Egyptian Democracy

Noman Gomaa, leader of Egypt's oldest and largest opposition party 'Wafd' criticized Mubarak and his Finance Minister on state television. An unprecidented step in freedom in politics there. Democratization appears to be progressing, but Mubarak is missing a chance to be a historic figure in Egypt. Mubarak is 77 years old. He should cloak himself in the mantle of Washington and Gorbachov and be the kind of guy who steps down in the interests of democracy. Keen observers would find him wanting in such a role, given his record, but in Egypt such a step would seccure Mubarak's place as the man who made the transition to democracy peaceful by stepping down. History (Egyptian history at least) would cover him with a glow of the great men. Instead, Mubarak risks his legacy as being nothing more than more autocracy, sham electoralism, or a humiliating loss. Certainly at 77 he can retire.