Egypt’s Lost Generation

Seeking their fortunes elsewhere, young Egyptians are leaving in droves and taking with them skills, experiences, and ambitions that are much needed at home.

Tahrir Square, Cairo, February 8, 2011.

by Salma Abdallah

Political and economic upheavals in Egypt over the past few years have sparked a spike in emigration among many Egyptians in the prime of their lives. Seeking their fortunes elsewhere, these young people are leaving in droves and taking with them skills, experiences, and ambitions that are much nee…