On Tuesday we discussed the latest election in Egypt and how surprising it is that even after so many revolts and calls for reform, the candidates in the election are more or less conservative Islamists. But is it really that surprising? Mr. Bonamo brought up a vital question: Whether true democracy can take root in nations where it is not rooted in history. I believe this question can have more than one correct answer because it really depends on nation and its people. In Egypt's case, revolution has just taken place, but there is still much change and reform that needs to take place. If you think about the American Revolution, America didn't truly "revolutionize" after the war. We became independent of British rule, but we still had to work a long way to achieve rights for Blacks, Native Americans, and women. There were still plenty of loyalists in the Nation and aspects of the British system in the Articles of Confederation. As you can see, it is entirely possible for Egypt to grant its citizens true liberty, but it's still in early development.
              Due to the fact that Egyptian law is deeply based on the religion of Islam, it may take a longer time. Some citizens are content with this government and only ask for stability. What many people don't realize is that the Sharia laws many Muslim nations engrave into society are simple rules, similar to the Ten Commandments. Some nations regard these laws to the highest degree and that is why they base federal laws upon them. And since Egypt is mostly comprised of an Islamic population, it's difficult for many to accept democracy the way America institutionalizes it. In my opinion, I don't think such religious laws should be imposed upon anyone who does not believe in them. Instead, the individual could follow them if they please.
            It's not impossible to institute true democracy in Egypt, but it will be very difficult since many Mulsim citizens are opposed to certain things like gay marriage or the right to an abortion. The cultural and historic background in Egypt prohibit change, but there's still hope.