Egypt Egypt s Unique Characteristics n Poor but

Egypt

Egypt’s Unique Characteristics n Poor but the Leader of the Arab World n Largest Arab State: 81, 713, 520 (July 2008 est. ) n n n 90% Muslim, mainly Sunni; Coptic Christian, 9% The Arab League headquarters is in Cairo, and the Secretary General of the League is traditionally an Egyptian. President Mubarak has often chaired the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). Former Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Boutros-Ghali served as Secretary General of the United Nations from 1991 to 1996. Ethnic minorities include a small number of Bedouin Arab nomads in the eastern and western deserts and in the Sinai, as well as some 50, 000 -100, 000 Nubians clustered along the Nile in Upper (southern) Egypt. Key American Ally in Arab World but Frictions Exist n Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process n n n Camp David Agreement, 1979 Strong Supporter of Palestinian Rights Iraqi Situation n 35, 000 Egyptian Troops in Persian Gulf War but Egypt opposed 2003 War.

Egypt’s Unique Characteristics n Well Educated Elite: Expatriate Workers to Other Arab Countries Al-Azhar University is the oldest university in the world n Cairo University has 100, 000 students n n n Strong Media and Literary Tradition Engaged in Struggle With Islamic Fundamentalists

Modern History n n The Ottoman Turks controlled Egypt from 1517 until 1882, except for a brief period of French rule under Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1805, Mohammed Ali, commander of an Albanian contingent of Ottoman troops, was appointed Pasha, founding the dynasty that ruled Egypt until his great-great grandson, Farouk I, was overthrown in 1952.

Muhammad Said 1822 -1863 (son of Muhammad Ali) Ruled 1854 -1863 Friendship with Ferdinand De. Lesseps led to French construction of Suez Canal in 1869.

The British Factor n n n In 1882, British expeditionary forces crushed a revolt against the Ottoman rulers, marking the beginning of British occupation and the virtual inclusion of Egypt within the British Empire. In deference to growing nationalism, the U. K. unilaterally declared Egyptian independence in 1922. British influence, however, continued to dominate Egypt's political life and fostered fiscal, administrative, and governmental reforms. In the pre-1952 revolution period, four political forces competed with one another: n n the Wafd, a broadly based nationalist political organization strongly opposed to British influence; King Fuad, whom the British had installed during World War II; and the British themselves, who were determined to maintain control over the Canal and the Muslim Brotherhood (1928), which eventually became a potent political and religious force.

King Fuad 1868 -1936 King 1922 -1936 Negotiated with Britain the conditions of Egypt’s independence. Fought against the Wafd Party.

Sa’ad Zaghul 1857 -1927 n n n Founder of the Wafd Party. The term wafd referred to a "delegation", and more specifically the one that had the goal of achieving the complete and total independence of Egypt. This delegation hoped to gain representation at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. This was strictly denied by the British High Commissioner. The wafd brought their demands to the Egyptian populace. This led to the formation of the nationalist Wafd Party with Saad Zaghlul as its democratically elected leader. The party rapidly became the dominant political organization in the country, and was the governing party (albeit in a subordinate role to the executive power of the king) through most of the liberal period which came to an end with the rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser. The party was dissolved in 1952, after the military coup of that year. The Wafd is generally considered to have been a failed middle class reformist party.

Hassan Al-Banna n n n 1905 -1949 Father was a watch repairman; he studied to be a teacher at Cairo’s Teacher College, and at Al-Azhar. Established Muslim Brotherhood in 1928 as a youth club, aimed at moral and social reform. Traveled widely to set up branches of the Brotherhood in other countries. Was assassinated by Farouk’s secret service agents.

King Farouk • 1920 -1965 (died in exile) King 1936 -1952 • Tried to keep Egypt neutral during WWII. Was not able to work with Wafd and other opposition groups. Became infamous for decadent life style • Overthrown by coup of the Free Officers, from which Nasser emerged.

The Nasser Era n n n British troops were withdrawn to the Suez Canal area in 1947, but nationalist, anti-British feelings continued to grow after the war. On July 22 -23, 1952, a group of disaffected army officers (the "free officers") led by Lt. Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew King Farouk, whom the military blamed for Egypt's poor performance in the 1948 war with Israel. Following a brief experiment with civilian rule, they abrogated the 1923 constitution and declared Egypt a republic on June 19, 1953. Nasser evolved into a charismatic leader, not only of Egypt, but the Arab world, promoting and implementing "Arab socialism. " He nationalized Egypt's economy.

Gamel Abdel Nasser n Restore dignity and status to Egypt and Arab World n n Eliminate foreign influence n n 70, 000 Soviet Advisors in Egypt Aswan high dam, 1971 Authoritarian Rule n n Arabs humiliated; Egypt loses Gaza strip and Sinai Alliance with Soviet Union n n Pan Arabist nationalism Formed United Arab Republic with Syria, 1958 -61 1967 Arab-Israeli war n n Nationalized the Suez Canal, 1956; war with Britain, France, and Israel Make Egypt the leader of the Arab world n n Co-Founder of international Neutral Non-Aligned movement Outlawed all political parties except Arab Socialist Union Secret Police Human Rights Ignored Nasser Dies of heart attack 1970

Anwar Sadat n n n Decrease reliance on Soviet advisors; Ordered to leave in 1970 Decrease government interference in the economy Infitah (open door) program of privatization and foreign investment Devise effective policy to deal with Israel -- 1973 war -- 1977 visit to Israel -- 1979 Camp David Peace Accords with Israel --- Recognize Israel --- Israel withdraws from Sinai and agrees to begin autonomy talks with West Bank and Gaza Palestinians within 5 years Led to Nobel Prize, but isolation in Arab world (ejected from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989) and assassination by fundamentalist army soldiers October 6, 1981 during a Parade celebrating 1973 war.

Hosni Mubarak n n Mubarak Program: Seek Peace with Egyptian People and Islamic World n Egypt was readmitted to the Arab League in 1989. Infitah economic program canceled -- Many entrepreneurs and capitalists sent to prison for corruption -- Price controls on staples returned Multi- Party system allowed but with major limitations -- all parties must be approved by the government -- National Democratic Party still dominates politics Mubarak government authoritarian in nature. Civil rights not assured to all Egyptians.

Hosni Mubarak n President Mubarak often intervenes personally to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. n n In 1996, he hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh "Summit of the Peacemakers" attended by President Clinton and other world leaders. In 2000, he hosted two summits at Sharm El-Sheikh and one at Taba in an effort to resume the Camp David negotiations suspended in July of 2000, and In June 2003, Mubarak hosted President Bush for another summit on the Middle East peace process. Throughout mid-2004, Egypt worked closely with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate stability following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, which occurred in August and September of 2005.

Hosni Mubarak n n At a meeting on 9 November 2008 hosted by President Mubarak in Egypt leaders of the socalled quartet of Middle East peace mediators reaffirmed their backing for the continuation of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts toward a twostate solution. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister of Israel and leader of its negotiating team, met here and briefed the representatives of the quartet - the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia - on the negotiations.

U. S. - Egypt Relations n President Mubarak helped assemble the international coalition and deployed 35, 000 Egyptian troops against Iraq to liberate Kuwait in the 1990 -91 Gulf Crisis. n n n The Egyptian contingent was the third-largest in the coalition forces, after the U. S. and U. K. In the aftermath of the Gulf war, Egypt signed the Damascus declaration with Syria and the Gulf states to strengthen Gulf security. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Egypt, which has itself been the target of terrorist attacks, has been a key supporter of the U. S. war against terrorists and terrorist organizations such as Osama bin Ladin and al-Qaeda, and actively supported the Iraqi Governing Council, as well as the subsequent governments of Prime Minister Allawi and al-Maliki. In July 2005, Egypt's envoy to Iraq was assassinated.

U. S. - Egypt Relations n n An important pillar of the bilateral relationship remains U. S. security and economic assistance to Egypt, which expanded significantly in the wake of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979. U. S. military aid to Egypt totals over $1. 3 billion annually. In addition, the U. S. Agency for International Development provided over $25 billion in economic and development assistance to Egypt between 1975 and 2002. U. S. military cooperation has helped Egypt modernize its armed forces and strengthen regional security and stability. n n The U. S. has provided F-4 jet aircraft, F-16 jet fighters, M-60 A 3 and M 1 A 1 tanks, armored personnel carriers, Apache helicopters, antiaircraft missile batteries, aerial surveillance aircraft, and other equipment. The U. S. and Egypt also participate in combined military exercises, including deployments of U. S. troops to Egypt. Units of the U. S. 6 th Fleet are regular visitors to Egyptian ports.

Gamal Mubarak n n n 1963 Second son of president Hosni Mubarak. MBA from American University of Cairo Head of NDP (ruling party). Being groomed to succeed his father. Both the Egyptian president and his son have repeatedly denied that there any such intentions Delegates at the 2003 National Democratic Party's conference adopted in its entirety a broad package of policies proposed by the younger Mr Mubarak.

The Executive Branch n Chief Of State: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 n Head Of Government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed NAZIF n n n October 1981) (since 9 July 2004) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term (no term limits); a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011 Election Results: Hosni MUBARAK 88. 6%, Ayman NOUR 7. 6%, Noman GOMAA 2. 9%

Legislative Branch n People's Assembly (Majlis al-Sha'b) n n 454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; Members serve five-year terms Last Election, 2005; next December 2010 The Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) that traditionally functions only in a consultative role n n 264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms; midterm elections for half of the elected members); Last election June 2007; next June 2010

Political Parties n Formation of political parties must be approved by the government; 18 legal parties but only 4 represented in with representation in elected bodies. n n n National Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK]; Nationalist Party“ established in 1978 by late president Anwar Sadat. After Sadat's assassination, the party has been chaired by President Hosni Mubarak and is the current ruling political party in Egypt. National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Rifaat EL-SAID]; considered to be the defender of the principles of the 1952 Revolution. It calls for standing against attempts to reverse the 1952 Revolution's social gains for laborers, the poor, and other low-income groups. New Wafd Party or NWP [Mahmoud ABAZA]; Nationalist, Liberal Party. Presses for introducing political, economic and social reforms, promoting democracy, ensuring the basic freedoms and human rights and maintaining the national unity. Tomorrow Party [Moussa Mustafa MOUSSA]; Centrist, liberal, secular political party pressing for widening the scope of political participation and for a peaceful rotation of power. Muslim Brotherhood – illegal but members run as independents. Now the main opposition group in the legislature.

The People’s Assembly

Advisory Council

Fundamentalism in Egypt n n Egypt saw the earliest rise of an Islamic fundamentalist movement, in 1928, when Hassan al. Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood. After Egypt's Nationalist revolution of 1952, there was a brief honeymoon with the new regime of the charismatic Colonel Gamal Abdel-Nasser of Suez fame. But in 1954, bullets flew in the air near where Nasser was speaking to a crowd in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and hundreds of Muslim Brothers were arrested. The movement was crushed for another 20 years. Nasser's successor Anwar Sadat let the leaders out of prison in the early 1970 s and allowed them freedom to operate as a ruse to weaken the leftist opposition which he feared more at the time.

Fundamentalism in Egypt n n October 6, 1981, a young army officer, Khaled Islambouli, led a group of soldiers who assassinated Sadat as he watched a military parade celebrating the crossing of the Suez canal by Egyptian forces in 1973. Islamic groups were repressed again. But since the 1980 s they have slowly regained strength in the poor villages and slums of Egypt.

Fundamentalism in Egypt n n n Egypt's economic problems and authoritarian government turn many Egyptians towards Islamic fundamentalism Fundamentalists want to make Egypt an Islamic Republic Major Groups: -- Muslim Brotherhood -- Al Gama'a al Islamiya (The Islamic Group) -- Islamic Jihad

Fundamentalism in Egypt n n n n In the early 1990 s two organizations, Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Group, made attempts at assassinating four ministers and President Hosni Mubarak. In November 1997, terrorists from Al-Gama'a al-Islamiya suspected of having ties to al-Qaeda massacred 62 tourists at the Luxor attraction In 2004 three bomb attacks targeting tourist hotels in the Sinai Peninsula killed 34 people and injured 171. In April 2005 three related incidents that took place in the city of Cairo. In its statement, the Islamist group said the attacks were in retaliation for the government's clampdown on dissidents in the wake of the Sinai Peninsula bombings. Security forces arrested some 225 individuals for questioning. On July 23, 2005, targeting the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Eighty-eight people were killed and over 150 were wounded by the blasts. The bombing coincided with Egypt's Revolution Day, which commemorates Nasser's 1952 overthrow of King Farouk. In April 2006 a series of bombs exploded in tourist areas of Dahab, a resort located on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of the Sinai Peninsula. At least 23 people were killed, around 80 people were wounded, including tourists Mubarak vows to eliminate the fundamentalist - Thousands arrested or killed; 70 executed by military courts - Martial law in south Egypt

Fundamentalism in Egypt n n n In a country where Islamic Parties are banned from taking part in elections, Islamists took control of many powerful trade unions and professional associations. They set up numerous charities, enjoy the support of a wide network of businesses, and established a social network of schools and hospitals to attract more support. They also run for the legislature as independents and are currently the main opposition to the ruling National Democratic Party. New laws have been introduced to reverse Islamist electoral gains in the unions and the government now keeps a tight watch on all charitable institutions.