Good governance is arguably a country's best resource. In Egypt, according to the US-based Global Financial Integrity, corruption and crime cost the country $6 billion (Dh22 billion) a year during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak. So with Mr Mubarak facing charges, can Egypt balance its books any better?
Donors are hopeful. The United States and Saudi Arabia have together pledged to inject the same amount of cash into the economy that was once stolen on an annual basis. The G8 is also throwing in billions, and Washington plans to forgive more than $1 billion in Egyptian debt. These are all statements that will build much-needed confidence for a fledgling government burdened by foreign debt.
But as national rescue packages have proved time and again, aid alone does not grow an economy. Targeted programmes must be bottom up, encouraging democratisation and judicial reforms that an open economy needs to flourish. Those may be overly ambitious goals for today's Egypt, but an economic recovery has to be felt in the street to make a difference to the country's long-term stability.
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