According to Steven Cook, "it seems that last week's assassination attempt and yesterday's bombings may represent the opening shot in another low-level insurgency."

While much has been made of the uncertainty amid Egypt's political turmoil, one thing is clear: the participation of women is critical to Egypt's future.

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Jonathan Tepperman says Thailand's political compromises provide a good example for divided countries like Egypt, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

Max Boot argues that suspending military assistance would likely have little effect on the Egyptian generals' actions, but it would give the U.S. more credibility on the subject of human rights.

"Cutting off aid is the only serious way to tell the Egyptian military that its current conduct is beyond the pale," writes Elliott Abrams.

Growing splits between Islamists and secularists in Egypt augur a sustained period of confrontation and unrest, says expert Jon B. Alterman.

"It seems now that [Egypt's] main relevance in regional and global affairs is as a potential source of trouble. Its combination of instability, corruption and ineptitude makes Egypt fertile soil for radicalism and Islamist militancy. And Washington should treat it as such. It should stop pretending Egypt is an important player in Arab affairs, and pay more attention to countries that are."

Washington should temper its push for democracy in Egypt and the wider Mideast, focusing more on helping transitional states govern responsibly and peaceably, says CFR's Charles Kupchan.

Les Gelb writes, "the Obama team, on a private basis, has to help the military and the moderates frame a viable plan and process for establishing democracy in Egypt, and start implementing it as soon as possible."

The promise of a democratic Egypt faces its starkest challenge yet as a military crackdown on Islamist protestors threatens to unhinge the transition process. This Issue Guide provides background and analysis.

Ed Husain calls for ousted Egyptian president Morsi's resignation.

President Barack Obama gave this statement on August 15, 2013, regarding the violent clashes in Egypt between protestors that support Mohammed Morsi and the security forces that replaced him.

"The Obama administration must now make the long overdue move to suspend American assistance until Egypt's government demonstrates a return to a political process," writes Isobel Coleman.

Steven Cook presents a revisionist account of Egypt's uprising and argues that a robust regime change has actually never taken place, as solidified by the recent repression of Muslim Brotherhood opposition forces.

As Egypt's political crisis deepens, its economy has been stabilized by a cash infusion from the oil-rich Persian Gulf. Economist Farouk Soussa outlines the limited options facing Egypt's interim government.

"The United States government announced last week that it would not, after all, make a determination as to whether the ouster of Egypt's Mohamed Morsi constituted a 'coup.' This decision has both important strategic and financial implications for the United States. By not designating Morsi's expulsion as a military coup, U.S. law allows the United States to continue its $1.5 billion in annual aid to Egypt. This second largest foreign aid package, after Israel, is tied to the Egypt-Israel peace treaty and also contributes to the annual budgets of major American defense companies."

"Islamist parties associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in the region reacted with condemnation and consternation to the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi in Egypt. But, they were mostly careful to disassociate themselves from the Egyptian Brotherhood's uncompromising style of leadership (rushing in a new Islamist constitution and monopolizing power around Mohamed Morsi)."

Looking to Egypt, Steven Cook writes, "democracy is built on democratic principles, not coups."

"Egypt's Islamists may draw the bitter lesson that the "deep state" will not let them wield real power, even with a democratic mandate. This report, compiled from interviews with senior Muslim Brotherhood and secular politicians, youth activists, military officers and diplomats, examines four turning points on Egypt's revolutionary road: the Brotherhood's decision to seek the presidency; the way Mursi pushed through the constitution; the failures of the secular opposition; and the military's decision to step in."

The Obama team wants a quick return to democracy in Egypt, but if that means hasty elections again, the result won't be a real democracy, writes Leslie H. Gelb.