Newswise — “Many people are calling for Mubarak to step down. Mubarak’s resignation is not the best option. The danger of mass upheaval and disorientation would be too great if Mubarak, who has ruled the country with a heavy hand for three decades, were suddenly to vacate office. Havoc might ensue with the opportunists that exist in any such situation well-positioned to take advantage of the public’s concerns and fill a potential political vacuum.
“Moreover, the constitutionally prescribed succession by the vice president, a member of Mubarak’s political party, would bring little in the way of democratic benefit, since the perception and likely reality would be that Mubarak would continue to rule from just behind the curtain if he exits the political stage in this way.
“Egyptians deserve a brighter future. Though the country has implemented many liberal reforms in its investment laws and economic policies, the reality on the ground is that most young people today – and it is a very young population – feel very little hope for the future.”
--Chantal Thomas, Cornell University professor of law and a former law faculty member at American University in Cairo
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