position to accept economic reforms, and free trade is bound
to improve its economy, according to some estimates by more
than 3 percent per year. However, political obstacles have hin-
dered Egyptian involvement. Inconsistencies in the Egyptian
democratic structure and President Mubarak’s extended reign
as the country’s leader, for example, have delayed negotiations.
In 2005, Mubarak’s decision to allow multiparty elections
improved his country’s chances, but the arrest of his lone
opponent, Ayman Nour, created a huge stumbling block to
Egypt’s entry into a free trade agreement.