Recently, Egypt's election commission announced that Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, will become the first democratically elected president of Egypt following the fall of Hosni Mubarak in a sweeping revolution in 2011.
The non-religious Egyptian government has periodically outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood since the 1950s over worries that the Brotherhood might impose strict religious law over the country. However, while addressing the country on national television, Morsi attempted to reassure those who fear the emergence of a religious Egyptian state, especially minorities such as Coptic Christians.
His assertion that he will be a president to all Egyptians was greeted favorably by world leaders with interests in the region. However, with the internal changes the Brotherhood experienced during the revolution, it remains unclear what its goals are or how it will rule.
Quotes
"Thank God for the results. The revolution has succeeded...the revolution continues." -Mohamed Al Gizawi, Morsi supporter (through translator).
Warm Up Questions
1.Who won the Egyptian presidential election?
2.Do you think this an important election for Egypt? 3.What message did the new president have for his people?
Discussion Questions
1.Do you think it is an exciting time to be a young person in Egypt? If so, why?
2.How might America's relationship with Egypt change with this new government?
Additional Resources
Egypt's First Civilian President to Take Helm of Divided Country
Teen Documents Street Life Amid Change in Egypt
