31. Why is democracy late?

Discussions continue over the revolution of July 23 and the reasons behind its failure to achieve its main aim; democracy. Ahmad Hamroush has previously tackled the golden opportunity the Revolution had to uphold the principles of democracy after the end of the three-year transitional period and the withdrawal of British French and Israeli troops from Egypt.


Some incidents during the transitional period made quite an impact on the Revolution’s leaders [a group of army officers known as the Free Officers]. Fears over a military coup d’état and the reactions of the Muslim Brotherhood were the main reason for their extreme caution.


The Muslim Brotherhood revealed their terrorist wing in their failed attempt to assassinate President Jamāl ‘Abd al-Nāsir while he was delivering his speech in al-Manshīya Square Alexandria on October 26 1954.