 'Mohamed Ali's system ultimately failed because of its monopolistic bent -- of course this was a time when mercantilism was a legitimate system. And like the Japanese, Mohamed Ali had a strong asset -- his army, but it proved to be a double-edged weapon, because when the British conspired to defeat him, all they had to do was defeat his army. And when they did so the industries that had thrived on army demand -- textiles, iron and food -- broke down. It was practically the end of his reign' photos: Mohamed Wassim parent page (24 - 30 March 2005, issue #735) |