Egypt in the 21 st Century Egypt: key ally in the Middle East

Objective Students will examine how past events in Egypt have lead to a “revolution” in order to analyze the long-term effects on Egypt and the Middle East Students will examine how past events in Egypt have lead to a “revolution” in order to analyze the long-term effects on Egypt and the Middle East

Egypt: a brief history! “As Egypt goes, so go the Arabs” “As Egypt goes, so go the Arabs” Intellectual and cultural center of Arab world Intellectual and cultural center of Arab world Birth place of modern Arab nationalism Birth place of modern Arab nationalism Largest Arab population (80+ million) Largest Arab population (80+ million) Largest army in Arab world Largest army in Arab world Second largest economy in Arab world Second largest economy in Arab world Advantageous geographical location ( Suez Canal, Nile, Mediterranean, etc.) Advantageous geographical location ( Suez Canal, Nile, Mediterranean, etc.)

Egypt: Early Political Change Gamal Abdel Nasser (President ) Gamal Abdel Nasser (President ) kept tight control over political life kept tight control over political life no opposition parties allowed. no opposition parties allowed. Anwar Al Sadat (President ) Anwar Al Sadat (President ) kept tight control over political life kept tight control over political life Sadat signed a peace treaty with Israel Sadat signed a peace treaty with Israel The economy suffered under both men Both men were assassinated

Egypt: Mubarak is in charge Hosni Mubarak (1981- Present) Hosni Mubarak (1981- Present) –strong control over political oppositions and the press –poverty is a major issue in Egypt. –Mubarak is critical of Israel and US policies in the region –Egypt has been under emergency rule since 1981

What problems might cause Egyptians to protest about their government? What problems might cause Egyptians to protest about their government?

Egypt: today Economic Life Economic Life –High unemployment and lack of suitable jobs –Poor education and health care –Declining Standards of living for the average citizen and extreme poverty –Egyptians remain uncertain about their future Political life Political life –Voter fraud and corruption –Restriction on the press –Human rights violations

You Say You Want a Revolution? Egypt January 25 th – February 11 th 2011

Timeline of Events January 25- February 11, 2011 January 25—Protest erupts in cities across Egypt after an internet campaign. Protesters are upset with high poverty, corruption, and unemployment. January 25—Protest erupts in cities across Egypt after an internet campaign. Protesters are upset with high poverty, corruption, and unemployment.

January 28 th : Mubarak sets a curfew and sends out the army. January 28 th : Mubarak sets a curfew and sends out the army. He fires his cabinet and says he understands the need for change but defends his actions. He fires his cabinet and says he understands the need for change but defends his actions.

January 29 th -Mubarak appoints Omar Suleiman as vice-president. January 29 th -Mubarak appoints Omar Suleiman as vice-president. January 31 st - The army says that they will not use force against the people. January 31 st - The army says that they will not use force against the people. February 1 st -Rallies take place calling for a “March of Millions” and Mubarak vows to step down after the September elections February 1 st -Rallies take place calling for a “March of Millions” and Mubarak vows to step down after the September elections

February 2 nd -the army urges people to go home as fighting breaks out between pro and anti government protesters. Mubarak supporters try to enter Tahrir Square. February 2 nd -the army urges people to go home as fighting breaks out between pro and anti government protesters. Mubarak supporters try to enter Tahrir Square. February 3 rd -More fighting between pro and anti government protesters. February 3 rd -More fighting between pro and anti government protesters.

February 4 th -Crowds in Tahrir Square gather and hope for a “day of departure” for Mubarak February 4 th -Crowds in Tahrir Square gather and hope for a “day of departure” for Mubarak

February 5 th -Leadership of the National Democratic Party resigns, including Mubarak’s son. February 5 th -Leadership of the National Democratic Party resigns, including Mubarak’s son. February 10 th - Officials say Mubarak will step down but he later says he will stay in office until September February 10 th - Officials say Mubarak will step down but he later says he will stay in office until September

The end February 11 th -Mubarak resigns, effective immediately after 18 days of protest he retreats with his family to their vacation home. February 11 th -Mubarak resigns, effective immediately after 18 days of protest he retreats with his family to their vacation home.

Now that the President is gone, what problems will Egyptians still need to solve? Now that the President is gone, what problems will Egyptians still need to solve?

The Future is Uncertain After Mubarak After Mubarak –Who will be next? Free speech and free press? –Economy- will reforms continue? –Politics- future of democracy in Egypt? –US- hands-off policy? –What would become of Egypt-US-Israel relationship?

US and Egypt Egypt on Iraq Egypt on Iraq –Opposes the war Egypt on Iran Egypt on Iran –Sees Iran as a real threat and wants to limit its power Egypt on Israel Egypt on Israel –Supports an independent and viable Palestine state –Does not see the US as an honest broker in the conflict –Sees the conflict as a source of instability in the region