An Egyptian winter

There are fears it could be a flashpoint for further violence.

Egypt has the largest population of any country in the Middle East and North Africa with 80 million people.

It is a nation of great strategic importance due in part to its geographic location.

Egypt was involved in series of wars with Israel between 1948 and 1973, but became the first country in the region to formally recognise Israel when it signed a peace treaty in 1979.

This treaty and the actions of the Egyptian government since that time have made Egypt a force for stability in the region.

If the Muslim Brotherhood is successful in dominating the body politic in Egypt it could lead to even greater instability across the region than is already being experienced.

Governments in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have all expressed concerns at the activities of the Brotherhood within their borders.

Political victory in Egypt would only serve to embolden the Brotherhood to seek the overthrow of monarchies in those countries as a means of extending influence and power.

Events from the so-called Arab Spring continue to drive change throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with unpredictable consequences.

There could be a long Egyptian Winter ahead.