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Home , Alfred Atherton, Anwar Sadat, Hermann Eilts, Jehan Sadat, Kamal Hassan Ali, Mahmoud Riad

WMHSMUN XXXIV

After the Accords: Anwar ’s Cabinet

Background Guide

“Unprecedented committees. Unparalleled debate. Unmatched fun.” Letters From the Directors

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to WMHSMUN XXXIV! My name is Hank Hermens and I am excited to be the in-room Director for ’s Cabinet. I’m a junior at the College double majoring in International Relations and History. I have done model UN since my sophomore year of high school, and since then I have become increasingly involved. I compete as part of W&M’s travel team, staff our conferences, and have served as the Director of Media for our college level conference, &MUN. Right now, I’m a member of our Conference Team, planning travel and training delegates. Outside of MUN, I play trumpet in the Wind Ensemble, do research with AidData and for a professor, looking at the influence of Islamic institutions on electoral outcomes in . In my admittedly limited free time, I enjoy reading, running, and hanging out with my friends around campus.

As members of Anwar Sadat’s cabinet, you’ll have to deal with the fallout of ’s recent peace with , in Egypt, the greater Middle East and North , and the world. You’ll also meet economic challenges, rising national political tensions, and more. Some of the problems you come up against will be easily solved, with only short-term solutions necessary. Others will require complex, long term solutions, or risk the possibility of further crises arising. No matter what, we will favor creative, outside-the-box ideas as well as collaboration and .

I look forward to meeting you all and am excited to watch our committee unfold, from innovative crisis arcs to creative speeches and intense debate. Please feel free to reach out and email either Sam or me about the committee, positions, or really any questions that you might have. We’ll see you all on Zoom!

Hank Hermens [email protected]

Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet

Dear Delegates,

Hello and welcome to WMHSMUN XXXIV! My name is Samantha LeBlanc and I am your Crisis Director for Anwar Sadat’s cabinet. I am originally from eastern Massachusetts and a junior at the College of William and Mary majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Data Science. Over the past two years I have traveled, directed, and served on a Secretariat for IR Club, and right now I run our social media (you can follow us on Instagram @ircubwm). This will be my second time crisis directing for WMHSMUN, and my second time directing with Hank. Outside of Model UN, I enjoy spending (socially distanced) time with my friends on the front porch of the Global Research Institute house just off of campus. For the past year and a half, I’ve worked for AidData, a research lab under the Global Research Institute.

Over the course of the weekend you will be met with challenges with internal and foreign issues facing Egypt. We understand that many members of the committee are not from Egypt and have their own goals they wish to pursue, so it is essential that you all work together to create a lasting peace.

WMHSMUN may look different than in years past, but we hope you approach this committee with enthusiasm and creativity when Feel free to email me if you have any questions concerning committee, and I look forward to seeing all of your creative ideas conference weekend!

Samantha LeBlanc [email protected]

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Introduction

Anwar Sadat, Egypt, and Israel

Anwar Sadat became the third in 1970, upon the death of . Part of the Free Officers coup that overthrew the king of Egypt in the1952 Egyptian Revolution, he was instrumental in navigating the Accords peace process with Israel and the US in 1978. As a result, he shared the 1978 with Israel’s Prime Minister, . He attended an Egyptian military academy, through which he first met Nasser. In and out of prison for a variety of revolutionary causes throughout the 1940s, he joined Nasser’s Free Officers group in 1948.1 In 1949, following the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, Nasser, at that time a lieutenant Colonel, founded the group. Focused on liberating Egypt from British rule and the British-allied monarchy, and promoting Egyptian , the Free Officers overthrew and exiled Egypt’s king, Farouk, in 1952.2 Nasser became prime minister, and then president, soon after the coup. Ruling fairly autocratically, he governed until 1970. Under Nasser’s rule, Egypt turned moderately socialist, while purposely distancing itself from both the and .3 Nasser’s Egypt also allowed for Sudanese separation; Egypt’s southern neighbor became an independent republic in 1956.4 Egypt also continued to engage in conflicts with Israel, such as in the 1967 Six-Day War, which led to an overwhelming Israeli victory. Such conflicts guided much of Egyptian policy up until the . However, even after the Accords, Egypt was heavily split domestically over peace with Israel. After Nasser’s death, Anwar Sadat assumed the presidency. Despite the closeness of the two men during their earlier lives, Sadat worked to distance himself from the nationalist, left-wing policies of his predecessor. He engineered the economic policy, opening Egypt to foreign investment and trade. He also opened the country politically, allowing for greater personal and political freedom. Sadat approached Israel on the subject of peace talks numerous times. However, despite these initial attempts to broker peace, Sadat was turned down by Israel due to demands for the return of the , which Egypt had lost during the Six-Day War. As a result of these rejections and a domestically challenging position, Sadat organized an Egypt- and -led offensive against Israel, designed to take back the Peninsula and reclaim Syria’s .5 The war, called the due to the Arab Forces’ attack during Yom Kippur, resulted in a -brokered cease-fire and Israeli victory. It was complicated, and turned more dangerous, due to Soviet and US support of the Arab forces and Israel, respectively.

3 Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet

Despite the loss, Sadat’s prestige grew throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He used this newfound distinction to advocate further for peace with Israel. Sadat even expelled Soviet diplomats and opened diplomatic communications with the United States, knowing of the importance of the US in mediating peace.6

The Accords

The Yom Kippur War was ended through the Sinai Disengagement Agreements of 1974 and 1975, prompting further, future peace discussions. In 1977, Anwar Sadat visited Israel and addressed the , Israel’s parliamentary body, advocating for a renewed effort for peace. These actions were revolutionary for a sitting Arab leader.7 The next year, US President invited Sadat and Menachem Begin, the Israeli prime minister, to travel to Camp David to work towards terms for peace. Mediated by US President Jimmy Carter, their discussions centered around a “land-for-peace formula,” through which Israel would return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and Egypt would recognize Israel, and both states would establish diplomatic relations.8 Throughout the process, Egyptian-US relations improved substantially, and Egypt began to take in immense amounts of foreign aid. Eventually leading to the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, the meetings and subsequent Accords were based on three main objectives: Israel’s withdrawal from the territories it had captured, “the acknowledgement of Israel’s existence and sovereignty–and its right to exist in peace–by all the nations in the world,” and “an undivided . ”9 The process was arduous and long, filled with disagreements from both Egypt and Israel. The countries differed over much, but the most significant disagreement encompassed the consequence and the maintenance of Israeli settlements in the Sinai Peninsula.10 However, by the end of the US-mediated conference, the two states settled on an extensive pact that resulted in peace between both countries, improved relations for both with the US, the return of the Peninsula to Egypt, and the ability for Israel to use and traverse the . The two states also recommended that the provisions listed in the Accords apply to potential treaties between Israel and its other neighboring countries–, , and Syria.11

Topic 1: Domestic Happenings and Tensions

Despite his success in dealing with Israel and the United States, Anwar Sadat’s Egypt still faced numerous internal problems. Among them were exploding economic inequality and political turmoil

4 Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet centered in Sadat’s liberalization programs. Additionally, in the early , he had expelled a large number of Russians and moved away from Nasser’s nationalization programs, ending Egypt’s stint with . As mentioned earlier, through the Infitah, or “openness,” program, Sadat worked to liberalize and open Egypt’s economy. He denationalized “factories, real estate, and farms ‘sequestered’ by Nasser to make way for a socialist society.”12 Through the program, designed to foster domestic and international investment in Egyptian enterprises, Sadat hoped to invigorate Egypt’s relatively lethargic economy. The program incented the return of foreign banks and high investment. Unfortunately, the reforms were only modestly successful. Much investment centered in important, but unreliable sectors, such as the tourism industry, while sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture remained stagnant. Further, Egypt’s complex bureaucracy decreased the likelihood of investments from abroad, as foreigners struggled to navigate the array of red tape involved. While portions of Egyptian society profited, not enough of the country saw real returns on these programs. As a result of this maladjustment, infitah policies served primarily to centralize Egypt’s wealth in the hands of its elites. In contrast, the majority of the Egyptian public saw little to no gains in their wealth. The wealth of the elites grew substantially during and after the infitah reforms. Government leaders appointed their allies and cronies to positions of economic power, building a loyal base. Institutions including the military were given manufacturing contracts and elites established companies that were, in effect, subsidiaries of the other institutions they already controlled. These conglomerates drew an increasing number of people into the public sector, moving from a government employing 3.8% of the population under Nasser to 10% (35% of the entire labor force) by the late 1970s and early . The middle class, which had seen growth under Nasser, became increasingly constrained and experienced rising unemployment.13 These economic challenges led to growing domestic unrest and discontent with the regime, possibly leading Sadat to pursue diplomatic and foreign policy successes. Unfortunately, even befriending the US and making peace with Israel could not keep the Egyptian people content. Sadat’s “image as the hero of the 1973 war began to fall apart; his status as ‘the family’s patriarch’ crumbled; his credibility disintegrated. Additionally, he encountered political challenges from across the spectrum, including Islamists, Arab Nationalists, and Nasserites.14 This domestic unrest resulted in the 1977 bread riots, which saw take “to the streets of burning, looting, and cursing the regime – and Sadat.”15 Caused by the Sadat regime’s subservience to the World Bank’s and International Monetary Fund’s demands to cut food subsidies (causing food prices to rise by 50%), Egypt’s lower classes came out in droves to what they

5 Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet saw as unjust. The were only ended by Sadat’s deployment of the military and reinstatement of the subsidies. Alongside these domestic economic challenges, Sadat faced immense political challenges at home. In conjunction with his economic liberalization policies, Sadat sought to liberalize Egypt politically and socially. Simultaneously, however, he bolstered the power and presence of and Islamists in Egyptian society. This growth, combined with his attacks on and repeals of leftist political and economic policies, led to Sadat missing out on a direct base to appeal to. Across the Arab world, Islamists were becoming increasingly powerful. As defeats shocked Arab nationalist sentiment, political Islam grew in its place. In Egypt, Sadat contributed by loosening restrictions on Islamist political parties, such as the . While the organization itself remained banned, its members were released from prison and permitted to reassimilate into politics. Socially too, Islam became more ingrained in everyday life. The Sadat regime banned most alcohol sales and ordered television stations to play the call to prayer. Despite these plays to Egyptian Islamists, Sadat’s policies still fostered distaste from Islamists. He subscribed to a more liberal belief system, advocating for a larger social and political presence for women in society. He also opposed mandatory hijab, which some parties promoted. Further, his visit to Israel and the Camp David Accords did not boost his reputation. As seen in much of the Middle East and North Africa, Sadat’s decision to pursue peace with Israel led to widespread discontent among his constituents in Egypt. He received death threats from numerous parts of the Egyptian Islamist society.

Topic 2: Foreign Policy Challenges

In addition, and often related, to its domestic tensions, Egypt faced a number of foreign policy challenges under Sadat. Mainly tensions with other Middle Eastern and North African states, Egypt’s foreign policy challenges often stemmed, directly, from the way that Egypt worked to establish a peace with Israel and accepted the disenfranchisement of Palestinians. As an additional consequence of seeking peace, Egypt was forced to end its long-lasting relationship with the Soviet Union, missing out on the arms shipments and other material support it had grown familiar with since the expulsion of British rule and King Farouk. In 1979, as a direct result of the Camp David Accords, and following a vote of the member states in Baghdad, Egypt was suspended from the .16 The League itself had suffered increased division among members, culminating in short conflicts between member states and a lengthy civil war in Yemen.

6 Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet

The membership was also divided by opposing interests within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, , Syria, , and Algeria came together to condemn Egypt’s actions, showing some level of agreement over Sadat’s decision making.17 All five states also severed diplomatic connections with Egypt. Egypt’s position was further hindered by its reliance on foreign aid (namely from the US after establishing diplomatic connections). The country “depends on outside sources for its military and economic survival,” endangering “its political independence and, in the long run, Sadat’s ability to lead” the Arab world through a transformational diplomacy.18 Sadat has made it clear, through his actions with other Arab states, that he maintains a dual goal of, where possible, Egyptian leadership in the Middle East and North Africa and substantial Egyptian economic growth. As a result, the country may be willing to look beyond political differences if relationships may prove a boon to Egyptian coffers. Egypt has also recently experienced conflict with neighboring North African states. The war began in July of 1977, with Libyan tanks raiding Egyptian villages on the border. Tensions between the two countries had been building since the early 1970s, due to Egypt’s refusal to explore a collaboration between the two countries into a larger state and due to Sadat pursuing peace with Israel. , as a result, directed Libya to fund and support dissidents and plots in an effort to weaken or even kill Sadat. Alongside tensions with Libya, Sadat’s Egypt also experienced widespread tensions with other Arab states. Palestinian leaders, particularly within the PLO, have expressed disappointment and fury over Egypt’s decision to make peace with Israel. Despite Sadat’s speeches within the Knesset, he has become regarded as having abandoned the Palestinian cause. The Arab League also recommended the implementation of a boycott on Egyptian goods, potentially further damaging its already fragile economic position. Following the severance of diplomatic relations of the five earlier states, , Jordan, , and nine other Middle Eastern and North African countries (seventeen total) broke off their relationships with Egypt. However, Egypt maintained diplomatic relations with , Somalia, (none of which are powerhouses in the international community). A final consideration is that of Egypt’s relationship with the Soviet Union and the United States. As this committee takes place at the height of the , it will be important to examine the potential consequences (or outright benefits) of improved relations with the US. Egypt only recently expelled its Soviet advisors and technical experts and established diplomatic relations with the US. It may be able to appeal to US interests, particularly for an increased foothold in the Middle East and North Africa, in order to counter the budding threat posed by irritant Arab states who have severed their relations with Egypt.19

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Committee Objectives

Delegates will attempt to guide Egypt through these turbulent times. Despite immense success, Anwar Sadat, and his cabinet and other advisors, have never faced such a diverse array of challenges. They must collaborate to respond to internal political divisions and economic hardships and inequality. They may encounter protests or riots or revolts from within, or attacks from outside. Delegates will be forced to speak for Egypt to other Middle Eastern and North African states, advocating against attack and persecution due to its unique relationship with Israel.

Dossier

Mamdouh Salem, Salem first served as the governor of Asyut, Gaarbiya and before serving as Minister of the Interior. In 1976 Salem founded the Egyptian Arab Socialist Party shortly after becoming prime minister

Lieut. Gen. Husni Mubarak, Vice President of Egypt Mubarak served in the Egyptian Air Force and eventually became Commander of the Air Force and Deputy Minister of Defense in 1972. In 1975 Anwar Sadat appointed him as vice president.

Minister Ismail Fahmy, Foreign Minister Fahmey formerly served on Egypt’s delegation to the United Nations until 1957. Before becoming the Deputy Foreign Minister in 1971 Fahmy served as Egypt’s ambassador to France and . He was then appointed as Foreign Minister in 1973.

Gen. Mohammed Abdel Ghany el‐Gamasy, Minister of Defense El-Gamasy was the Chief of Operations for Ground Forces during the October War in 1973 and was later appointed by Sadat to be the head of disengagement talks at “Kilometer 101”. In 1974 he was appointed Minister of Defense.

Mustafa Khalil, Secretary General of the Arab Socialist Union Khalil is an important figure in negotiations with Egypt, visiting Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin with Sadat in 1977. In addition to diplomatic missions, Khalil was head of the only political party in Egypt.

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Lt. Gen. , Director of General Intelligence Ali began his military career by serving for the British Army in 1942. Afterwards he was involved in the Arab-Israeli war and served as Engineer in Chief during the Yom Kippur War. Before being appointed Director of intelligence in 1975 Ali was commander of the Central Military Zone.

Minister of State , Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Starting in 1974 Ghali served in the Central Committee for the Arab Socialist Union. He accompanied Khalil as his deputy to Jerusalim to meet Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Billy Graham, American Evangelist is famous for his evangelical preachings that had reached millions of Americans through radio and television. Prior to the accords Sadat invited Graham to Egypt to garner American support and preach a message of peace and cooperation

Jehan Sadat, First Lady of Egypt, is a renowned feminist who reformed Egypt’s civil rights laws (now known “Jehan’s laws” to promote women’s rights. After visiting wounded soldiers from the six-day war, Sadat founded the al Wafa’ Wa Amal Rehabilitation Center to help veterans.

Nabawi Ismael, Minister of the Interior After graduating from the police academy Ismael joined the security forces of Egypt. In 1977 Mohieddin appointed him to be the Minister of the Interior and he currently holds the position in Sadat’s cabinet.

Ahmed Asmat Abdel-Meguid, Egypt’s representative to UN Before becoming Egypt’s representative to the UN Meguid held several positions including chairman of the State information Service, ambassador to France, and deputy foreign minister. In 1972 he became Egypt’s high representative to the UN, a position he currently holds.

Mahmoud Riad,Secretary General of the Arab League Riad is a diplomat who became a permanent representative to the UN in 1962. From 1964 to 1972 he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs until being elected as the Secretary General of the League of Arab Nations.

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Ashraf Ghorbal, Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Ghorbal entered diplomatic service in 1949 when he became one of the Egyptian delegates to the United Nations. In 1973 he was appointed by Sadat to be the media advisor until November 1973 when Egypt reestablished diplomatic ties to the United States. Following this event Ghorbal became the ambassador to the United States.

Alfred Atherton, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Atherton is an American who first joined the foreign service in 1947 and has served in various positions such as Country Director for Israel and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs.

Hermann Eilts, American Ambassador to Egypt Before becoming ambassador to Egypt Eilts served in other posts in the Middle East, North Africa and South including Libya, Saudi Arabia, and . In 1974 he became America’s first ambassador to Egypt after diplomatic ties were reestablished.

Moshe Dayan, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Dayan had an illustrious military career since he joined at the age of 14. He is well known for wearing an eyepatch after losing an eye to a Vichy French soldier in the 1941 Syria Lebanon Campaign. After retiring from the IDF Dayan joined the Mapai Party. In 1977 he was appointed Foreign Minister by prime minister Menachem Begin

Ezer Weizman, Israeli Minister of Defense Weizman is a renowned pilot who first started to learn how to fly at age 16 and joined the Royal Air Force at 18. By 1950 he became the head of operations at the Israeli Air Force. After retiring in 1969 he became involved in politics and ran the election campaign for prime minister Menachim Begin. For his efforts he was appointed minister of defense.

Simcha Dinitz, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Before becoming ambassador, Dinitz served as Director General of the Prime Minister’s office and advisor to Prime Minister . While serving as ambassador to the United States, Dinitz was also serving as

10 Background Guide – Anwar Sadat’s Cabinet a nonresidential ambassador to the Bahamas. During the Yom Kippur war he also helped coordinate weapons shipments from the United States.

Cyrus Vance, Secretary of State from the United States After graduating from Yale Law School, Vance served in the Navy during World War II. After the war he took a job at the law firm Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett in New York. Before becoming secretary of state Vance served in many positions in the US Government including Secretary of the Army and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Zbigniew Brzezinski, United States National Security Advisor Brzezinski was originally born in Warsaw, Poland before his family immigrated to the United States. As an advisor to the John F. Kennedy campaign Brzezinski pushed for a peaceful engagement with the Soviet Bloc. In 1976 he was selected to be the National Security Advisor for president Jimmy Carter.

Sources

1 “Anwar el-Sadat Biography.” biography.com, Maven Channel, 2 October 2019, https://www.biography.com/political- figure/anwar-el-sadat. Accessed October 2020. 2 Allouche, Yasmina. “Remembering the 1952 Egyptian Revolution.” Middle East Monitor, Ardi Associates Ltd, 23 July 2017, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170723-remembering-the-1952-egyptian-revolution/. Accessed October 2020. “The revolution and the Republic.” Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2020, https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt/The-revolution-and-the-Republic#ref307102. Accessed October 2020. 3 “Military seizes power in Egypt.” History.com, Maven Channel, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/military-seizes- power-in-egypt. Accessed October 2020. 4 “The revolution and the Republic.” Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2020, https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt/The-revolution-and-the-Republic#ref307102. Accessed October 2020. 5 History.com Editors. “Yom Kippur War.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, November 9, 2009. https://www.history.com/topics/middle-east/yom-kippur-war. 6 Ibid. 7 Al Jazeera. “Profile: Anwar Sadat.” Israel | Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera, January 25, 2010. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2010/01/25/profile-anwar-sadat/. 8 Ibid. 9 “Camp David Accords: Jimmy Carter Reflects 25 Years Later.” The Carter Center. Accessed October 18, 2020. https://www.cartercenter.org/news/documents/doc1482.html. 10 Ibid. 11 “Camp David Accords: The Framework for Peace in the Middle East - Research - The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.” Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Accessed October 18, 2020. https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/research/framework_for_peace_in_the_middle_east. 12 http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=77c13719-c082-4022-88aa- 068679e2142d%40sessionmgr103 13 OSMAN, TAREK. Egypt on the Brink: From Nasser to the Muslim Brotherhood, Revised and Updated. Yale University Press, 2013. Accessed October 18, 2020. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt5vm1bv. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 “The Arab League.” Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations. Accessed October 18, 2020. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/arab-league.

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17 Boutros-Ghali, Boutros. “The Foreign Policy of Egypt in the Post-Sadat Era.” Foreign Affairs 60, no. 4 (1982): 769. https://doi.org/10.2307/20041172. 18 A Coming of Age: The Foreign Policy of Anwar Sadat. Central Intelligence Agency, Written 1975, Declassified 2005. Intelligence Memoranda, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP79T00865A002500320001-0.pdf. Accessed October 2020. 19 Bradford, Gregory Hale. The rise and fall of Soviet influence in Egypt. Naval Postgraduate School, 1976. Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School, https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/17929. Accessed October 2020.

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