<p>I think Jordan would be fascinating. I have never been, but my older son took a school trip to Petra and the Dead Sea. We were looking at an overseas posting there, but I don’t think it will work out.</p>
<p>I’m back. Well, the president still refuses to leave, which is okay. They’ve formed “The committee of wise men”, which consists of about half a dozen of Egypt’s most respectable businessmen, politicians, and scientists. Things are slowly, but surely, starting to improve.</p>
<p>As for the study abroad/ internship questions: Jordan happens to be the world’s most boring country. Period. haha. Egypt should be fine by the time summer rolls in (even before that), but if you’re still worried, Morocco is an excellent alternative.</p>
<p>Lobzz, what a relief to see that the protestors have held the Square, and that Friday was like Tuesday, rather than Wednesday/Thursday. Be safe!</p>
<p>Do you mind a question? (I’m forced to rely on American cable news channels for information!) We are hearing that the military will ultimately decide what happens in Egypt, depending on whether they decide to support Mubarak or not. Do you think this is true, and if so, which way do you think they will go?</p>
<p>LasMa: Well, the army is, in fact, extremely influential (and its ties with the US military probably give it even more leverage). The problem is, according to the constitution, if this whole ordeal is “defined” as a revolution, everything (including the president, the parliament, the constitution etc. etc.) is deemed worthless and thus everything changes, but, as it stands, that doesn’t appear to be happening. Keep in mind that for this to be an orderly transition, Mubarak has to stay until his mandate ends. </p>
<p>So, to answer your question, yes. The army’s allegiance is the most valuable asset an aspiring leader should seek… Mubarak currently has the full support of the army. The way I see this going: Mubarak will see his term through (ends in a few months), while a group of astute politicians and businessmen clean up the mess. Things will be very different after that.</p>
<p>In short, a coup d’etat is a very viable way to effectively to take away the president’s power, but it most likely will never happen, since the military’s allegiance lies with Mubarak. </p>
<p>Here’s what I personally want to see:</p>
<p>-Mubarak stay 'til his term ends, so that the transition happens without obstacles.</p>
<p>-The Minister of Finance, in collaboration with Mubarak, fix the disaster that Egypt’s economy has become.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, Mubarak isn’t a bad leader; he knows how to run a country. Power simply corrupts. Still, he deserves to be saluted when he hands over the crown.</p>
<p>^ I really appreciate your input on this thread. Would you mind my asking your age? Has Mubarak been the only president you lived under?</p>
<p>TIA</p>
<p>I’m happy to provide insight. I’m 19, ma’am. Mubarak became president shortly after former president Anwar El Sadat was assassinated in 1981. He’s visited five different US presidents at the White House :D</p>
<p><<at the=“” end=“” of=“” day,=“” mubarak=“” isn’t=“” a=“” bad=“” leader;=“” he=“” knows=“” how=“” to=“” run=“” country.=“” power=“” simply=“” corrupts.=“” still,=“” deserves=“” be=“” saluted=“” when=“” hands=“” over=“” crown.=“”>></at></p>
<p>I know this isn’t a popular view in the US, but I have to agree. Mubarak has done a lot wrong (especially with respect to the economy) but he has also done some good, especially with respect to maintaining positive relationships with the US and other major countries, keeping the fundamentalists under control, and minimizing terrorist activities.</p>
<p>Is it time for him to go? Yes, but let’s make it a smooth, gradual transition so that the end result is something that is good for ALL Egyptians.</p>
<p>^Someone like you is DEFINITELY needed at Liberation Square to talk some sense into the protesters. You’ve certainly hit the nail on the head. Most of them want him OUT now, and they’re not making concessions, but said people simply do not fathom the implications of such a decision. I’m of the belief that this will end well. I’m all about the economy and foreign relations. I want to see Egypt maintain its 8%+ economic growth and its excellent relationship with the US and other important allies.</p>
<p>Grcxx3, Mubarak’s abomination stems from the social injustice and corruption (his party controls ~90% of parliament). The economy, on the other hand, has been steadily improving of late, so I’d like to see a continuation of that. Of course, a lot of that improvement is definitely attributed to the US’s developmental assistance, but the suez canal and tourism are also of extreme importance. It’s going to be up to my generation, however, to pick-up the pace on the growing markets (such as Real Estate) whilst retaining the excellent $$ coming in from the aforementioned cash cows.</p>
<p>Lobzz - no question about the corruption! Altho we have lived someplace worse (if you can believe it) - it is horrible in Egypt. I am glad to hear that there has been some improvement in the economy. It’s been 6 years since we lived there, so I am a little out of date.</p>
<p>Tourism is so critical to the Egyptian economy. We saw that after 9/11. I remember going to Luxor in Nov 2001 and it was just so sad. There were no tourists, so many shops were shuttered up. We went to the Vally of the Queens and we were the ONLY people there…really, just us and our guide and the few men working there! For the most part, we didn’t even bother to bargain with vendors. If the price was reasonable to us - we paid it. I just couldn’t handle arguing (in fun, of course!) over a couple of dollars.</p>
<p>Being able to bargain does require a great deal of finesse, but I’m sure you got the hang of it. </p>
<p>I’m going to assume you lived in Maadi?! I live there 
Less than a mile away from CAC. You’re going to have to excuse me; it’s just amazing that I’ve found someone who actually knows Egypt well on CC :D</p>
<p>Oh - we mastered the art of bargaining!<br>
Yes, we lived in Maadi, on Rd 213, just across from the school. Our flat overlooked the high school building. Where are you?</p>
<p>And - yes - glad to have found a kindred spirit! We were there for 4 years and LOVED it! Are you looking to go to college in the US?</p>
<p>I’ll PM you. And then it’s off to bed for me.</p>
<p>Shoot - I think my PM box is full. You can email me at my name here - at AOL.com</p>
<p>Thank you Lobzz,</p>
<p>I will follow your postings with interest.</p>
<p>Thanks for the inside view. I’ve been following these events on TV, but it is so hard to tell what is really happening when the reporters are crouched on the floor inside their hotels.</p>
<p>Grcxx3, yes, your inbox seems to be full. Check your profile page.</p>
<p>For everybody following the news, CNN is doing a good job in adequately covering the situation (I’d like to apologize to Anderson Cooper for what happened to him); the local news stations, on the other hand, are ridiculous. It’s actually hilarious. They completely ignored the first day of protests, and are blatantly biased in favor of the government, understandably.</p>
<p>Ben Wedeman of CNN is the only one I’ll listen to. He really understands what is going on and truly cares about Egypt and it’s people.</p>
<p>Wedeman has definitely put himself in harm’s way to report the news. I remember seeing his face after the area he was reporting from was struck by tear gas. But I’ve always liked Anderson Cooper (admittedly, it’s mostly because he’s a descendant of one of the businessmen I idolize :D)</p>