The long-running debate in Egypt about Hosni Mubarak's successor took a new twist yesterday when Amr Moussa, the Egyptian head of the Arab League, hinted that he might run for the presidency in 2011.

"Every capable and efficient citizen has the right to aspire for the supreme post, which is the president of the republic," he said in 
an interview with al-Shorouk newspaper. "Undoubtedly, I am like others looking forward to participate in the project of Egypt's resurrection."

Moussa became a popular figure during his 10 years as Mubarak's foreign minister – mainly because of his criticisms of Israel and the United States. When he moved to the Arab League in 2001 there were suggestions that Mubarak had kicked him sideways because he was becoming too popular.

Shortly before leaving the foreign ministry he featured in a hit songby Egyptian crooner Shaaban Abdel Rahim, which included the line: "I hate Israel and I love Amr Moussa".

By the time the election comes around, Moussa will be 75 – a bit too old for the job perhaps, but still eight years younger than Hosni Mubarak.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 21 October 2009.