Today is the third anniversary of the uprising that brought the downfall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s regime.

This anniversary comes at a time when the consensus that accompanied the uprising three years ago has been sadly undermined by events, especially those of last year. This is unfortunate because Egypt is too central a factor throughout the Arab nation. The controversy regarding whether what took place on June 30, 2013 was a “military coup” or a “revolution” cannot be answered conclusively, in my view. The fact that the answer — whatever it may be — is perceived as controversial is itself an indication that, three years after the uprising, the outcome is profoundly — and perhaps unnecessarily — controversial.

While a similar Islamist-secularist controversy has recently been resolved in Tunisia — leaving Tunisia, once again, as an example to be emulated — it does not seem likely that this will be part of Egypt's celebration.

This is sad, because it proves that the inspiring vitality shown by the Egyptian people three years ago remains without a clear and coherent sense of direction. That is why many who initiated the uprising, especially among the youth in the Tahrir Square, have reluctantly decided not to partake in any of the demonstrations or celebrations. I say it is sad, because many of those not joining are the ones who, in many ways, led that uprising.