THERE is a good deal of uncertainty surrounding any change of regime brought about by the popular uprising in Egypt.

It is possible a government led by the Muslim Brotherhood could take over, and that would have an unsettling effect in that part of the Middle East.

It would be against the interests of Israel, and that is what mainly concerns the West, which has always wanted a regime in Egypt that works in co-operation with Israel.

I fear what the reaction of Israel could be because the Israelis would see themselves as threatened and feel justified in taking pre-emptive action while they have the superior firepower.

There must be a great deal of anxiety in Washington as its long-term objectives in the Middle East could be placed in jeopardy.

My hope is that it will lead to democracy for the people of Egypt, but my fear is that it is going to lead to conflict.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham