The newly elected (and recently assertive) legislature complicates the SCAF’s control over the constitutional process and its timing.

The Egyptian military’s power to arbitrarily issue future legislation may be curbed by the new parliament, but a recent Supreme Constitutional Court decision will likely serve to protect the military’s interests by legitimizing its existing constitutional declaration.

If the transition in Egypt succeeds and the country overcomes a number of economic obstacles and acquires a democratic, accountable, and efficient form of government, it is likely to become a stabilizing force in a turbulent region.

As the wave of popular uprisings across the Arab world spreads to Yemen, the country’s security situation will continue to deteriorate unless a campaign of sweeping political reforms is initiated immediately.

The Egyptian constitutional reform committee appointed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces announced several proposed revisions to Egypt's constitution on February 26. On March 19, Egyptians will vote in a referendum concerning these amendments.

Even if Egypt succeeds in holding completely free presidential and parliamentary elections, there is no way for the country to make a transition to real democracy if its internal security services resume their pre-January 25 mode of operation.

The Egyptian economic reforms Washington invested in for decades are at risk of unraveling due to the lack of serious political reforms.