Ed Husain argues that the current trajectory of the United States in the Middle East—of dancing around developments, leading from behind and expressing defeatist thinking—needs to stop.

With Islamists apparently gaining the most seats in Egypt's parliament, CFR's Steven Cook spells out challenges in the transition process, including the writing of a new constitution.

Isobel Coleman says the recent women's protest in Egypt may breathe life into a movement that desperately needs new energy.

Isobel Coleman argues that in Libya, Egypt, and elsewhere, overthrowing male dominance could be harder than overthrowing a dictator.

Steven A. Cook says Egypt is spinning out of control, and both the military junta and the protesters in the street are to blame.

Ed Husain states that the Muslim Brotherhood is far removed from al-Qaeda and the supporters of violent jihad, and its rise in Egypt should not be feared.

Wendell Steavenson unpacks the current tensions in Egypt's democratic transition, highlighting the unfolding dynamic between the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafi hardliners, liberals, and the military leadership.

Ahmed Rashid argues that sectarian bloodshed is employed in Afghanistan and Egypt as a tool to thwart democracy and diplomacy.

The Islamists' lead in parliamentary polls has aroused some concerns over Egypt's democratic future. But the real threat, says CFR's Ed Husain, comes from those secular elites who prefer the former autocratic regime or military rule over elected Islamists.

National Interest's Paul R. Pillar discusses three problems with the fear of Islamist threat to democratization in Arab countries.

Marc Lynch and Steven A. Cook warn that Washington should not be fooled by the peace that has returned to Egyptian streets after the recent Parliamentary elections.

Pol Gradaigh explains why Egyptian parties are cautious of the term "secular," opting instead to define themselves as a "civic" state against Islamist ideology.

Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead.

Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead. Also, follow Husain on Twitter: @Ed_Husain.

Steven A. Cook describes the stakes of the debates raging within Egypt to define what the nation stands for and how it will be run after the Mubarak regime.

Amnesty International discusses how Egyptian human rights have been restricted by the military since Mubarak's ousting in February 2011.

Egyptians began voting in parliamentary elections despite ongoing protests. But experts say the continuing strife over military rule and fears over Islamist parties threaten stability.

Hillel Frisch discusses how Egypt can avoid a civil war as the conflict over constitutional reform persists.

Egypt's military appears to be pursuing a divide-and-rule approach to defuse mass protests ahead of planned November 28 polls, but this may backfire, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.