ABSTRACT
Since 1979, for close to four decades, Egypt has been considered one of the main pillars of US foreign policy in the Middle East, alongside Saudi Arabia. In the words of Martin Indyk, “Egypt is the strategic cornerstone of all American involvement in the Middle East” (Indyk 2009, 52). The strategic significance of this relationship for the United States stems from Egypt’s control of the Suez Canal, as well as of the land bridge that connects the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Furthermore, Egypt acts as a mediator in the peace process between Israel and the Arab world, serves as a counterweight to radical Islam, and provides security support for US troops stationed in the region. 1
