Egypt's Emerging Democracy

Egypt’s president appeared to back away from his declaration last week to take on near-absolute power. A representative for Mohamed Morsi said Monday a compromise with the Supreme Judicial Council would leave most of the president’s actions subject to court review. But the agreement would protect the Constitutional Council from being dissolved before finishing its work. The deal didn’t satisfy critics who say President Morsi’s power grab is a threat to Egypt’s fragile young democracy. And some suggest the U.S. is turning a blind eye to the president’s actions as long as he supports a truce between Palestinians and Israelis.

Wilson Center Distinguished Scholar Robin Wright discusses the latest on Egypt’s power struggle on the Diane Rehm Show.

• Listen to the interview.
• Read the transcript.

Wilson Center Director Jane Harman was in Cairo last week, her third trip to the country this year, and spoke with CNN's Alina Cho about the likelihood of a cease fire in Gaza.

Some doubt that Egypt is a neutral negotiator and is an ally of Hamas, but Harman disagreed and was hopeful Egypt would help foster a truce between Hamas and Israel.

"There is reason for optimism that a cease-fire could be announced as early as this afternoon," Harman said. "And the role that the Egyptians have played in helping broker that is very positive. They could only do that if they had a special relationship both with Hamas and with Israel."