WHY INSTABILITY IN EGYPT COULD HAVE SUCH A STRONG AND POWERFUL NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE ENTIRE WORLD

Although Egypt is one of the most important countries on the world stage, they have not been in the forefront of our thinking because they have remained relatively stable for more than 30 years.

The explosive uprisings that began last week in Cairo (and extended to other cities such as Alexandria) have placed Egypt center stage in the world’s psyche. I feel a special connection to Egypt because I visited Cairo and Alexandria in both December of 2009 in November of 2010. I found the Egyptians to be warm, friendly and gracious hosts who take great pride in their nation’s achievements.I just read an article that summarizes some of the key of reasons that Egypt plays such an important role on the world stage. I will paraphrase here:

There are a number of factors that make Egypt's unrest important, in that country, the Middle East, and the world.

Egypt is a strong U.S. ally

Egypt has been a key ally for the US in the region since the 1970s, and is currently the second highest recipient of U.S. foreign aid (after Israel). Our relationship with Egypt is complex and co-dependent. That explains why the Obama Administration has been reluctant to distance itself from Mubarak --initially.

Arbitrator in the Israel-Palestine peace process

Egypt has served as a key arbitrator in the Israel-Palestine peace process. As one of the few Arab interlocutors in the region, the Mubarak regime has been a powerful go-between. Israel is extremely concerned about the situation in Egypt because President Mubarak has preserved a peace treaty between the two countries for 30 years. Israel considers the treaty a strategic asset, and it fears that a regime change in Egypt could put the peace agreement in danger.

Egypt is a secular (vs. Islamist) nation

Ever since the Egyptian revolution of 1952, when Egypt finally was under rule by Egyptians, Presidents Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak have steadfastly maintained a secular nation. As a result, the door has been open to partner with the west and to broker peace in the Middle East. Given the power vacuum created by the removal of Mubarak, extreme religious opposition groups could emerge and seize power. There has always been a powerful faction inside Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood who was fought tirelessly, from underground, to transform Egypt to an Islamist nation governed by Sharia Law. Although the views of the Muslim Brotherhood represent less than half the population, they are the most powerful Islamist opposition group, (in existence since 1928).

Potential domino effect in other Arab and Muslim countries

Egypt’s revolution could give momentum to popular uprisings throughout the region where other archaic forms of government could be dismantled. There are many young, angry Muslim populations who are poised to take to the streets to protest oppressive regimes. Egyptian protesters have claimed they were inspired by the successful revolution in Tunisia earlier this month, which ousted the authoritarian president. Other Muslim nations, where discontent has been simmering beneath the surface, are at risk for comparable uprisings. Jordan has already responded by disassembling is parliament. Protests in Yemen have strengthened over the past few days. Other nations such as Libya and Algeria are vulnerable to similar revolts.

Economic stability in the Middle East

Since the protests began, Egypt's stock market has plummeted, and nearby Saudi Arabia's stock index dropped. Additionally, oil prices have already jumped due to fears over access to the Suez Canal.

Implications for the entire future of the Middle East

With the strong financial and political backing of the U.S., as well as its own powerful influence, Egypt is a major power broker in the Middle East. As the Economist puts it, "With its strategic situation, its cultural influence and a population double that of any other Arab country, Egypt has for three decades now been the linchpin of a precarious but enduring regional Pax Americana." If Egypt were to fall into chaos, not only the nation, but also the region, would be deeply affected.


Tunisia and Egypt’s uprisings are the results of decades of often brutal repression against civil liberties; ironclad control of the media; corrupt economic policies; single-party rule and the establishment of police states; high unemployment; and high poverty rates.

The people are sick and tired and are not going to take it anymore.