New Arab Debates - Egypt

The New Arab Debates - with Tim Sebastian - is your spotlight on the Arab revolutions.

As the Arab world undergoes rapid and fundamental political change, one programme - based at the heart of the turbulent, ongoing events in Cairo and Tunis – will demand answers to the vital questions surrounding these developments. What exactly are the new politicians promising and how far can they be trusted? Who will protect human rights including the rights of women? How can a new generation make itself heard – and how far will the old guard block progress? Where will the new conflicts lie and the new alliances? Essential information for viewers in the Arab world, as well as Europe and America.

On this month's program: 'Egypt is not ready for Democracy'

Presenter Tim Sebastian poses a controversial motion to an audience at the Grand Studio of High Institute of Cinema in Cairo. A vote was taken by the audience prior to the beginning of the debate and at the end of the program.

Speakers:

For the motion is Ragia Omran, one of Egypt's most prominent human rights lawyers. She has defended protesters and activists arrested since 2006 and she was recently an election monitor for Egypt's parliamentary vote. She is a Senior Associate at Shalakany Law Office.

Against the motion is Nadine Wahab who was the deputy campaign manager for Mohamed ElBaradei. She was an administrator on the 'We are all Khaled Said' Facebook page until last year and she is currently working with 3askar Kazeboon, a new grassroots movement that means 'Liars' aimed at the ruling military council.