The Riddler.

The article looks at Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, as of December 2012. It recounts his background, including his family's commitment to both Islam and secular education. It notes he studied and taught engineering in the U.S. for several years in the 1970s and 1980s, and says when he returned to Egypt he was associated with the Muslim Brotherhood organization. His years in the Egyptian parliament beginning in 2000 are discussed. The author analyzes the balance in Morsi's politics between a commitment to creating an orthodox Islamic state and a practical, pluralistic approach to governing. His role in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and his decree against judicial review of his actions, both in November 2012, are discussed.