Egypt Elections Stir Arab Dreams

The World

The Presidential election in Egypt is being watched closely throughout the Arab World.

“It’s an extremely important, symbolic, and moving moment,” says Rami Khouri.

Khouri is director of the Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut.

“Egypt was the leader in the Arab World in so many things for decades,” he tells anchor Marco Werman.

“But then it fell out for 30-40 years … and now it’s back. And the Egyptian people did it themselves.”

Beyond Egypt, Khouri says, “it’s kind of a re-birth for many Arabs all around the region.”

“It’s a feeling that this (democracy) is something that could spread across the entire Arab World.”

“People feel a lot of pride.”

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