The two-headed monster facing Egypt: character and leadership

Amal Elbeshbishi, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

The formidable obstacle on the road ahead for Egypt is a two-headed monster, character and leadership. Now, it is time to analyze this obstacle, Egypt must deal with it, because success in development is simply not possible without first slaying this monster. As Egypt embarks on its future, it must not overlook the crucial objective of determining the character of the nation, and the responsibility of its leadership. This is a prerequisite that if not met, development will not come. This paper will first set the stage for what is meant worldwide by development. Then it will begin with an outline of the various institutions and factors needed to establish sustainable levels of economic prosperity. The analysis will then turn its focus on the all-critical two-headed monster, the areas, issues and concerns around which the character of a nation is formed and the indispensable signs and characteristics of viable leadership.