What Is the Egyptian Military’s New Role?

Introduction

Marco Longari/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images Soldiers celebrating with protesters at Tahrir Square after President Mubarak stepped down on Friday.

On Friday, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down and transferred all power to the Egyptian military. But it was unclear what the army would do with that power: restore order under a new regime or accede to the fundamental democratic reforms the protesters are demanding.

In a statement, the military pledged to carry out various constitutional changes, but it also recognized the delegation of power to Vice President Omar Suleiman and suggested that the army would supervise the pace of reform. It urged protesters to go back to work and resume normal life.

As the most powerful force in the country, what role will the Egyptian military play at this crucial turning point?

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Debaters

The Euphoria May Be Premature

Shadi Hamid, Brookings Doha Center
Working With the Opposition

Michele Dunne, Atlantic Council
The People Succeeded

Emad Shahin, University of Notre Dame
Reform or Repression

Hani Sabra, Eurasia Group
A Brief Military Caretaker Regime

Geoffrey D. W. Wawro, University of North Texas
Part of the Machine

Steven A. Cook, Council on Foreign Relations
More Pressure Needed

Robert Springborg, Naval Postgraduate School