Why the Arab world has an identity crisis

TO WANDER TODAY through Tahrir Square, the heart of Egypt’s 2011 revolution, is to stroll through an empty, haunted house. During those 18 days of unrest the atmosphere alternated between festive and terrifying. Young people sang, schemed and spoke freely about politics. Thugs on camels rode past the Egyptian museum and charged headlong into the crowds. For years after Hosni Mubarak’s departure, the square exerted a magnetic pull. “Back to Tahrir” became a mantra for activists whenever Egypt’s democratic transition seemed troubled.