The Heat: Egypt’s economic and energy problems

The Heat

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-SisiFILE – In this Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 file photo, Egypt’s military chief Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi smiles as he speaks to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their talks in Moscow, Russia. The election of Egypt’s former military chief to the nation’s presidency may be remembered for its central irony: He won in a historic landslide — only to shatter his image of invulnerability in the process. El-Sisi’s win was never in doubt, but what the retired 59-year-old field marshal wanted was an overwhelming turnout that would accord legitimacy to his July ouster of Egypt’s first freely elected president — the Islamist Mohammed Morsi — and show critics at home and abroad that his action reflected the will of the people. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Once hailed a savior, he helped to overthrow President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Now, Egyptians are wondering if retired armed forces chief turned President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi can solve the country’s urgent economic problems.

For weeks, the people have had to deal with frequent blackouts and fuel shortages. CCTV America’s Adel El Mahrouky reports from Cairo.

After winning the election, President al-Sisi told Egyptians it is now “time to work” to rebuild the economy. Dr. Samer Shehata is a specialist in Egyptian politics and the Muslim Brotherhood. He joined us from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Abdul Mawgoud Dardery, a former spokesperson for President Morsi joined us from Minnesota. In D.C. we were joined by Dr. Tawfik Hamid, a senior fellow at the Arlington, Virginia think-tank, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.