In Egypt, a Son Is Readied for Succession

[Washington Post] Ellen Knickmeyer - Gamal Mubarak is the son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the man most widely expected to succeed him. Egyptians have never experienced a democratic transfer of presidential power. As Hosni Mubarak, 79, begins the 27th year of his rule this month, many say they expect Mubarak's family and ruling party, military officers and security officials to decide on his successor. If power passes to Gamal, Egypt would join Syria, Jordan and Morocco on the growing list of modern Middle East dynasties in which sons have taken over from fathers. Gamal Mubarak denies any interest in the presidency, but he is accumulating power in the ruling party and as his father's economic adviser. Cautious but business-friendly changes in economic policy have helped the country achieve a 7% growth rate this year and attract $11 billion in direct foreign investment, up from less than $500 million four years ago.


2007-10-12 01:00:00

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