Mess

But they could pay a heavy price for this pragmatic stance in the longer term. Egypt remains in an economic mess, with tax revenues plummeting, debts rising, growth non-existent and crime rates rocketing.Thanks to the events of the past year, tourism — once the mainstay of the economy — has almost collapsed, with the number of tourists to cities like Luxor and Aswan down by 90 per cent. Images of semi-stripped women being dragged through the streets by police will hardly help to restore confidence among potential Western holidaymakers. UGG Classic Cardy BootsAnd although the Egyptian masses crave stability and peace for now, when they can no longer afford basic foodstuffs, when power cuts become a daily occurrence, then they might yet be forced to take to the streets again.If they do, the military establishment will become the focus of their fury.And the Islamists, with all their cunning, will exploit the moment to gain supreme power, siding with the people against the army. In the process, the liberals — who helped to spark the January revolution — will truly be crushed into oblivion.