Mubarak Retrial Heightens Political, Economic Tensions

An Egyptian appeals court on Jan. 13 overturned former President Hosni Mubarak's life sentence for direct involvement in the killing of protesters and ordered a retrial. Mubarak, who is believed to be in frail health, will remain in custody at a military hospital while a separate investigation on corruption charges is carried out.

The lack of closure to the Mubarak case will heighten political tensions in the lead-up to the Jan. 25 anniversary of the uprising that uprooted the Mubarak regime. This could undermine the Muslim Brotherhood's position as it prepares for parliamentary elections slated for April.