The seeds of the deplorable scenes in Tahrir Square in Cairo (Report, 23 November) were initially sown nine months ago in the acceptance that the supreme military council should preside over the transition of power in the aftermath of Mubarak's downfall. Egypt is the most populous country in Africa and the Middle East. It has always occupied a special place in Arab hearts and minds and led them in times of peace and war.
Like other dictators, Mubarak was the main player behind its dwarfism. During his reign of terror, he diminished the role of judicial, educational, parliamentary and military systems. The economy is teetering on the verge of collapse after decades of nepotism, corruption and mishandling of budgetary funds assigned for the state. The overwhelming majority of Egyptians live below the poverty line, like their brethren in Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria and across the Arab world.
Marshal Tantawi was a defence minister for 20 years under Mubarak. He is hardly any different from his boss. In addition to western fears of the resurgence of Islamists' power, the top-down approach has failed. The situation is likely to escalate further in the foreseeable future unless the generals shed their old mentality in favour of teamship, partnership, decency, accountability, transparency and efficiency: the pillars of good governance.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London
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