A bus passes a destroyed pickup truck with loudspeakers that was used by supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy on Friday, August 2. The supporters and security forces clashed in Sixth of October City in Giza, south of Cairo, after the government ordered their protest camps be broken up. Look at the latest violence in Egypt.
Editor's note: Frida Ghitis is a world affairs columnist for The Miami Herald and World Politics Review. A former CNN producer and correspondent, she is the author of "The End of Revolution: A Changing World in the Age of Live Television." Follow her on Twitter: @FridaGColumns.
(CNN) -- Revolutions devour their young. That lesson became well-known after the French Revolution, and it has proven itself true many times since then.
Now the Arab Spring -- whose very name summed up the idealistic, democratic expectations of the activists that launched it and the optimistic reception their movement engendered around the world -- looks like it may well join the long list of popular uprisings that failed disastrously to meet those aspirations.
It has turned out that mass movements would not swiftly sweep away entrenched dictators and replace them with pluralistic democratic rule.
In Tunisia, where a street vendor set himself on fire in December 2010, igniting the region, someone has been assassinating liberal politicians, raising tensions between the Islamist-dominated government and an increasingly restless opposition.
In Syria, what started as a peaceful uprising against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad has turned to civil war. More than 100,000 Syrians are dead. Millions more have fled, further destabilizing a fragile region. Al-Assad, with the support of Iran, Hezbollah and Russia, has stopped the opposition's momentum. The democratic movement has been invaded by radical Islamists, including al Qaeda loyalists. The country is falling apart and could well end up as a failed state, run by warlords and split along sectarian lines.
There are serious troubles also in Libya, and few if any signs of democratic progress anywhere else, not in Bahrain, Jordan or Saudi Arabia.
Is the Arab Spring over? Is there any hope for the people of the Arab Middle East to enjoy true democracy, equality, respect for human rights, freedom of the press and of religion?
Pro-Morsy camp digs in
Egypt: Who's in charge?
Egyptians fear more bloodshed to come
All eyes are now on Egypt, the Arab world's most important country, a state whose political example has proven a regional trendsetter over many decades. As in the other struggling Arab Spring nations, democracy here has also found toxic soil. But the cause is not hopeless. Despite the setbacks for revolution, something has changed in the region, and it is in Egypt where the movement will live or die.
It was in Cairo's Tahrir Square where liberal groups launched their movement for democracy, only to see their vision hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood. And it is in Egypt where last month they made a push to save their revolution from Islamists, only to be outplayed yet again, this time by the military and its leader, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The highly disciplined Brotherhood won the first wave of democratic elections, but its intentions differed sharply from those of the Tahrir protesters. President Mohamed Morsy, Egypt's first freely elected president, set on a course to give his Muslim Brotherhood steadily expanding control of the country. The Brotherhood repeatedly broke promises and started to create a country dominated by its loyalists, firing critical newspaper editors, blocking opposing views from the writing of the new constitution, naming Brotherhood members as provincial governors, allowing laws and practices that were disastrous, even deadly, for Christians, Shiites and women. Making matters much worse, the economy started spiraling down, creating enormous hardships for the Egyptian people.
Then the Tamarod (rebellion) movement gathered millions of signatures calling for the president's resignation and new elections. On June 30, millions of Egyptians took to the streets. Within hours, the military put an end to the Muslim Brotherhood rule. Morsy has been held in an disclosed location since then, but the European Union's top diplomat, Catherine Ashton, met with him for two hours Monday.
Egyptians by the millions are exhilarated by the end of the Muslim Brotherhood experiment, intoxicated with gratitude to the military, grateful for removing the president. Al-Sisi's profile is rising. He's clearly in command and exploiting the popular adulation.
But is this what the Arab Spring was supposed to do, replace an unelected dictator with a general and his hand-picked prime minister?
In a highly suspicious move, al-Sisi called for a mass demonstration in support of the military on Friday, summoning his backers to the streets, even as thousands of Morsy supporters continued a sit-in outside a mosque. On the day of the protest, as if to provoke the Islamists to confrontation, Morsy was charged with murder and espionage.
With the strong show of popular support, security forces took on the Islamists. In the clashes, which have been replicated in other cities, scores of Brotherhood supporters have been killed.
Liberal Egyptians are getting worried.
Al-Sisi's own words should be cause for concern. He has defended the military's outrageous "virginity tests" on female activists as a way to "protect the girls from rape." The military has promised a return to democracy next year, but al-Sisi has written about the need to introduce another version of Islamist rule to Egypt. Authorities are reviving Mubarak-era institutions of repression amid an atmosphere of swelling nationalism and adulation for the military.
This is a steep, seemingly impossible, challenge for liberals. The military saved them, but it could easily bury them. What they have in their favor is that the Arab Spring introduced the concept of democratic legitimacy into Egypt. A government that strays too visibly, for too long, will ultimately face the wrath of the people.
What activists should do, and the world should help them do, is stress the fundamental values of liberal democracy and publicly demand that the military affirm its own acceptance of those values -- which the Brotherhood was criticized for violating -- including freedom of thought, freedom of the press and equal rights under the law for all.
The killing of Muslim Brotherhood supporters is a shameful violation of those principles.
Egypt needs to develop democratic institutions, political tolerance, real political parties and politically educated citizens. It's a tall order. But it's the only way to keep the revolution from devouring the ideals on which it was launched.
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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Frida Ghitis.
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Morsy supporters walk past makeshift roadblocks at Rabaa al-Adawiya Square in Cairo on Saturday, August 3. Security forces set up the roadblocks outside the square, allowing people to leave but not enter, as they attempt to break up camps set up during ongoing protests over Morsy's ouster.
Morsy supporters run among the smoke and fire resulting from clashes with security forces in Sixth of October City in Giza on August 2. The military ousted Morsy, Egypt's first democratically elected president, in early July after days of mass demonstrations. Dozens of Morsy backers angry at Egypt's military-backed government have died in weekend violence in the volatile nation's capital. 
Egyptian riot police block the entrance to Sixth of October City in Giza on August 2 following clashes with Morsy supporters.
Morsy supporters in red helmets march during a protest against the government in Cairo on August 2. Pro-Morsy marches began after Friday prayers, when supporters made their way back to their camp outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque.
Morsy supporters march in a demonstration against the Egyptian government in Cairo on August 2.
Supporters of Egypt's deposed President Mohammed Morsy gather for prayers at Nasr City, where protesters have installed a camp and hold daily rallies, in Cairo, on Sunday, July 28.
A boy wears a tear gas mask as supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsy pray at the camp set up by supporters in the Nasr City area of Cairo on July 28.
Doctors treat an injured supporter of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy during clashes with security forces in Cairo on Saturday, July 27.
A wounded Morsy supporter lies on the floor of a field hospital in Cairo on July 27. Thousands of Morsy supporters gathered Saturday in the Nasr City neighborhood despite dozens of deaths the night before and veiled threats from the military.
Supporters of Morsy protest outside a field hospital in Cairo where the bodies of slain Morsy supporters have been brought July 27.
The body of a Muslim Brotherhood protester, reportedly shot dead after violence erupted the night before, is moved as mourners watch inside a field hospital in Cairo on July 27.
Two men mourn Morsy supporters who were killed in overnight clashes with security forces, in Cairo, on July 27.
A medic pauses at a field hospital in Cairo on July 27 after tending to the bodies of Morsy supporters reportedly killed in fighting.
Supporters of Morsy carry an injured man to a field hospital amid clashes with security forces in Cairo on July 27.
Doctors treat a Morsy supporter injured during clashes with security forces in Cairo on July 27.
Supporters of Morsy rally in Giza, on Friday, July 26.
Supporters of the Egyptian military rally at Tahrir Square in Cairo on Friday, July 26.
Morsy opponents rally in Cairo on July 26.
Morsy opponents watch a demonstration from a rooftop near Tahrir Square in Cairo on July 26.
Egyptian soldiers stand guard atop an armored vehicle on a bridge leading to Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday, July 26.
A Morsy advocate builds a giant portrait of the deposed president Thursday, July 25, while other supporters hold a sit-in outside a Cairo mosque. The military has detained Morsy while an interim government takes shape.
Morsy supporters say evening prayers during a rally July 25 outside a Cairo mosque.
A man with a pistol and other Morsy opponents detain a suspected Morsy supporter who was wounded during clashes in Cairo on Monday, July 22. Supporters and opponents clashed near the city's Tahrir Square.
Men evacuate an injured opponent of Morsy during clashes with his supporters in Cairo on July 22.
A man fires a gun during clashes between opponents and supporters of Morsy in Cairo on July 22.
A riot police officer aims rubber bullets toward Morsy supporters in Cairo on July 22.
Riot police evacuate an injured anti-Morsy protester in Cairo on July 22.
A Morsy supporter, center, who was allegedly beaten by opponents of Morsy runs during clashes in Cairo on July 22.
A Morsy opponent carries his injured friend in Cairo on July 22.
Supporters of Morsy pause for Friday prayers on July 19 at Nasr City in Cairo, where protesters have installed their camp and held daily rallies.
Morsy supporters take part in a protest march near government ministry buildings on Wednesday, July 17, in Cairo.
A Morsy supporter is held back by riot police during a rally near Tahrir Square on July 17.
A supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and of Morsy covers his mouth under the 6th October Bridge in Cairo on Tuesday, July 16.
A riot police officer fires tear gas toward Morsy supporters during clashes in Cairo on Monday, July 15.
Morsy supporters run from tear gas in Cairo on July 15.
Egyptians in Cairo's Tahrir Square pray before breaking their fast on the third day of Ramadan, the sacred holy month for Muslims, on Friday, July 12.
Supporters of the deposed Morsy rally in Nasr City, Egypt, a suburb of Cairo, on Monday, July 8.
A man reacts after seeing the body of a family member at the Liltaqmeen al-Sahy Hospital in Cairo, allegedly killed during a sit-in supporting Morsy in front of the Republican Guard headquarters on July 8.
Injured men receive medical attention after clashes between supporters of Morsy and security forces in Cairo on July 8.
Opponents of Mohamed Morsy gather at Tahrir Square during a protest in Cairo on Sunday, July 7.
Supporters of Morsy pray next to the headquarters of the Republican Guards in Cairo on Saturday, July 6, during the funeral of seven people killed during clashes.
People carry coffins on July 6 of two Morsy opponents who were killed during clashes in Cairo.
A Morsy supporter joins protests near the University of Cairo in Giza on July 6.
Supporters and opponents of Morsy clash in Cairo on Friday, July 5.
A protester is attended to in Cairo's Tahrir Square during fighting between the pro- and anti-Morsy crowds on July 5.
An Egyptian military helicopter hovers over supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and deposed President Mohamed Morsy in Cairo on July 5.
Morsy supporters hold up their bloodstained hands after Egypt's armed forces opened fire on rally in front of the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo on July 5.
Morsy supporters carry a man who was shot during clashes next to the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo on July 5. State broadcaster Nile TV said a number of those backing the deposed leader were wounded as they tried to storm the headquarters, where Morsy reportedly was being held.
A wounded man is helped following the gun battle outside the headquarters of the Republican Guard on July 5.
Egyptians hold portraits of Gen. Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi reading "Come down, Sisi" as they gather in Cairo's landmark Tahrir Square on July 5.
Morsy supporters react to an explosion during clashes with police officers on July 5 outside Cairo University in Giza.
Egyptian Army soldiers stand guard at the Cairo headquarters of the Republican Guard on July 5 as an Apache attack helicopter flies overhead.
Morsy supporters pray near the University of Cairo in Giza on July 5.
A man prays on July 5 before the protest near the University of Cairo.
Protesters take cover from tear gas during clashes outside the headquarters of the Republican Guard in Cairo on July 5.
A military helicopter flies by Egypt's Presidential Palace in Cairo on July 5.
Egyptians watch fireworks in Tahrir Square on Thursday, July 4, the day after Morsy's ouster.
People dance and cheer in the streets of Cairo on July 4.
A Morsy supporter holds a poster of the deposed president during a July 4 rally in Nasr City.
A massive crowd gathers in Tahrir Square on July 4.
Egyptians cheer and wave national flags as airplanes fly above Tahrir Square on July 4, leaving a trail of smoke in the colors of the national flag.
A woman uses a mobile phone to record the July 4 celebrations in Tahrir Square.
An opposition protester chants slogans against Morsy near Cairo University, where Muslim Brotherhood supporters gathered on July 4 to show support for the ousted president.
A man holds a newspaper near Mesaha Square in Cairo on July 4.
Dejected Morsy supporters attend a rally in Nasr City on July 4.
A Morsy supporter shows his bloodied shirt during a July 4 rally near the University of Cairo.
A young Egyptian boy shoots off fireworks during celebrations in Tahrir Square on July 4.
People walk by a pile of Egyptian flags for sale in Tahrir Square on July 4.
Crowds throng Tahrir Square on July 4.
Egyptian soldiers deploy near Cairo University on July 4.
People dance and cheer at Tahrir Square in Cairo on July 4.
Adly Mansour, center, stands after delivering a speech during his swearing-in ceremony as Egypt's interim president in the Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo on July 4. Mansour has served as the head of the country's Supreme Constitutional Court.
Armored vehicles with the Egyptian army sit at a checkpoint in the Cairo district of Nasr City on July 4.
A Morsy supporter reacts as a military helicopter flies over during a July 4 rally in Nasr City.
A boy with face paint the color of the Egyptian flag pauses on July 4 in Tahrir Square.
A pedestrian shakes hands with a member of the military at a roadblock in Giza.
Security personnel rest on July 4 in Tahrir Square.
A man walks to Tahrir Square on July 4.
A family sleeps on a bridge near Tahrir Square on July 4.
A member of the Egyptian military redirects traffic on July 4 at a roadblock in Giza.
Bread is sold near Tahrir Square on July 4.
An Egyptian military member guards a roadblock in Giza on July 4.
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