In recent weeks, officials have been talking about replacing subsidies with an ATM-style smart card system that would allow citizens to periodically withdraw cash, tracking the market price of bread.

But if pressures continue to build, the food crisis could help recruitment for opposition groups. With its large social service network around the country, the Muslim Brotherhood seems better positioned to capitalize than secular protest groups such as Kifaya!, but so far neither has translated public discontent into significant political headway.

Hosni Mubarak’s proposal for more conferences, dialogues, discussions and debates on the issue will likely go forward. But these will be hard to sit through on an empty stomach.

   Email This Post      Print This Post       Previous