Country: Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt)
Country Flag:
Country Representatives:
President Hosni Mubarak: Dan Henderson
Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif: Jeff Josevski
Country/Organization Profile: Egypt
Political Conditions
 Egypt functions under a multi-party semi-presidential system, where there is both a president and a
prime minister. The constitution states that Egypt is a “democratic and socialist republic”.
 Current President Hosni Mubarak (leader of the National Democratic Party) is
the longest serving in history (elected in 1981 and then reelected on three
occasions).Ahmed Nazif was appointed Prime Minister in July 2004 by
Mubarak, succeeding Atef Obeid.
 The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judiciary. The executive
branch is granted wide power and is headed by the president. The president selects a prime
minister who must, in turn, be approved by the People’s Assembly (the lower house of
parliament).
 The president is elected in a two-stage process: the People’s Assembly nominates a single
candidate who must obtain at least a two-thirds majority vote in the assembly. The second stage is
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a public referendum where the presidency can be won for a six-year term by a simple majority
vote. There are concerns that this process is not fully democratic because of the heavy
involvement of the People’s Assembly rather than the populace and the fact that the public
referendums only offers one candidate (who is either rejected or accepted) rather than presenting
many candidates to choose from.
Despite a constitutional ban against religious-based political parties, the most significant
opposition to Mubarak’s government is the Muslim Brotherhood (which is technically illegal).
Mubarak is seeking to completely obstruct the influence of the party.
There has been growing public support for the amendment of the constitution to allow for multicandidate elections. In late February 2005, President Mubarak ordered that the constitution be
changed to allow for a multi-candidate election later this year in which Mubarak’s son, Gamal
may run.
Cairo, Egypt is home to the permanent headquarters of the League of Arab States,
which formed in 1945. The charter of the League states its purpose is to “serve
the common good of all Arab countries, ensure better conditions…guarantee the
future…and fulfill the hopes and expectations of all Arab countries.”
Economic Conditions
 Egypt’s chief exports are crude oil, petroleum and cotton. Agriculture is the main economic sector.
In addition, foreign exchange earnings from the Suez Canal, Egyptians working abroad and the
tourism industry (which quickly recovered from the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks) provide
valuable contributions to the economy.
 The construction of the Aswan High Dam, which helps to regulate the flow of the Nile River, has
helped to increase productivity and it serves as a source of hydroelectric power.
 The 90’s served as a time of massive economic reform through a series of IMF arrangements and
restructuring. After Israel, Egypt is the second largest
recipient of U.S. financial assistance. Economic conditions are starting to improve after a period of decline
due to the adoption of more liberal economic policies by the government and a booming stock market.
Persistent unemployment is a significant issue, however.
 Egypt is the United States’ largest market for wheat exports. The total of all
U.S. agricultural sales to Egypt tops 1 billion annually.
Social Conditions
 Egypt is the most heavily populated Arab country with near over 76 million people. The
population is particularly concentrated along the Nile River, particularly Cairo and near the Suez
Canal. The growing population is threatening to overstrain the Nile and other natural resources.
Approximately 90% of the country’s population are followers of Islam with the remaining portion
being of Christian faith.
 Currently, the literacy rate of the adult population is only 55%. Only 7.3% of the population exits
the education system with a university degree and this causes a shortage of skilled workers.
 Other current social issues in Egypt include: concerns from international advocates of human
rights about freedom of speech and government interference in elections, high unemployment rates
(13.5% in 2003) and poverty.
Introductory Position to the Scenario
In a recent interview with US PBS TV, President Mubarak explicitly stated the
position Egypt will play in the process of peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Mubarak clearly established that now (2005) is the most crucial time to advance
the possibility of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. Mubarak states
that the role of Egypt is to persuade both sides to hold consistent negotiations. He states that providing
economic support to the Palestinians will be vital in order to guarantee their place at the negotiating table.
Mubarak respects Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and Palestinian leader, Abu Mazen and feels that
they are both strong leaders committed to achieving peace.
Mubarak has a very realistic approach to the situation. For example, he
realizes that the violence and terrorism will not instantly halt with the continuation of peace negotiations,
but instead it will gradually decline in time. Mubarak plans to use his position of access to Palestinian
factions, such as Hamas and Jihad, to encourage co-operation and understanding of the issues at hand. In
Mubarak’s opinion, the establishment of a Palestinian state (if it is ever adopted) will finally bring stability
and a decrease in violence to the Middle East. However, he realizes that that the process of creating peace
will be quite lengthy (many years in the future).
In relation to the issue of peace, Mubarak broadly stated that “everything is possible”.
Role Profile: Mubarak
Personal Information:
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Born May 4, 1928 in Kafr-El Meselha, Egypt
Education: B.A. in Military Science (Egyptian Military Academy)
: Bachelor in Aviation Sciences
 Son, Gamal, is head of Policy Committee of Egypt’s ruling National Democratic Party
Character Traits:
 Political moderate
 Deeply nationalistic ideals
 Recognized as a world leader with many international awards
 Recognized with many military and civilian meritorious awards on the national level
 Diplomatic
 Tolerant
 Strong leadership qualities
Interests:
 Peace and stability in the Middle East
Background:
 Pilot, Instructor, Squadron Leader, Base Commander in Egyptian Air Force
 Commander of the Western Air Force Base at Cairo West Airfield
 Headed the Egyptian Military delegation to the USSR in 1964
 1967-1972 Director, Air Force Academy and Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Air Force
 1972 Commander of the Air Force and Deputy Minister for Military Affairs
 Deputy Minister of War and close advisor to President Anwar Sadat
 1973 Promoted to Air Marshall
 1975 Vice President of Egypt
 1978 Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Party
 1981 President of the Arab Republic of Egypt after Sadat was assassinated
 1987 Re-elected President
 1993 Re-elected President
 1995 Target of assassination attempt in Ethiopia while he was there for meeting of the
Organization for African Unity
 1999 Re-elected President
Internationally Recognized World Leader
 Chairman of the Organization of African Unity 1989-1990 & 1993-1994
 Awarded the Armour of the ‘Man of Peace’ 1983
 Prize of ‘Personality of the Year’ 1984
 ‘Man of the Year’ 1989
 Medal of Astrolabe 1989
 Prize of Democratic Human Rights 1990
 Membership an Decoration ‘Honoris Causa’ 1991
 UN Prize of Population 1994
Political Agenda
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Focus on peace and stability through negotiations with Arab states
Maintain leadership role in peace process
Pressing for continued efforts for a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli
conflict
Working towards greater co-operation with the international community
Amiable relations with US and Israel
Movement towards activating Arab Common Market, Economic Unity Council, and Economic
and Social Council to modernize Arab economy
Moderate political reform
By law, no religious political parties can be formed in Egypt
Some economic reforms evident but need to be more significant because of widespread poverty
and social inequity
State planned and owned economy with some movement towards decentralized market oriented
economy
Challenged by militant Muslim extremists
Challenged by liberal reformers who demand more constitutional reform
Has initiated a bid to make the Middle East a nuclear-free zone
Possibly establish son, Gamal, as his successor
Potential Allies
 United States, Arab countries
Opponents
 Militant Muslim extremists
 Liberal reformers who demand more constitutional reforms within the country
 Terrorists
 Opposition Leader Ayman Nour (prominent advocate of political reform in Egypt, will be possible
contender for presidency in September elections)
Role Profile: Nazif
Background:
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Educated at McGill University with a PhD in Computer Engineering.
Former Minister of Communications and Information Technology who is credited with
modernizing communications by creating a free internet connectivity plan and increasing public
access to computers through the Egypt Telecommunications Company.
Appointed Prime Minister by President Hosni Mubarak on July 9, 2004 in the midst of major
cabinet restructuring. He succeeded Atef Obeid who had been Prime Minister for four years.
Character Traits
 Reputation for displaying honesty and a willingness to promote modernization within Egypt;
however, one should note that the public’s perception stems only from the short time that Nazif
has served as Prime Minister.
 In Arabic, his last name translates to “clean”; this reflects the fact that while he has not yet served
very long as Prime Minister, his reputation will inevitably be tested.
Political Agenda
 Nazif has embarked upon plans for economic reform within Egypt, with the ultimate task being to
eliminate the problems of sagging foreign investment and to deal with the domestic struggles of
poverty and unemployment.
Political Objectives (short term and long term)
 To begin, Nazif cut tariffs to comply with the demands of the World Trade Organization.
 Nazif is increasingly seeking to increase foreign investment within Egypt. For example, in October
of 2004, he met with the chairman of a Canadian Petrochemical Company to discus plans for a
future Canadian-Egyptian venture which would include investments topping a billion dollars.
 In the long term, Nazif has publicly vowed to achieve successful economic reform within 2 years.
He voiced his confidence in the potential of a larger market for export for natural resources. Nazif
views foreign investment as a primary area of importance and he is concentrated on “changing
minds” and “accelerating the development process”.
 Nazif has also endorsed Gamal Mubarak, son of the current president to run for presidency
pending the constitution is changed to allow for a multi-candidate election.
Allies/Opponents
 Although he has been in office for a very short time, Nazif and his new cabinet have been met
with optimism, thus they are likely on good terms and co-operating fully with President Mubarak.
 Nazif, whose chief goal as of yet is to attract investors to Egypt, is likely to create allies and even
enemies in his quest of economic reformation.
Maps:
Area: Egypt W/ Internal Locations
Area: Middle East (W/ North Africa & East Europe)
Area: World Map, Egypt Highlighted
In Depth Report – The Camp David Peace Accord (1978)
On September 17, 1978, following twelve days of intense negotiations mediated by U.S. President
Jimmy Carter at Camp David, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem
Begin formally made peace. After 30 years of conflict which included four wars fought against Israel, this
peace initiative served as a fundamental turning point in Egypt’s international role and its political future.
In the years leading up to the Camp David Peace Accords, President Sadat had broken up ties with
the Soviet Union and abandoned his formerly provocative policies in order to seek better relations with
Israel and the Western world (specifically the United States). In an unprecedented move, Sadat visited
Israel in 1977, thus recognizing its right to exist. It was hoped that this would encourage the U.S. to come
to the aid of the Egyptian economy and that bilateral talks between Egypt and Israel would serve as an
example for other Arab nations to take similar steps. In 1978, the two leaders met at Camp David with U.S.
President Carter serving as a mediator and source of encouragement. The most important portion of the
Accords was that which regulated Israel’s withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula (which it had seized from
Egypt in 1967) in return for Egypt’s recognition of Israeli’s right to exist and a pledge to never again use
force against Israel. Sadat and Begin were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to bring
some measure peace to an area of the world, which is a hotbed of conflict.
The consequences of the Camp David Peace Accord were widespread and continue to not only
influence politics within Egypt, but the entire Middle East. Egypt’s role within the Arab world drastically
changed; the fact that the most influential Arab country in terms of military capabilities had made peace
with Israel and did not demand more rights for the Palestinians ostracized Egypt within the Arab world.
Ultimately, Sadat was assassinated by Islamic fundamentalists and Egypt was temporarily suspended from
the League of Arab States. However, during Hosni Mubarak’s twenty plus years as Egyptian President, it
has became increasingly clear that Egypt’s role in politics has changed greatly as a result of the Camp
David Accords of 1978. Following the adoption of the Camp David Accords in 1978, there was a clear shift
in the nature of the policies of Egypt, in the sense that they became less aggressive and oriented towards the
larger goal of regional co-operation. The influence of the Camp David Accord is obvious since there have
been no further large-scale wars involving Israel and a coalition of Arab states since the Yom Kippur War
of 1973, because Egypt, the most militarily powerful Arab nation, has put peace forward as its main
objective. President Mubarak has continued to uphold the principles of peace in relation to Israel.
Furthermore, the Camp David Peace Accord established Egypt as an ally of the United States; Egypt’s
economy is strengthened by and relies on U.S. financial assistance. The U.S., whom some regard as a
hegemonic power, is undeniably important to regard as an ally. The Camp David Peace Accord, which
successfully demonstrated that negotiation with Israeli is possible, is an important example for all other
Arab nations and is regarded as the inspiration for further attempts at peace. Also, Egypt is clearly guided
by its experience in the Camp David Accords since President Mubarak is frequently involved in
negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. He is noted for his neutrality and his eagerness that
peace will eventually be achieved.
Overall, the fact that the Arab world’s most populous and politically powerful country is officially
devoted to peace (this began with the Camp David Accords) inevitably affects politics throughout the
region. As the current negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians move forward, Egypt’s support and
involvement is a large factor in the overall success of any peace proposal.
Egyptian President Sadat, U.S. President Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Begin meet at Camp David to make peace.
Egypt Timeline From 1859-present
1859-69
1882
1914
1922
1928
1936
1945
1947
1948
1949
1952
1953
1954
1956
1958
1961
1965
1967
1969
1970
1971
1972
Suez Canal is built.
British troops take control of Egypt.
Egypt becomes a British protectorate.
Fu'ad I becomes King of Egypt and Egypt gains its
independence
Muslim Brotherhood founded by Hasan al-Banna.
April - Faruq succeeds his father as King of Egypt.
*Anglo-Egyptian treaty of mutual defences is signed. The
occupation of Egypt is terminated.
Arab League is founded in Cairo with 7 charter members
November- The United Nations decides to partition
Palestine for new state of Israel
New state of Israel is formed
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Syria attack the new state of
Israel.
*February - Hasan al-Banna of the Muslim Brotherhood
is assassinated.
*Committee of the Free Officers' Movement formed
*January - At least 20 people are killed in anti-British
riots in Cairo.
*King Faruq abdicates in favour of his son Fu'ad II.
*Gamal Abdul Nasser leads a coup by the Free Officers'
Movement, known as the July 23 Revolution, which
results in Muhammad Najib becoming President and
Prime Minister of Egypt
June - Najib declares Egypt a Republic.
*Nasser becomes prime minister and later, in 1956,
president
* Evacuation Treaty signed. British forces, which began a
gradual withdrawal in 1936, finally leave Egypt
*July - Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal to fund the
Aswan High Dam.
*October - Tripartite Invasion of Egypt by Britain, France
and Israel due to the nationalization of the Suez Canal. A
ceasefire is declared in November.
February - Egypt and Syria join to form the United Arab
Republic (UAR) in the first step of their aim for Arab
unity.
Syria withdraws from the union with Egypt but Egypt
remains known as the UAR.
March - King Faruq dies in Rome
*May - Egypt, Jordan sign defence pact. Israel says it
increases danger of war with Arab states. *June - Egypt,
Jordan and Syria go to war with Israel and are defeated.
*Israel takes control of Sinai, the Golan Heights, the Gaza
Strip, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. It is known as
the Six-Day War. *Nasser closes Strait of Tiran to Israeli
shipping. Suez Canal closes.
Hostilities increase along Suez Canal
September - Nasser dies and is replaced by his VicePresident, Anwar al-Sadat
Egypt and Soviet Union sign Treaty of Friendship.
*Egypt's new constitution is introduced and Egypt is
renamed Arab Republic of Egypt. *The Aswan High Dam
is completed. It has huge impact on irrigation, agriculture
and industry in Egypt.
Sadat orders withdrawal of Soviet military advisers
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1981
1987
1989
1990-91
1993
1995
1997
1999
2000
2002
2003
2004
*October - Egypt and Syria at war with Israel to reclaim
the land they lost in 1967. *Egypt begins negotiations for
the return of Sinai after the war.
Disengagement of Israeli forces from Sinai begins.
June - The Suez Canal is reopened. It had been closed
since the 1967 war.
Anwar al-Sadat ends the Treaty of Friendship with Soviet
Union
Sadat visits Jerusalem. Groundbreaking visit to Jerusalem
leads to peace deal.
September - Camp David Accords for peace with Israel
are signed.
* Nobel Peace Prize for Sadat
& Begin
March-The peace treaty between Egypt and Israel is
signed in Washington D.C. *Egypt is condemned by the
other Arab nations and excluded from the ArabLeague.
6 October - Anwar al-Sadat is assassinated by Jihad
members.
*October - A National Referendum approves Husni
Mubarak as the new President of Egypt.
October - Mubarak begins his second term as President
Egypt rejoins the Arab League. Taba area is returned to
Egypt, ending the last territorial dispute with Israel
Egypt contributes 40,000 troops and political support to
the Gulf War
October-Mubarak begins third term as President / Egypt
advises Palestinians in Oslo Agreement
June - Mubarak is the target of an assassination attempt in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when he arrived at summit of
Organization of African Unity
*Egypt breaks off diplomatic relations with Sudan over
accusations of attempted assassination of Mubarak
58 tourists are killed by gunmen at Temple of Hatshepsut
near Luxor. Allegations are that Egypt's Islamic Group
(al-jama'ah al'islamiyah) is responsible
October - Mubarak begins his fourth term as President
December - Egypt, Lebanon and Syria agree on a billiondollar pipeline to carry Egyptian gas under the
Mediterranean to the Lebanese port of Tripoli. *Egypt and
Sudan resume diplomatic relations.
Egypt downgrades relations with Israel after Israel's
crackdown on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
President Mubarak and Iranian President Khatami meet to
strengthen bonds between the two countries. Both agree
that occupiers must leave Iraq.
*October - Bomb attacks target Israeli tourists on Sinai
peninsula. More than 30 people are killed.
*Funeral of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is held in
Cairo.
2005
*Mubarak replaces his prime minister and half his cabinet
as well as half of Egypt’s 26 regional governors
*February - President Mubarak says he has ordered
parliament to change the constitution to allow more
candidates to enter presidential elections.
*Egyptian opposition leader Ayman Nour is formally
charged with forging signatures to register his party
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