Egypt's messy transition has taken another turn for the worse, after a week of deadly violence between the opponents of President Mohammed Morsi and the state security forces.

The latest wave of protests erupted on January 24, a day before the two-year anniversary of the Arab Spring protests that toppled the dictatorship of former leader Hosni Mubarak. There are few reasons to celebrate, as Egyptians remain deeply divided between the Islamist supporters of president Morsi and his opponents from various secular groups, including the youth activists who spearheaded the uprising two years ago (see BBC report).

The political crisis deepened during the so-called "constitutional crisis" in November 2012, when Morsi forced through a constitution without the consent of secular politicians, while attempting to assume special executive powers. Morsi's opponents accuse him of trying to impose an Islamist dictatorship on the rest of society, while Islamists say the protesters are trying to topple Egypt's first democratically elected president.

Talks are underway between the two camps, after the military warned that the state was nearing complete collapse. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for February 25, promising turbulent  weeks ahead.

For a look back at the good old days, see here: Top 10 Reasons for the Arab Spring

See also:
Current Situation in Egypt
Who is in Power in Egypt?

Photo by Ed Giles/Getty Images.