Egypt to have a ‘big-brother’ role in the roadmap to Middle East peace
While best known for its pyramids and ancient civilisations, Egypt has played a central role in Middle East politics in modern times. Its three wars with Israel in 1948, 1967 and 1973, then its eventual peace with its adversary in 1979, have seen Egypt move from being a warring nation to become a key representative in the peace process.
But the historic step taken by President Anwar Sadat in the Camp David agreement with Israel saw the expulsion of Egypt from the Arab League until 1989, and in 1981 Mr Sadat was assassinated by Islamic extremists angry at his moves to clamp down on their activities.
Since then, President Hosni Mubarak has taken a more moderate line, but extreme Islamic groups have continued their campaigns sporadically, being responsible for deadly attacks that have often targeted tourists and resort areas.
Campaigners for political reform have become more vocal in recent times and have taken to the streets in defiance of an emergency law, in force since 1981. Activists say the law restricts political expression.
Although Egypt has changed its constitution to allow the opposition to contest presidential polls, potential candidates must meet strict criteria for participation. A ban remains on religious political parties.
Egypt’s ancient past and the fact that it was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to open up to the West following Napoleon’s invasion means that it is seen by many as the intellectual and cultural leader in the region.
In modern times, Egypt is seen as the bridge between the West and the Middle East. This is clearly evident when Egypt helped bolster the prospect of peace talks. Egypt expressed unusually strong support on Tuesday for the Bush administration’s efforts to hold an international conference later this year to begin negotiating peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, overnight obtained Egypt’s cautious support for a US-sponsored Middle East peace meeting after saying it was time for a Palestinian state.
Egypt’s leaders, including President Hosni Mubarak, have criticised aspects of the effort, but after meetings with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said he believed that the administration was determined to have meaningful talks.
The role of Egypt is critical to the security and stability of the region. The support of Egypt is essential to ensuring that the Israelis and Palestinians reach whatever compromises are necessary to end their conflict and establish a Palestinian state.
However, Egypt’s support is not unconditional. Mr Abul Gheit backed the demands by the Palestinians that the negotiations had a strict timetable, something Israel has opposed. He noted that 16 years had passed since the Madrid Conference first laid the foundation for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, 14 years since the Oslo agreement established the Palestinian Authority, and 5 years since the “road map” agreement on steps to achieve a final peace in the Middle East peace. Mr Abul Gheit also rebuffed Israeli accusations that Egypt is not doing enough to prevent weapons being smuggled into Gaza Strip.
Arab states have expressed scepticism that the meeting will produce anything. A recent poll commissioned by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz found that some 56 percent of Jewish Israelis do not believe the meeting will help bring peace.
Israel needs peace with Egypt as a component for its security. Egypt needs peace with Israel to maintain good relations with America – in order to build a stronger military and economy.
For all their agreement and optimism about the peace process, Rice and Abul Gheit made it clear that they differ when it comes to Egyptian domestic issues. The secretary of state said she raised the issue of jailed opposition leader Ayman Nour, and also expressed concern about the recent jail sentences for Egyptian journalists. It is unclear, however, whether the U.S. would apply any pressure on Egypt regarding human rights.
Aboul Gheit said flatly that Egypt will listen to such criticism, but it will not make any difference. He said the government will not interfere with the courts. The journalists who have been put on trial say the charges against them are politically motivated and aimed at silencing criticism of the government.
Rev the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, A.C., M.L.C..