the wealthy. To defuse future Islamist revolts, the Egyptian
government will have to do more than arrest and imprison
Islamists, which is the main method used now. More genuine
attention to the plight of the poor, and more concessions to
the demands of moderate Islamists to participate in Egypt’s
political life, will be needed. Throughout the political spec-
trum there are pleas for greater freedom of expression and
opportunities for political power. Egypt risks losing its place
as the capital of Arab culture unless its intellectuals and artists
are permitted to express themselves without fear of imprison-
ment. Political repression can also pose threats to government
stability, as Islamists or others turn to violence as their only
means of expression.