1. EGYPT
Historically, the “alpha” nation of Arab World –looked to by other Arabs as the leader
Secular (non-Islamic)
Educated population
Modern – for this part of world
Strategic – Suez Canal
Militarily powerful
Receives huge amount of US aid as friend of USA
$2 billion annually ($1.3 for military in 2010)

3. CAMP DAVID ACCORDS, 1979

4. Camp David, 1979
President Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin (Israel) and Anwar Sadat (Egypt)
Israel and Egypt MAKE PEACE (after 3 wars!!)
Israel returns Sinai Peninsula
Egypt recognizes Israel’s right to exist!!!
HUGE EVENT

5. SADAT ASSASSINATION

7. Who Done It?
Egyptian Military Officers – angry about peace with Israel
Connected to Muslim Brotherhood (Islamic group that goes back to 1920s in Egypt)
Successor…….?

8. HOSNI MUBARAK

12. MUBARAK President since 1981 (30 yrs) Former Air Force Officer
Friend of the USA
Sent troops to fight Iraq in Gulf War (1991)
Allow US troops to train on his soil
Allows US free and expedited movement through Suez Canal
Moderate voice on Israel and other issues
Runs a “Stable” Country – Secular!!!

13. Problem? Oppressive Regime No “democracy” or freedoms
Heavy use of police
Corruption
Joblessness
Keeps ORDER but with an Iron Fist

14. US Fear?
IF Mubarak goes, who or what replaces him? Islamic Fundamentalists? Muslim Brotherhood? Do we lose a “friend” in the region? What about Israel? Will the new regime be so tolerant? Another Iran???