For a couple of weeks after the July 3 military ouster of Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi, it seemed as though Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi might turn out to be another field marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. With the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) backing him to run for the presidency, Sisi has shown himself to be quite different from Tantawi.

His choices taken thus far already have lasting, far-reaching consequences for Egypt. Egypt observers agree that should he run, he is likely to win the presidency, and it is dubious that a strong parliament will emerge this year to check his authority. Political polarization is set to continue, and the repercussions for Egypt may be dire.

Sisi — the new Nasser?

Shortly after July 3, Sisi's popularity turned into public outcries of support, which were promptly described as "Sisi-mania." Reports of phone calls between US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Sisi did not seem encouraging, suggesting a military officer who was convinced he had a historical role to play. When he called for a "mandate" to fight terrorism, Sisi evoked the image of a 21st century Nasser rather than a new Tantawi, with Morsi substituting for Hosni Mubarak.