The author's observations are correct; but not well balanced. They suffer from the same fatalistic and doomed tone of voice that the melancholic average Egyptian displays. From my many visits to Egypt I have observed something that our American culture does not teach it's citizens. Resourcefullness. I agree with the author that the poverty is increasing in Egypt; but the ability to deal with situations and difficulties is preparing the Egyptian people for an Egyptian Renassance that will not only effect Egypt but the entire Middle East. The author refers to the Gulf States. The Gulf States have money. The Egyptian people have genuine talent. That talent is being suffocated, that is true, however some way it is being passed on to others in the society and as it is being passed on it is growing in passion and ability. I once heard an Egyptian lady say "an Egyptian can take tar and turn it into cherry cola" or words to that effect. The next generation of Egyptians will be on the cutting edge of society and government building. I have noticed that an Egyptian taxi driver is very proud of the fact that he can fix his own car; even fashion his own metal parts because the parts are not available anymore. Even though it is twenty years old it is still running.
The Egyptian people are an increasingly angry people; that anger mixed with religous fervor may actually help them to create a civilization that will be the envy of all modern Arab States.

Non-Egyptian and Elaine have the right view. The US pumps $ billions into Egypt and Jordan to keep Mubarak and King Abdullah II in power. Why, because of the peace treaties they maintain with the racist Zionist regime in disregard of the wishes and best interests of the Arab people.

There will be no peace in the region until the Arab nations overthrow their corrupt leaders who are mere puppets of the US_Israel axis of evil and kick this racist alliance out of the Middle East.

The question calls for honesty of your own nation not excuses or comparisons.

The verdict: half a loaf good on describing Mubarak.
But the usual claptrap on US policy as Michael O. makes clear above. And no understanding or even real opinion of what change will bring competent government.

Stability is the only stock in trade that the non oil rich Arab countries have. Until Arabs decide to join the global economy for real that is all they have to negotiate with, whether the West or Russia.

Mona - The U.S has not forgotten about democracy and reform. Experience has shown that anti-Americanism runs so rampant in Egypt that any comment coming from Washington meets with a unanimous - and very vocal - opposition in Egypt. Almost all journalists, politicians and assorted "intellectuals" rally in support of whatever or whoever the Administration is criticizing, and against whatever or whoever the Administration is supporting.

Thus, the immediate result of Bush's pressure on Egypt to release Saad E-Din Ibrahim from jail was that Ibrahim was roundly attacked in Egypt as an "American puppet". After it has been pointed out to Bush that he did no favors to Ibrahim by speaking on his behalf, he is understandably quiet on Ayman El-Nour now.

Reform has to come from within. The real question is why can't a democratic opposition expand beyond a few intellectuals, while fanatic Islamic opposition such as the Muslim brotherhood is flourishing and attracting the masses. Don't look to the U.S. for a solution to this problem.