IN an attempt to defuse the tension witnessed on the political scene between different political powers and Islamists, President Mohamed Morsi held a series of meetings with various political figures. They included former presidential candidates, young revolutionaries and even some leaders of Islamist movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists. The talks focused mainly on the dilemma of writing the new constitution in an attempt to reach reconciliation and understanding between different political powers in view of the fact that the constitution should serve national interests as well as those of all Egyptians. The president met with former presidential candidates and showed interest in listening to their views and suggestions regarding the constitutional dilemma and many problems the country has been facing after the revolution. These meetings gave the impression that the president meant to convey a clear message of readiness and willingness to co-operate with yesterday's rivals to reach an agreement. Meeting with members of the revolutionary youth movements meant to remind society of the president's commitment to the goals of the revolution and the role the youth should play in the decision-making process. However, the fact that Morsi met with leaders of Islamist movements makes one wonder whether these meetings actually meant to end the polarisation between Islamists and liberal powers over the new constitution or only that the president wanted to keep the same neutral distance from all involved parties. The answer will depend on the outcome of these meetings and whether they lead to reconciliation between the conflicting powers over a single new project pertaining to Egypt's future development.
