EgyptEgypt

Egypt’s Unique Egypt’s Unique CharacteristicsCharacteristics Poor but the Leader of the Arab WorldPoor but the Leader of the Arab World

Largest Arab State: 81,713,520 (July 2008 est.)Largest Arab State: 81,713,520 (July 2008 est.) 90% Muslim, mainly Sunni; Coptic Christian, 9%90% Muslim, mainly Sunni; Coptic Christian, 9%

The Arab League headquarters is in Cairo, and the Secretary The Arab League headquarters is in Cairo, and the Secretary General of the League is traditionally an Egyptian.General of the League is traditionally an Egyptian.

President Mubarak has often chaired the African Union (formerly President Mubarak has often chaired the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). the Organization of African Unity).

Former Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Boutros Boutros-Ghali Former Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Boutros Boutros-Ghali served as Secretary General of the United Nations from 1991 to served as Secretary General of the United Nations from 1991 to 1996. 1996.

Ethnic minorities include a small number of Bedouin Arab Ethnic minorities include a small number of Bedouin Arab nomads in the eastern and western deserts and in the nomads in the eastern and western deserts and in the Sinai, as well as some 50,000-100,000 Nubians clustered Sinai, as well as some 50,000-100,000 Nubians clustered along the Nile in Upper (southern) Egypt.along the Nile in Upper (southern) Egypt.

Key American Ally in Arab World but Frictions ExistKey American Ally in Arab World but Frictions Exist Israeli-Palestinian Peace ProcessIsraeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Camp David Agreement, 1979Camp David Agreement, 1979 Strong Supporter of Palestinian RightsStrong Supporter of Palestinian Rights

Iraqi SituationIraqi Situation 35,000 Egyptian Troops in Persian Gulf War but Egypt opposed 2003 35,000 Egyptian Troops in Persian Gulf War but Egypt opposed 2003

War.War.

Egypt’s Unique Egypt’s Unique CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Well Educated Elite: Expatriate Well Educated Elite: Expatriate Workers to Other Arab CountriesWorkers to Other Arab Countries Al-Azhar University is the oldest Al-Azhar University is the oldest

university in the worlduniversity in the world Cairo University has 100,000 studentsCairo University has 100,000 students

Strong Media and Literary TraditionStrong Media and Literary Tradition Engaged in Struggle With Islamic Engaged in Struggle With Islamic

FundamentalistsFundamentalists

Modern HistoryModern History The Ottoman Turks The Ottoman Turks

controlled Egypt from 1517 controlled Egypt from 1517 until 1882, except for a until 1882, except for a brief period of French rule brief period of French rule under Napoleon Bonaparte. under Napoleon Bonaparte.

In 1805, Mohammed Ali, In 1805, Mohammed Ali, commander of an Albanian commander of an Albanian contingent of Ottoman contingent of Ottoman troops, was appointed troops, was appointed Pasha, founding the Pasha, founding the dynasty that ruled Egypt dynasty that ruled Egypt until his great-great until his great-great grandson, Farouk I, was grandson, Farouk I, was overthrown in 1952. overthrown in 1952.

Muhammad Muhammad SaidSaid

1822-1863 (son of Muhammad Ali)

Ruled 1854-1863

Friendship with Ferdinand DeLessepsled to French constructionof Suez Canal in 1869.

The British FactorThe British Factor In 1882, British expeditionary forces crushed a revolt In 1882, British expeditionary forces crushed a revolt

against the Ottoman rulers, marking the beginning of against the Ottoman rulers, marking the beginning of British occupation and the virtual inclusion of Egypt within British occupation and the virtual inclusion of Egypt within the British Empire. the British Empire.

In deference to growing nationalism, the U.K. unilaterally In deference to growing nationalism, the U.K. unilaterally declared Egyptian independence in 1922. British influence, declared Egyptian independence in 1922. British influence, however, continued to dominate Egypt's political life and however, continued to dominate Egypt's political life and fostered fiscal, administrative, and governmental reforms. fostered fiscal, administrative, and governmental reforms.

In the pre-1952 revolution period, four political forces In the pre-1952 revolution period, four political forces competed with one another: competed with one another: the Wafd, a broadly based nationalist political organization the Wafd, a broadly based nationalist political organization

strongly opposed to British influence; strongly opposed to British influence; King Fuad, whom the British had installed during World War II; King Fuad, whom the British had installed during World War II;

and and the British themselves, who were determined to maintain the British themselves, who were determined to maintain

control over the Canal and control over the Canal and the Muslim Brotherhood (1928), which eventually became a the Muslim Brotherhood (1928), which eventually became a

potent political and religious force. potent political and religious force.

King King FuadFuad

1868-1936

King 1922-1936

Negotiated with Britain the conditions of Egypt’s independence.

Fought against the Wafd Party.

Sa’ad Zaghul Sa’ad Zaghul 1857-19271857-1927 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-BannaHassan Al-Banna 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 King FaroukFarouk

• 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 EraThe Nasser Era British troops were withdrawn to the Suez Canal British troops were withdrawn to the Suez Canal

area in 1947, but nationalist, anti-British feelings area in 1947, but nationalist, anti-British feelings continued to grow after the war. continued to grow after the war.

On July 22-23, 1952, a group of disaffected army On July 22-23, 1952, a group of disaffected army officers (the "free officers") led by Lt. Col. Gamal officers (the "free officers") led by Lt. Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew King Farouk, whom the Abdel Nasser overthrew King Farouk, whom the military blamed for Egypt's poor performance in military blamed for Egypt's poor performance in the 1948 war with Israel. the 1948 war with Israel.

Following a brief experiment with civilian rule, Following a brief experiment with civilian rule, they abrogated the 1923 constitution and they abrogated the 1923 constitution and declared Egypt a republic on June 19, 1953. declared Egypt a republic on June 19, 1953. Nasser evolved into a charismatic leader, not only Nasser evolved into a charismatic leader, not only of Egypt, but the Arab world, promoting and of Egypt, but the Arab world, promoting and implementing "Arab socialism." He nationalized implementing "Arab socialism." He nationalized Egypt's economy. Egypt's economy.

Gamel Abdel NasserGamel Abdel Nasser Restore dignity and status to Egypt and Arab Restore dignity and status to Egypt and Arab

WorldWorld Co-Founder of international Neutral Non-Co-Founder of international Neutral Non-

Aligned movementAligned movement Eliminate foreign influenceEliminate foreign influence

Nationalized the Suez Canal, 1956; war with Nationalized the Suez Canal, 1956; war with Britain, France, and IsraelBritain, France, and Israel

Make Egypt the leader of the Arab worldMake Egypt the leader of the Arab world Pan Arabist nationalismPan Arabist nationalism Formed United Arab Republic with Syria, 1958-Formed United Arab Republic with Syria, 1958-

6161 1967 Arab-Israeli war1967 Arab-Israeli war

Arabs humiliated; Egypt loses Gaza strip and Arabs humiliated; Egypt loses Gaza strip and SinaiSinai

Alliance with Soviet UnionAlliance with Soviet Union 70,000 Soviet Advisors in Egypt70,000 Soviet Advisors in Egypt Aswan high dam, 1971Aswan high dam, 1971

Authoritarian RuleAuthoritarian Rule Outlawed all political parties except Arab Outlawed all political parties except Arab

Socialist UnionSocialist Union Secret PoliceSecret Police Human Rights IgnoredHuman Rights Ignored

Nasser Dies of heart attack 1970Nasser Dies of heart attack 1970

Anwar SadatAnwar Sadat Decrease reliance on Soviet advisors; Decrease reliance on Soviet advisors;

Ordered to leave in 1970Ordered to leave in 1970 Decrease government interference in Decrease government interference in

the economythe economy Infitah (open door) program of Infitah (open door) program of

privatization and foreign investmentprivatization and foreign investment Devise effective policy to deal with Devise effective policy to deal with

IsraelIsrael-- 1973 war-- 1973 war-- 1977 visit to Israel-- 1977 visit to Israel-- 1979 Camp David Peace Accords -- 1979 Camp David Peace Accords with Israelwith Israel

--- Recognize Israel--- Recognize Israel--- Israel withdraws from Sinai --- Israel withdraws from Sinai

and agrees to begin autonomy talks and agrees to begin autonomy talks with West Bank and Gaza with West Bank and Gaza Palestinians within 5 yearsPalestinians within 5 years

Led to Nobel Prize, but isolation in Led to Nobel Prize, but isolation in Arab world (ejected from the Arab Arab world (ejected from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989) and League from 1979 to 1989) and assassination by fundamentalist assassination by fundamentalist army soldiers October 6, 1981 during army soldiers October 6, 1981 during a Parade celebrating 1973 war.a Parade celebrating 1973 war.

Hosni MubarakHosni Mubarak Mubarak Program: Seek Peace Mubarak Program: Seek Peace

with Egyptian People and with Egyptian People and Islamic WorldIslamic World Egypt was readmitted to the Egypt was readmitted to the

Arab League in 1989. Arab League in 1989. Infitah economic program Infitah economic program

canceledcanceled-- Many entrepreneurs and -- Many entrepreneurs and capitalists sent to prison for capitalists sent to prison for corruptioncorruption-- Price controls on staples -- Price controls on staples returnedreturned

Multi- Party system allowed but Multi- Party system allowed but with major limitationswith major limitations-- all parties must be approved -- all parties must be approved by the governmentby the government-- National Democratic Party still -- National Democratic Party still dominates politicsdominates politics

Mubarak government Mubarak government authoritarian in nature. Civil authoritarian in nature. Civil rights not assured to all rights not assured to all Egyptians.Egyptians.

Hosni MubarakHosni Mubarak President Mubarak often intervenes personally President Mubarak often intervenes personally

to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. negotiations. In 1996, he hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh "Summit of In 1996, he hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh "Summit of

the Peacemakers" attended by President Clinton the Peacemakers" attended by President Clinton and other world leaders. and other world leaders.

In 2000, he hosted two summits at Sharm El-Sheikh In 2000, he hosted two summits at Sharm El-Sheikh and one at Taba in an effort to resume the Camp and one at Taba in an effort to resume the Camp David negotiations suspended in July of 2000, and David negotiations suspended in July of 2000, and

In June 2003, Mubarak hosted President Bush for In June 2003, Mubarak hosted President Bush for another summit on the Middle East peace process. another summit on the Middle East peace process.

Throughout mid-2004, Egypt worked closely with Throughout mid-2004, Egypt worked closely with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate stability following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, stability following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, which occurred in August and September of 2005.which occurred in August and September of 2005.

Hosni MubarakHosni Mubarak At a meeting on 9 November 2008 hosted by At a meeting on 9 November 2008 hosted by

President Mubarak in Egypt leaders of the so-President Mubarak in Egypt leaders of the so-called quartet of Middle East peace mediators called quartet of Middle East peace mediators reaffirmed their backing for the continuation reaffirmed their backing for the continuation of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts toward a of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts toward a two-state solution.two-state solution.

The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister of Israel and Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister of Israel and leader of its negotiating team, met here and leader of its negotiating team, met here and briefed the representatives of the and briefed the representatives of the quartet - the United States, the United quartet - the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia - on Nations, the European Union and Russia - on the negotiations.the negotiations.

U.S.- Egypt RelationsU.S.- Egypt Relations President Mubarak helped assemble the international President Mubarak helped assemble the international

coalition and deployed 35,000 Egyptian troops against Iraq coalition and deployed 35,000 Egyptian troops against Iraq to liberate Kuwait in the 1990-91 Gulf Crisis. to liberate Kuwait in the 1990-91 Gulf Crisis. The Egyptian contingent was the third-largest in the coalition The Egyptian contingent was the third-largest in the coalition

forces, after the U.S. and U.K. forces, after the U.S. and U.K. In the aftermath of the Gulf war, Egypt signed the In the aftermath of the Gulf war, Egypt signed the

Damascus declaration with Syria and the Gulf states to Damascus declaration with Syria and the Gulf states to strengthen Gulf security. strengthen Gulf security.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Egypt, which has itself been the target of United States, Egypt, which has itself been the target of terrorist attacks, has been a key supporter of the U.S. war terrorist attacks, has been a key supporter of the U.S. war against terrorists and terrorist organizations such as Osama against terrorists and terrorist organizations such as Osama bin Ladin and al-Qaeda, and actively supported the Iraqi bin Ladin and al-Qaeda, and actively supported the Iraqi Governing Council, as well as the subsequent governments Governing Council, as well as the subsequent governments of Prime Minister Allawi and al-Maliki. In July 2005, Egypt's of Prime Minister Allawi and al-Maliki. In July 2005, Egypt's envoy to Iraq was assassinated. envoy to Iraq was assassinated.

U.S.- Egypt RelationsU.S.- Egypt Relations An important pillar of the bilateral relationship remains U.S. An important pillar of the bilateral relationship remains U.S.

security and economic assistance to Egypt, which expanded security and economic assistance to Egypt, which expanded significantly in the wake of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace significantly in the wake of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979. U.S. military aid to Egypt totals over $1.3 Treaty in 1979. U.S. military aid to Egypt totals over $1.3 billion annually. In addition, the U.S. Agency for billion annually. In addition, the U.S. Agency for International Development provided over $25 billion in International Development provided over $25 billion in economic and development assistance to Egypt between economic and development assistance to Egypt between 1975 and 2002. 1975 and 2002.

U.S. military cooperation has helped Egypt modernize its U.S. military cooperation has helped Egypt modernize its armed forces and strengthen regional security and stability. armed forces and strengthen regional security and stability. The U.S. has provided F-4 jet aircraft, F-16 jet fighters, M-60A3 The U.S. has provided F-4 jet aircraft, F-16 jet fighters, M-60A3

and M1A1 tanks, armored personnel carriers, Apache and M1A1 tanks, armored personnel carriers, Apache helicopters, antiaircraft missile batteries, aerial surveillance helicopters, antiaircraft missile batteries, aerial surveillance aircraft, and other equipment. aircraft, and other equipment.

The U.S. and Egypt also participate in combined military The U.S. and Egypt also participate in combined military exercises, including deployments of U.S. troops to Egypt. Units exercises, including deployments of U.S. troops to Egypt. Units of the U.S. 6th Fleet are regular visitors to Egyptian ports. of the U.S. 6th Fleet are regular visitors to Egyptian ports.

Gamal MubarakGamal Mubarak 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 are 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 BranchThe Executive Branch Chief Of State:Chief Of State: President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK President Mohamed Hosni MUBARAK

(since 14 October 1981) (since 14 October 1981) Head Of Government:Head Of Government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed

NAZIF (since 9 July 2004) NAZIF (since 9 July 2004) Cabinet:Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Cabinet appointed by the president Elections:Elections: president elected by popular vote for six- president elected by popular vote for six-

year term (no term limits); a national referendum in year term (no term limits); a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that May 2005 approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular referendum; last validated by a national, popular referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election referendum held 26 September 1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011

Election Results:Election Results: Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9% NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%

Legislative BranchLegislative Branch People's Assembly (Majlis al-Sha'b) People's Assembly (Majlis al-Sha'b)

454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president;appointed by the president;

Members serve five-year termsMembers serve five-year terms Last Election, 2005; next December 2010Last Election, 2005; next December 2010

The Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) that The Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) that traditionally functions only in a consultative traditionally functions only in a consultative role role 264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88

appointed by the president; members serve six-appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half of the year terms; mid-term elections for half of the elected members); elected members);

Last election June 2007; next June 2010Last election June 2007; next June 2010

Political PartiesPolitical Parties Formation of political parties must be approved by the government; Formation of political parties must be approved by the government;

18 legal parties but only 4 represented in with representation in 18 legal parties but only 4 represented in with representation in elected bodies.elected bodies. National Democratic Party or NDPNational Democratic Party or NDP (governing party) [Mohamed Hosni (governing party) [Mohamed Hosni

MUBARAK]; Nationalist Party“ established in 1978 by late president MUBARAK]; Nationalist Party“ established in 1978 by late president Anwar Sadat. After Sadat's assassination, the party has been chaired by Anwar Sadat. After Sadat's assassination, the party has been chaired by President Hosni Mubarak and is the current ruling political party in President Hosni Mubarak and is the current ruling political party in Egypt. Egypt.

National Progressive Unionist Grouping or TagammuNational Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Rifaat EL-SAID]; [Rifaat EL-SAID]; considered to be the defender of the principles of the 1952 Revolution. It considered to be the defender of the principles of the 1952 Revolution. It calls for standing against attempts to reverse the 1952 Revolution's calls for standing against attempts to reverse the 1952 Revolution's social gains for laborers, the poor, and other low-income groups.social gains for laborers, the poor, and other low-income groups.

New Wafd Party or NWPNew Wafd Party or NWP [Mahmoud ABAZA]; Nationalist, Liberal Party. [Mahmoud ABAZA]; Nationalist, Liberal Party. Presses for introducing political, economic and social reforms, promoting Presses for introducing political, economic and social reforms, promoting democracy, ensuring the basic freedoms and human rights and democracy, ensuring the basic freedoms and human rights and maintaining the national unity.maintaining the national unity.

Tomorrow PartyTomorrow Party [Moussa Mustafa MOUSSA]; Centrist, liberal, secular [Moussa Mustafa MOUSSA]; Centrist, liberal, secular political party pressing for widening the scope of political participation political party pressing for widening the scope of political participation and for a peaceful rotation of power. and for a peaceful rotation of power.

Muslim Brotherhood – illegal but members run as independents. Muslim Brotherhood – illegal but members run as independents. Now the main opposition group in the legislature.Now the main opposition group in the legislature.

The People’s AssemblyThe People’s Assembly

69%1%0%5%

25%NDPNWPTagammuTomorrowInd

Advisory CouncilAdvisory Council

96%

1%3%

NDPTagammuInd

Fundamentalism in EgyptFundamentalism in Egypt Egypt saw the earliest rise of an Islamic Egypt saw the earliest rise of an Islamic

fundamentalist movement, in 1928, when fundamentalist movement, in 1928, when Hassan al-Banna founded the Muslim Hassan al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood. Brotherhood.

After Egypt's Nationalist revolution of 1952, there After Egypt's Nationalist revolution of 1952, there was a brief honeymoon with the new regime of was a brief honeymoon with the new regime of the charismatic Colonel Gamal Abdel-Nasser of the charismatic Colonel Gamal Abdel-Nasser of Suez fame.Suez fame.

But in 1954, bullets flew in the air near where But in 1954, bullets flew in the air near where Nasser was speaking to a crowd in the Nasser was speaking to a crowd in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and hundreds of Mediterranean city of Alexandria and hundreds of Muslim Brothers were arrested. The movement Muslim Brothers were arrested. The movement was crushed for another 20 years. was crushed for another 20 years.

Nasser's successor Anwar Sadat let the leaders Nasser's successor Anwar Sadat let the leaders out of prison in the early 1970s and allowed out of prison in the early 1970s and allowed them freedom to operate as a ruse to weaken them freedom to operate as a ruse to weaken the leftist opposition which he feared more at the the leftist opposition which he feared more at the time. time.

Fundamentalism in EgyptFundamentalism in Egypt October 6, 1981, a young army officer, October 6, 1981, a young army officer,

Khaled Islambouli, led a group of soldiers Khaled Islambouli, led a group of soldiers who assassinated Sadat as he watched a who assassinated Sadat as he watched a military parade celebrating the crossing military parade celebrating the crossing of the Suez canal by Egyptian forces in of the Suez canal by Egyptian forces in 1973.1973.

Islamic groups were repressed again. But Islamic groups were repressed again. But since the 1980s they have slowly since the 1980s they have slowly regained strength in the poor villages and regained strength in the poor villages and slums of Egypt.slums of Egypt.

Fundamentalism in EgyptFundamentalism in Egypt Egypt's economic problems and Egypt's economic problems and

authoritarian government turn many authoritarian government turn many Egyptians towards Islamic Egyptians towards Islamic fundamentalismfundamentalism

Fundamentalists want to make Egypt an Fundamentalists want to make Egypt an Islamic RepublicIslamic Republic

Major Groups:Major Groups:-- Muslim Brotherhood-- Muslim Brotherhood-- Al Gama'a al Islamiya (The Islamic -- Al Gama'a al Islamiya (The Islamic Group)Group)-- Islamic Jihad -- Islamic Jihad

Fundamentalism in EgyptFundamentalism in Egypt In the early 1990s two organizations, Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Group, In the early 1990s two organizations, Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Group,

made attempts at assassinating four ministers and President Hosni made attempts at assassinating four ministers and President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak.

In November 1997, terrorists from Al-Gama'a al-Islamiya suspected of In November 1997, terrorists from Al-Gama'a al-Islamiya suspected of having ties to al-Qaeda massacred 62 tourists at the Luxor attraction having ties to al-Qaeda massacred 62 tourists at the Luxor attraction

In 2004 three bomb attacks targeting tourist hotels in the Sinai Peninsula In 2004 three bomb attacks targeting tourist hotels in the Sinai Peninsula killed 34 people and injured 171.killed 34 people and injured 171.

In April 2005 three related incidents that took place in the city of Cairo. In 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 its statement, the Islamist group said the attacks were in retaliation for the government's clampdown on dissidents in the wake of the Sinai the government's clampdown on dissidents in the wake of the Sinai Peninsula bombings. Security forces arrested some 225 individuals for Peninsula bombings. Security forces arrested some 225 individuals for questioning.questioning.

On July 23, 2005, targeting the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, 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 located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Eighty-eight people were killed and over 150 were wounded by the blasts. The bombing were killed and over 150 were wounded by the blasts. The bombing coincided with Egypt's Revolution Day, which commemorates Nasser's coincided with Egypt's Revolution Day, which commemorates Nasser's 1952 overthrow of King Farouk.1952 overthrow of King Farouk.

In April 2006 a series of bombs exploded in tourist areas of Dahab, a 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 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 23 people were killed, around 80 people were wounded, including tourists

Mubarak vows to eliminate the fundamentalist Mubarak vows to eliminate the fundamentalist - Thousands arrested or killed; 70 executed by military courts- Thousands arrested or killed; 70 executed by military courts- Martial law in south Egypt- Martial law in south Egypt

Fundamentalism in EgyptFundamentalism in Egypt In a country where Islamic Parties are banned In a country where Islamic Parties are banned

from taking part in elections, Islamists took from taking part in elections, Islamists took control of many powerful trade unions and control of many powerful trade unions and professional associations. They set up numerous professional associations. They set up numerous charities, enjoy the support of a wide network of charities, enjoy the support of a wide network of businesses, and established a social network of businesses, and established a social network of schools and hospitals to attract more support. schools and hospitals to attract more support.

They also run for the legislature as independents They also run for the legislature as independents and are currently the main opposition to the and are currently the main opposition to the ruling National Democratic Party.ruling National Democratic Party.

New laws have been introduced to reverse New laws have been introduced to reverse Islamist electoral gains in the unions and the Islamist electoral gains in the unions and the government now keeps a tight watch on all government now keeps a tight watch on all charitable institutions.charitable institutions.