Egypt4

**"LIFE, HEALTH, AND WELL- BEING"**

Modern Egypt has long been overshadowed by the the history of its ancestor, but is nonetheless a key player in the Middle East and the world. Through the nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, Egypt struggled to gain independence from the British, who were drawn by the military and economic advantages of Egypt’s Suez Canal. In the late twentieth century, Egypt was among the first both to go to war against Israel and to sign a peace treaty with its northern neighbor. In 2011, Egypt became the first large Middle Eastern country to participate in the pro-democracy Arab Spring movement as its people rose up to oust an oppressive ruler.

For the past two hundred years, world leaders have taken note of developments in Egypt for its strategically important canal, its ability to effectively harness its few resources, and its political sway in the Middle East.

** Impor t ant People: ** - Hosni Mubarak: Egyptian statesman who became president in 1981 after Sadat was assassinated (born in 1929). The president acts as the supreme power and appoints operations, the vice president, the prime minister, ministers, as well as governors, high court judge, major religious figures and is the commander of armed forces. - Gamal Mubarak: is Hosni's son whom has been central to reform within ruling NPD (National Democratic Party) and is head of its powerful police committee. - Ahmed Nazif: is the prime minister Habib al- Adly: is the interior minister.

**Articles:** Revolution and Aftermath NY Times "Initially, the Egyptian military was seen as the linchpin of the transition to a more democratic regime. Islamists hoped it would steer the country to early elections that they were poised to dominate. Liberals regarded it as a hedge against Islamist power. And the Obama administration considered it a partner that it hoped would help secure American interests. But within months, as the military made explicit attempts to grab power, growing numbers of Egyptians wondered whether they had traded one military regime for another."

On January 25th, 2011, Egyptians started a revolt to overthrow the government and get rid of their leader, President Hosni Mubarak. After 18 days of protesting, Mubarak officially stepped down from leadership, and the military took over. Egyptians viewed the military as a catalyst that would help them change to a more democratic government. Now, a year later, Egyptians are wondering whether their militaristic government will actually help them. The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party won elections last year, but the military remains at the head of the government today. The military has promised to turn over power to civilians by the end of June 2012, but the tension has resulted in recent riots at a soccer match that caused over 70 deaths.



(above left) Isqual Al Nizam: The people demand the overthrow of the Regime (above right) Shows he burnt out NPD building (Nation Democratic Party- party of Mubarak)

[] After the Revolution One year ago, violent outbreak in Egypt covered the United States news. The main cause here being to overthrow their corrupt leader, President Hosni Mubarak. //“It was all so simple a year ago, when the people rose up and the dictator fell. Egyptians were euphoric. The world and the world’s media were enthralled.” // Now, the world is left with confusion, for Egypt’s transition after revolution was not so smooth. The fight for power is currently being juggled between the revolutionaries, Islamists and the army. The revolutionaries remain the conscience of the revolution; however they stand out as the weakest force out of all three. The Muslim Brotherhood, Islamists, have assured a leading role in the transition to civilian rule due to parliamentary elections. Even though the Islamists seem to be the most popular support group they struggle trying to please everyone; secularists, Christians, women- whom all don’t trust them at all. Also, Islamists have the burden of competing with the army. Generals have been called forth unwillingly into political matters, but don’t go incognito so they can voice their important interests. The army mainly just wants to make sure no future governments abuse their budgets or question their privileges. A new constitution is being drafted which will determine whether Egypt has a presidential or prime ministerial system, how far it is governed by secular or Islamic law, and provide a framework for civil- military relations.



**Egypt's Significance to the World**
 Modern Egypt has been significant to the Europe powers due to the Suez Canal and to the world economy due to its resource exports. The Suez Canal was coveted by European powers through the 1800s as a passageway to India and through World War II as a direct route to the Orient. The French and British in particular were drawn to Egypt by the Suez Canal. In fact, in 1798, immediately after Napoleon arrived in Egypt to start his invasion campaign, he had the land surveyed to see if a canal was feasible. British and French interest in Egypt spiked following completion of the Suez Canal in 1869. Within a decade, Egyptian finances were wrestled into British and French hands. Britain solidified its hold on Egypt after crushing Egyptian nationalists at the Battle of Tel el-Kebir thirteen years later. In 1914, Egypt became an official British protectorate. Britain committed forces to Egypt to secure its financial interests until 1956, despite two Egyptian revolutions, one in 1919 and the other in 1952, aimed primarily at reducing British influence. European powers’ desire to control the Suez Canal has led them to commit both military resources and money to Egypt. Egypt has also held global importance through its cotton and oil exports. During the American Civil War, the US stopped producing cotton, and the world’s supply of cotton became insufficient. Muhammad Ali opportunistically issued a requirement for farmers to grow and harvest cotton, and Egyptian exports filled the cotton shortage globally through the 1820s. In modern times, Egypt, as with most of the Middle East, holds global importance due to its oil exports. Despite Egypt having significantly less oil reserves than its neighbors to the east, modern developments in Egypt proved sufficient to significantly raise oil prices when the 2011 Egyptian Revolution caused political uncertainty in the region. Egypt also functioned as a stabilizing force in the Middle East when Egyptian President Sadat made peace with Israel in 1978, thus helping keep oil prices stable. Egypt has displayed its significance in the global economy by filling a world-wide demand for cotton and by affecting the price of crude oil.

**Videos:** Egypt Riots 2011 Tens of thousands of protestors gather in Cairo to protest the government and demand the resignation of President Mubarak. One man screams into the camera, “this is a corrupt regime” and runs back into the crowd. Police fight back by throwing tear gas to disperse the crowds and shooting rubber bullets.

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E59gCA4KSLg&feature=related Song For Egypt Lyrics Victory, Victory for the people marching in the streets. Hand in hand they stand, pleading for the free Yes they will they can, No one will stop we  With one voice , they'll have no choice  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">But to give into their needs  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">When we need, we will receive  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">As Moses split the seas  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Victory Victory  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">When we march for our free  <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Who will be Pharaoh,  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">We pray they will know  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">If you feed the people instead of you  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">You will reap up more than u can chew  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">And if you love, you will be loved  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">From the people that are following you  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">So wont you try, and say goodbye  <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">To the things that only benefit you <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[]

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">In this Video, president Obama speaks to the nation about the resignation of Egypt's former President, Hosni Mubarark. <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"The people of Egypt have spoken. Their voices have been heard. And Egypt will never be the same," he said. <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Despite the changes the revolution has brought to Egypt Obama comments, "not the end of Egypt's transition, it's the beginning."

**Pictures:**

**Maps:**

Note Egypt's acquisition of the Sinai Peninsula and border changes of its neighbors, particularly the creation of Israel to the Northeast.



**Primary Source:**

Following the Egyptian Revolution of 1919, in which Egyptian nationalists fought for independence from Britain, the British government issued the following document, officially recognizing Egyptian independence. Unofficially, the British government did not intend to fully relinquish their power immediately, as can be detected in the document. Section 3 in particular makes their recognition of independence weak, in practice allowing remaining British military presence in Egypt; through the early 1900s, the remaining British presence caused political instability which ultimately led to the toppling of Egyptian King Faruq in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. In a military coup d'état, the Egyptian monarchy, which the military saw as a puppet of the British, was replaced with a republic. > > ===**Declaration to Egypt by His Britannic Majesty's Government (February 28, 1922)**=== > Whereas His Majesty's Government, in accordance with their declared intentions, desire forthwith to recognise Egypt as an independent sovereign State; and > Whereas the relations between His Majesty's Government and Egypt are of vital interest to the British Empire; > The following principles are hereby declared: > 1. The British Protectorate over Egypt is terminated, and Egypt is declared to be an independent sovereign State. > 2. So soon as the Government of His Highness shall pass an Act of Indemnity with application to all inhabitants of Egypt, martial law as proclaimed on the 2nd November, 1914, shall be withdrawn. > 3. The following matters are absolutely reserved to the discretion of His Majesty's Government until such time as it may be possible by free discussion and friendly accommodation on both sides to conclude agreements in regard thereto between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt: > (a) The security of the communications of the British Empire in Egypt; > (b) The defence of Egypt against all foreign aggression or interference, direct or indirect; > (c) The protection of foreign interests in Egypt and the protection of minorities; > (d) The Soudan. > Pending the conclusion of such agreements, status quo in all these matters shall remain intact. >


 * 20th Century Issues: **

**Pre 1945-** Revolution of 1919 The revolution of 1919 began because of nationalists within Egypt who were fed up with the British occupation of Egypt. Britain stationed troops in Egypt, and took buildings, crops, and animals for use of their army. Saad Zaghloul and other members of the Wafd party, a nationalist liberal group, led the revolution. During World War 1 between the Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire, Britain had declared law over Egypt, promising to carry the burden of the war for them. Egypt nationalists had believed that this was a provisional arrangement that would be reevaluated after the war. When this didn’t happen, the Wafd party took control. They went into towns and villages to collect signatures for a petition that would authorize them to fight for complete independence of Egypt. At the beginning of the revolution, in March 1919, the British arrested Zaghloul and other Wafd leaders and exiled them to Malta, a European island. During riots 3,000 Egyptians were killed, villages were burnt down, and properties and railways were destroyed. This was the first revolution in Egypt to involve women. Ultimately, the revolution led to Britain’s acknowledgment of Egyptian independence in 1922 and the drafting of a new constitution in 1923. Although the Egyptians attained success, the British still refused to withdraw forces from the Suez Canal Zone. The British remained in charge of the security of communications, the defense of Egypt against foreign aggression, and the protection of foreign interests in Egypt. The ongoing British influence led to another Egyptian revolution after World War 1. **Post 1945-** Revolution of 1952 The revolution of 1952, otherwise known as the July 23rd revolution, was aimed at overthrowing King Farouk, who was controlled by the British government, and establishing a republic. After the revolution of 1919, the British recognized Egypt as an independent country, but they still had great political influence. Egyptians believed their government had become a “puppet figure” in the hands of the British. Gamal Abdel Nasser formed the Free Officers Movement, which led the revolution. Well-respected general Muhammad Naguib acted as head of the group to attract army followers. The Free Officers blamed the loss of the 1948 Palestine war on the King and used that as another reason to overthrow Farouk. A series of riots took place on January 26th, 1952 called the Cairo Fires or Black Saturday. Mobs of Egyptians burned buildings in Cairo that were affiliated with British interests. These riots forced the resignation of King Farouk, the abolition of the monarchy, and the Anglo-Egyptian Evacuation Agreement causing the British soldiers and their influence to leave the country. Naguib became the first president of Egypt.

**21st Century Issues:**

**Relations with the U.S:** U.S. and Egypt relations have been based on the idea that both countries share an interest in retaining peace in the Middle East. In the 1970’s, when Egyptian president, Anwar Sadat, wanted to make peace with Israel, the U.S began to develop a close relationship with Egypt. Egypt is the country with the second largest U.S. aid after Israel, receiving $1.3 billion annually. Early on, the funds from the U.S. were targeted towards infrastructure, health, food supply, and agriculture in Egypt. Now the funds are used for trade, investment, utilities, and education. The U.S. sells agricultural produce such as soybeans, corn, and wheat to Egypt, generating a profit of $2 billion a year. During Bush’s presidency, Egypt refused to send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq in “peace stabilization” missions, causing turmoil between the two countries. When Obama became president, he began to see Egypt as a partner in the development of peace and he has tried to improve relations. A travel ban was put on Americans in Egypt due to criminal investigations in foreign- funded rights organizations. The American embassy in Cairo sheltered U.S. citizens because they weren’t allowed to leave the country. Cairo offices plan to put Americans on trial for alleged illegal funding of aid groups. The U.S. has fired back by saying that the aid to Egypt will be reviewed if these attacks on Americans don’t end.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Egypt after 9/11: Perceptions of the United States Summary

Article : [] <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> On September 12 2001- the day after the tragic terrorist attacks in the United States- Egyptians President Hosni Mubarak, along with his cabinet, made an appearance on Egypt’s state television to condemn the attacks on the US and terrorism in general. Also the President’s son, Gamal Mubarak, visited the American Embassy in Cairo, paying condolences to the US ambassador. Although, the Egyptian public’s reaction to events on 9/11 varied; __many Egyptians were shocked and horrified at the tragedy, as well as amazed at how terrorist carried out the attacks. Others took pleasure in the fact that America, the most powerful country in the world, had been attacked. Also Egyptians did not believe that Arabs or Muslims were the masterminds of the attacks. But like other Arab and Muslims, Egyptians were concerned about the discrimination upon Middle Eastern racial profiling they had heard was going on in the US.__ This included new government measures for immigrants and visitors and growing hostility towards Arabs and Muslims in US media and public life. Following 9/11 America went to war with Afghanistan. In December of 2001, the show //Talk of the Town// has a two hour special that aired in New York about 9/11. In this episode the show also embellished specific details and images that focused on devastation that years of war had brought to Afghanistan. <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “//The programs message was clear: nothing justifies the US bombing campaign and the killing of innocent Afghani civilians. From the perspective of Cairo and other Arab capitals, after all, it appeared as if the most powerful country in the world was bombing one of the poorest nations on earth”// //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Talk of the Town //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is just another example of how __Egyptian print media has been more aggressive in its criticism of the United States since 9/11.__ <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> In Late March and April of 2002, with Israel’s reoccupation of the West Bank and the siege of Ramallah, Jenin, and other Palestinian cities, hostility towards the US increased dramatically. Massive protest took place in Egypt in response to Israel Incursions and the US’s seemingly unwillingness to hold back Israeli protests. <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> __Well before attacks on the US in 9/11 the Egyptian economy had been suffering from a serious recession. 9/11 made matters worse and for the general world economy slowed down.__ In the period after 9/11 remittances from Egyptians working abroad fell, as did revenues from the Suez Canal as a result of the slowdown in the international economy. <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Issues with Egypt due to 9/11 and their anti- Israel policy caused the US to lose popularity in the Middle East and an important ally, Egypt. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Egyptian perceptions of the United States are primarily as a result of Washington’s policies. If policies change, so will perceptions.” //

**Recent News:** On February 1st, 2012, enraged soccer fans in Port Said, Egypt started a riot that resulted in 79 deaths, many injured, and rekindled demands for Egypt’s military led government to make reforms and improve security. The riots occurred right around the time of the anniversary of Egypt’s 2011 revolution, so it’s uncertain to some whether the riots were really due to sports rivalry or if they were due to political friction. After the Al-Masry club team won the soccer game, fans stormed the field and rivals, fans of the Al-Ahly club, battled them with rocks, chairs, knives, and sticks. Fans attempted to quickly leave the stadium but they found that many exits were blocked. People questioned why police failed to stop the riots, why the exits were barred, and why people were able to take weapons into the stadium in the first place. Some Egyptians think that there were people behind the scene that organized it. Egypt began days of mourning for those who died in the riots. For now, officials have indefinitely suspended Egypt’s football league, but the scene caused some Egyptians to question Egypt’s government and the consider revolution once again. Video of Soccer Riot in Port Said

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Purple: Leila Blue: Rachel Green: Sudhanshu