivered a booked out public lecture last Thursday 10 February. 

Professor Saikal discussed the implications of the end of President Hosni Mubarak's rule in Egypt.  On 25 Janurary, thousands of protesters began demonstrations across Egypt.  These protests, the biggest of which was in Tahrir Square, Cairo, called for the end of Mubarak's three decade-long rule. 

Mubarak leaves behind an Egypt riddled with poverty, corruption, socio-economic disparities, political uncertainties, and foreign policy dilemmas. The popular uprising against him is very much reminiscent of the Iranian revolution of 1978/79 that toppled the pro-Western regime of the Shah and set Iran on a turbulent course of theocratic development, with an anti-US posture. Egypt is a pivotal state in the Arab world. Whatever direction it takes, it is bound to affect the regional status quo, confronting the US and its allies (most importantly Israel) with serious quandaries.

The public lecture, held at the ANU Hedley Bull Lecture Theatre has generated a great deal of interest both during the event, and after.  The talk was recorded and has been made available on the ANU Youtube Channel. 

Note: On 11 February President Hosni Mubarak announced he would relinquish power effectively ending his control of Egypt.The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces say they are dissolving parliament, suspending the consitution, and will govern for six months or until elections take place.