Extraordinary as it is to recall, when I returned to Egypt two years ago Hosni Mubarak’s plan to hand power to his son Gamal was deemed a fait accompli. I began calling for a new Egypt based on basic freedoms, democracy and social justice. In return I was branded as anti-Islam, an American, Israeli and even as an Iranian agent. The authorities hacked my daughter’s Facebook account and posted her private pictures across the web.

So February 11 was among the more memorable days of my life: on a warm evening in Tahrir Square, all eyes were glued to vast screens as the hastily appointed vice-president announced that Mr Mubarak was leaving office. Never had I believed I would see this day. Yet one year on, Egypt is again in turmoil. A revolution built on hope has marked its anniversary with millions again on the streets, criticising the military for fumbling the transition to democracy. Many onlookers point to an erratic transitional plan and an economy in shambles. The state security apparatus is dysfunctional, as illustrated appallingly in last week’s football slaughterhouse; its personnel and culture remain the same as under Mubarak. Should we be lowering our expectations for Egypt’s democracy? Absolutely not.

Of course, it has been a disappointing and often troubling year. When the army took over, their tanks were met with jubilation and flowers: they were the protectors of the revolution. But they had no experience in running the country – nor were they expected to do so. At first they said the transition would take six months. That was naive; I said it would take two years to build a democratic framework, advocating a transitional council of civilians and military, and an assembly to write a constitution. New parties should have time to organise and engage. Only then should we go for elections.