The authoritarian leader who ruled Egypt for nearly three decades, suppressing opposition and maintaining a tight grip on power, while also maintaining a delicate balance of power in the Middle East. He's infamous for his regime's human rights abuses and corruption.
Hosni Mubarak, the fourth president of Egypt, is known for his nearly three-decade-long reign, from 1981 to 2011, making him the country's longest-serving ruler since Muhammad Ali Pasha. During his presidency, Mubarak navigated the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics, fostering relationships with the United States and Israel, while grappling with internal strife and economic turmoil.
Born on May 4, 1928, in Kafr el-Muselha, Egypt, Mubarak grew up during a tumultuous period in Egyptian history. He graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1949 and went on to pursue a career in the Egyptian Air Force, rising through the ranks to become its commander from 1972 to 1975.
In 1975, Mubarak was appointed vice president by President Anwar Sadat, and shortly after Sadat's assassination in 1981, Mubarak assumed the presidency. He solidified his position through a series of single-candidate referendums, holding power for almost 30 years.
While Mubarak's presidency brought a measure of stability and economic growth to Egypt, his rule was marred by repression and human rights abuses. The state of emergency, in place since the 1967 war, stifled political opposition, and the security services became notorious for their brutality. Corruption permeated every level of government, further eroding trust in the regime.
Mubarak played a significant role in regional politics, supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and participating in the Gulf War. In 1989, he successfully reinstated Egypt's membership in the Arab League and returned the organization's headquarters to Cairo.
The Arab Spring protests of 2011 brought Mubarak's regime to its knees. After 18 days of demonstrations, Mubarak stepped down, transferring authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. His legacy is marked by controversy, with many viewing him as a stabilizing force, while others condemn his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.
Mubarak was married to Suzanne Mubarak, a prominent philanthropist and women's rights advocate. The couple had two sons, Alaa and Gamal, both of whom have been embroiled in controversy and corruption allegations.
"The peace process is a fragile one, and we must do everything we can to preserve it." - Hosni Mubarak
Mubarak's reign coincided with a transformative period in Middle Eastern history, marked by the rise of Islamist movements, the Iranian Revolution, and the Gulf Wars. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of modern Egyptian politics.
Mubarak's presidency can be compared to those of his contemporaries, such as Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, all of whom ruled their countries with an iron fist and faced significant international criticism.
Mubarak's presidency has had a lasting impact on modern Egyptian society, shaping the country's political landscape and informing its relationships with the international community.
Mubarak received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States and the Order of the White Eagle from Poland.
Suzanne Mubarak, Hosni's wife, was a prominent philanthropist, working to improve education and women's rights in Egypt.
Hosni Mubarak's complex and multifaceted legacy continues to shape the Middle East, serving as a reminder of the power and peril of authoritarian rule.
Born in 1918
Led Egypt through a period of rapid modernization and nationalism, becoming a symbol of Arab unity and resistance to Western influence. He nationalized the Suez Canal and implemented socialist reforms.
83 Years Old
Egypt's first Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, known for leading the International Atomic Energy Agency and advocating for nuclear disarmament and democracy.
89 Years Old
Egypt's former spy chief and VP, known for his role in suppressing dissent and negotiating with Israel, and later becoming a presidential candidate.
70 Years Old
Egypt's sixth president, a military leader who seized power in a coup, known for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. He has dominated Egyptian politics since 2013.
68 Years Old
Iran's sixth president, a controversial figure known for his anti-Western rhetoric and disputed re-election, who sparked global concern over Iran's nuclear program.
60 Years Old
The current President of Syria, known for his authoritarian rule and involvement in the Syrian Civil War, which has led to widespread human suffering and global political tensions.
