I grew up in a conservative household. That was the life of the time in Egypt: a conservative, middle-class household.

In my view, stability only comes with a government that is elected by the people and works for the people.

I think it is fair to say that it is under a great deal of stress, and if I am asking for significant changes, it is because the world is going through significant changes.

My father taught me that you have to stand by your principles.

I worry about a democracy having nuclear weapons as much as a dictatorship having nuclear weapons.

My conscience does not permit me to run for the presidency or any other official position unless it is within a democratic framework.

Democracy is more than a ballot box.