Mubarak's departure will mark "beginning of a process" for Egyptian people: Middle East Expert

Washington, Feb 12 (ANI): An expert on terrorism, Middle East politics and Homeland Security issues has said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's exit will usher a new political process in Egypt.

Institute for Advanced Computer Studies Researcher Aaron Mannes of the University of Maryland said it could be the beginning of an Egyptian renaissance, or even an era of far greater tyranny and instability in the region.

He also said the Egyptian leadership military or civilian, would be " hard-pressed" to tackle the country's innumerable social, economic, and political problems.

"There are no instant solutions to these problems. So far, the Egyptian protesters have appeared moderate in tone and action. But a new government that has difficulty coping with its challenges may turn to radicalism or repression," Mannes added.

Turning the economy around would be the primary concern of Egypt.

"Although Egypt was liberalizing its economy and the overall macro-economic numbers were strong, most Egyptians were not benefiting. Unfortunately two of Egypt's leading sources of income, tourism and tolls on the Suez Canal, will be adversely affected by ongoing turmoil, reducing the Egyptian government's options for addressing the national challenges," Manas said. (ANI)