The Last Pharaoh: Mubarak and the Uncertain Future of Egypt in the Obama Age

by Aladdin Elaasar

This book covers Egypt's modern history since 1952 with chronology of Ancient Egyptian history to the present day. It focuses on the Mubarak regime and predicts its downfall and what can unfold in the near future and how it can impact American and Western interests in the Middle East. The book is a good primer and textbook for students of social studies, political science and history at school and college levels. It also explains modern Arab politics and the dynamics of authoritarian rule in the whole region. It is written in a very simple style and narrative which makes it an easy reader, but a valuable academic reference book, as it is very well researched and documented by award-winning and bestselling author of Silent Victims, Professor Aladdin Elaasar.

Genres: History

438 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Native Egyptian former professor of Arabic Language and Area Studies at the Defense Language Institute, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Aladdin Elaasar was nominated as a candidate for the presidential elections in Egypt in 2005.

Reviews

[smboro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wondering why this book is exiting to many?- Read the title “The Last Pharaon” then roll your eyes down to the front cover cartoon (by Kjell Nilsson-Maki)and should you turn the book you will see Barak Obama (this credit goes to the book cover designer Neal Wiegert)- all this makes an exiting but also easy digestible meal. Oh yes, don’t skip the Chronology (Egyptian history told in bullets) it’s the appetizer!

The book’s first half brought back to me some peculiar memories of growing up and questioning all the heroism I was supposed to digest. The "heroes" for children in many countries are either dead or ruling the country – it can’t get fishier! (or so I thought :) That sorts of memories would have been all to the book for me if, while still reading it, I didn’t see an all American movie - Great Balls of Fire. The movie has many layers but the story of the two cousins was the yummiest for me– the two men grow up to be different (goals and lifestyles) both have different drives to all sorts of things in life but one peculiar exception... the way they relate to women is identical. Back to the book – it hints and in some chapters provides evidence that, after all, people’s drive to relationships isn't that individual but it goes together with the society they live in.

[Mohamed ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
"Combining an uncanny sense of clarity and understatement, Aladdin Elaasar weaves Egypt's historical grandeur with an unnerving cascade of political intrigue that reveals a side of Mubarak the world cannot long ignore. In one fell swoop, the reader's admiration for Egypt is both strengthened, and the source of unease revealed, as the author sheds light on the darkness of Egyptian politics that could one day turn catastrophic. With so much at stake, the West is slowly coming to grips with a new reality; a reality which no single book or author could possibly address." --Professor Tate Miller, expert on International Negotiations at the Monterey Institute of International Studies

"Egypt is the next domino to fall and, as they say, so goes Egypt so goes the Middle East...explaining why a pillar of American dominance in that part of the world is about to crumble." --Robert Baer, former Middle East-based CIA operative and author of See No Evil, and Sleeping with the Devil

"Let me give you the four scariest words I can't pronounce in Arabic: Egypt after Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak's "emergency rule" dictatorship is deep into its third decade, making him one of Egypt's most durable pharaohs. His succession plan is clear: Son Gamal tries to replicate Beijing's model of economic reform, forestalling political reform... American policymakers could soon face the same tough choice on Egypt that they once suffered with Iran's faltering Shah: Step in with maximum effort during a succession crisis or let the chips fall where they may. Washington's soft peddling of democracy hasn't moved the highly corrupt government toward any serious political reform, as the Mubarak's prefer Beijing's blueprint over anything we might offer. And, as the regime resorts to stoking anti-Western and anti-Semitic popular sentiment, it gets harder to imagine a path forward for U.S.-Egyptian relations as this global recession advances. All I can say, Mr. President, is that when you decide which major Islamic capital will be the venue for your much-anticipated address to the Muslim world, do yourself a favor and pass on restive Cairo, because you just might trigger more response than your administration can afford right now." --Professor Thomas P. M. Barnett, Naval War College

"Peeling back layer after complex layer of Egypt's politics, culture, and intrigues, Elaasar de-mystifies Egypt without tarnishing her almost mystical status as the pinnacle of Arabian culture, and the bedrock of human civilization. This book is stunning in its revelations of Mubarak's stranglehold on every aspect of life in this glorious, long suffering nation. Connecting one mysterious dot to the next, Elaasar teases the reader from chapter to chapter, as he lucidly explains the details of Egypt's worst kept secrets of all...the 'secret' of Mubarak's power and how he plans to rule from his own royal crypt." --Professor Tate Miller, expert on International Negotiations at the Monterey Institute of International Studies

"When it happens, it will rock the world..: octogenarian Mubarak, will leave office, either by his own decision or that of Providence, probably within the next three years. So far, few in the West have paid much attention. But Egyptians certainly are getting ready, and we should do so as well." --Georgetown University Professor Michelle Dunne, expert on Arab politics and U.S. policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Product Description
This book covers Egypt's modern history since 1952 with chronology of Ancient Egyptian history to the present day. It focuses on the Mubarak regime and predicts its downfall and what can unfold in the near future and how it can impact American and Western interests in the Middle East. The book is a good primer and textbook for students of social studies, political science and history at school and college levels. It also explains modern Arab politics and the dynamics of authoritarian rule in the whole region. It is written in a very simple style and narrative which makes it an easy reader, but a valuable academic reference book, as it is very well researched and documented by award-winning and bestselling author of Silent Victims, Professor Aladdin Elaasar.

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Product Details

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: The Last Pharaoh: Mubarak and the Uncertain Future of Egypt in the Obama Age
This book covers Egypt's modern history since 1952 with chronology of Ancient Egyptian history to the present day. It focuses on the Mubarak regime and predicts its downfall and what can unfold in the near future and how it can impact American and Western interests in the Middle East. The book is a good primer and textbook for students of social studies, political science and history at school and college levels. It also explains modern Arab politics and the dynamics of authoritarian rule in the whole region. It is written in a very simple style and narrative which makes it an easy reader, but a valuable academic reference book, as it is very well researched and documented by award-winning and bestselling author of Silent Victims, Professor Aladdin Elaasar.
Book Review:
This banned book is a must read for everyone. “The Last Pharaoh” dissects the political life in Egypt and Arab countries. The book raised the ire of the Mubarak’s government as it exposes the deep corruption, grave human rights abuses, and the authoritarianism of the Mubarak’s regime.
Packed with facts and telling the story of both modern and ancient Egypt, how the modern Arab and Islamic Worlds evolved, and interviewing experts, politicians, journalists and Western diplomats, Elaasar reveals the secrets of the personality cults behind Mubarak and other Middle Eastern leaders, and how religion has been exploited to give legitimacy to these oppressive regimes-- resulting into exporting extremism globally and undermining America’s efforts in the War on Terror.
Egypt’s old dictator is in his final days. The countdown has started. Mubarak has been in power since 1981 and was elected for six more years in 2005. Concerns about Mubarak’s health draw much greater attention to the question of who will next rule the nation of Egypt? Succession plan for Mubarak’s son Gamal is already in place. “When it happens, it will rock the world..: octogenarian Mubarak, will leave office, either by his own decision or that of Providence, probably within the next three years. So far, few in the West have paid much attention. But Egyptians certainly are getting ready, and we should do so as well”, says Georgetown University Professor Michelle Dunne, expert on Arab politics and U.S. policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
The author says the next U.S. president will need to pay close attention to the volatile political situation in Egypt, one of America's strongest and most important allies in the Middle East. The author believes U.S. policymakers now face a difficult choice: continuing to support the iron-fisted rule of Egypt's current president and his likely hand-picked successor, or backing a beleaguered democratic opposition that some believe could open the door to Islamic fundamentalist rule.
In this book, Egyptian-American writer Aladdin Elaasar offers the next American president his blunt assessment of Egypt's near-term outlook. Elaasar believes Mubarak, America's "strong man" in Egypt and the recipient of billions of dollars in U.S. military and development aid, is losing his grip on power after 28 years of autocratic rule.
The author believes there are many signs that time is running out for Mubarak, who succeeded Sadat after the 1981 assassination. Elaasar says Egypt's severe economic problems are just one sign that Mubarak's grip on power is loosening. "There is about 37% unemployment in Egypt," Elaasar notes. "There is about 2% to 5% of the people who monopolize the economy and these people are elites around Mubarak and his party. And there is at least 40% of the people in Egypt who live under the poverty line. So there are a lot of indications of social ailments and illnesses and we need to pay attention to that."
Elaasar cites the Mubarak government's well-documented use of repression and police-state tactics to intimidate or silence its political opponents. Those tactics earned Mubarak strong rebukes from the U.S. and other countries following the 2005 presidential election, which critics claim was massively rigged to ensure a Mubarak victory. And Elaasar sees a rising tide of popular frustration and dissatisfaction with Mubarak that encompasses labor unions, teachers, lawyers, judges and youth throughout the country.
The situation in Egypt today is similar of Iran just before the 1979 overthrow of the Shah by Islamic fundamentalists. Mubarak reminds me of the last days of the Shah. He was living a life of extravagance and surrounded by his elites. He was so oppressive. And that paved the way for the extreme right to come in. And we know the rest of the story.
In The Last Pharaoh, Elaasar writes that the next American president can expect one of several difficult scenarios to unfold in Egypt in the months ahead. "The Mubarak regime is preparing itself for the next step," the author explains, "which is making his son, Gamal Mubarak, to be the next president of Egypt. But the other scenario that can play out is that there are other political powers, so it could be the extreme religious right that can take over, or things can get out of control because of the poverty level and the suffering of the Egyptian people, so the people in the street can do something when things reach a very desperate level."Author Alaadin Elaasar urges the next American president to shift U.S. policies on Egypt toward strategies that promote democracy in the country.
"We really need to make sure that there would be democracy and change," Elaasar warns, "because if this does not start, people reach the extent of desperateness. And then desperateness breathes out all kinds of violence and all kinds of extremism that opens the door for extremists to jump in and pretend they have the solution."
The author says the worst-case scenario in Egypt would be a military coup, which would turn Egypt into what he describes as a "God-knows-what" regime.
Whatever the fate of the Mubarak regime, author Alaadin Elaasar believes significant change in Egypt's government will have profound effects on the region, and on U.S. interests in the Middle East. For that reason, he believes, the next U.S. President will need to follow developments in this Arab nation with a watchful and wary eye.
Visible signs of discord between the United States and Egypt over a wide array of issues have appeared in recent years. Equally alarming is the rise of anti-American conspiracy theories in Egypt’s state media.
Haunted by the memories of the overnight fall of the Shah of Iran to the Ayatollahs, U.S. policymakers fear a similar event in Egypt. Once thought to be a strong U.S. ally, the Shah of Iran, lost his grip over power to the zealous clergy sabotaging every effort for peace and stability in the region. Marcos and Suharto, two old dictators considered strong U.S. allies, as well, fell to the angry mobs in the Philippines and Indonesia.
President Obama is likely to find himself facing an unbelievably bad choice in the largest Arab country, says Elaasar-- discussing several scenarios that can take place in Egypt. “Would America intervene militarily to preserve Gamal’s faltering rule? Would an ambitious general stage another coup, turning Egypt into a God -knows-what regime? Would that general ally himself with Muslim radical groups like the Muslim Brothers, Hamas, or Hezbollah? Would Egypt witness another Khomeini-style revolution? Considering the alarming rising poverty figures in Egypt and the disparities between the classes, could Egypt be overrun by an angry and hungry mob, French Revolution style? Egypt would then erupt into lawlessness, chaos, or perhaps civil war with the dissolving of the central government, its head figures and its upper class already preparing for such a turn of events.
Whatever the scenario would be, spill over from what could occur in Egypt in the near future would impact many nations, Elaasar warns in his book “The Last Pharaoh”.
But with the global recession now reaching down deeply into emerging markets, serious cracks emerge in the Mubarak regime’s facade. Unemployment is - unofficially - somewhere north of 30 percent. Worse, it’s highly concentrated among youth, whose demographic bulge currently generates 800,000 new jobseekers every year.
That’s the bold prediction offered by journalist Aladdin Elaasar in his book, “The Last Pharaoh.” Elaasar argues that American policymakers could soon face the same tough choice on Egypt that they once suffered with Iran’s faltering Shah: step in with maximum effort during a succession crisis or let the chips fall where they may.
The specter of an unstable Egypt abutting the already highly unstable and violent Horn of Africa (e.g., Sudan, Somalia) looms large in our near-term worries.
Like Palestine’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood has made a serious effort at providing social services to a disgruntled population of 80-plus million that receives the slimmest of safety nets from a government more interested in political order than social justice.
Elaasar’s book raises troubling questions about U.S. policy toward the world’s largest Arab state. Washington’s soft peddling of democracy hasn’t moved the highly corrupt government toward any serious political reform. And as the regime resorts to stoking anti-Western and anti-Semitic popular sentiment, it gets harder to imagine a path forward for U.S.-Egyptian relations.
All I can say, Mr. President-Elect, is that when you decide which major Islamic capital will be the venue for your much-anticipated address to the Muslim world, do yourself a favor and pass on restive Cairo, because you just might trigger more response than your administration can afford right now.

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banned book by award-winning author Aladdin Elaasar is released in the USA. “The Last Pharaoh: Mubarak and the Uncertain Future of Egypt in the Obama Age ” is banned in Egypt and Arab countries after its initial release as an eBook on Amazon. The hard copy is now available through Beacon Press.
“The Last Pharaoh” dissects the political life in Egypt and Arab countries. The book raised the ire of the Mubarak’s government as it exposes the deep corruption, grave human rights abuses, and the authoritarianism of the Mubarak’s regime.
Packed with facts and telling the story of both modern and ancient Egypt, how the modern Arab and Islamic Worlds evolved, and interviewing experts, politicians, journalists and Western diplomats, Elaasar reveals the secrets of the personality cults behind Mubarak and other Middle Eastern leaders, and how religion has been exploited to give legitimacy to these oppressive regimes-- resulting into exporting extremism globally and undermining America’s efforts in the War on Terror.
“Combining an uncanny sense of clarity and understatement, Aladdin Elaasar weaves Egypt’s historical grandeur with an unnerving cascade of political intrigue that reveals a side of Mubarak the world cannot long ignore. In one fell swoop, the reader’s admiration for Egypt is both strengthened, and the source of unease revealed, as the author sheds light on the darkness of Egyptian politics that could one day turn catastrophic. With so much at stake, the West is slowly coming to grips with a new reality; a reality which no single book or author could possibly address”, says Professor Tate Miller, expert on International Negotiations at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
"Peeling back layer after complex layer of Egypt’s politics, culture, and intrigues, Elaasar de-mystifies Egypt without tarnishing her almost mystical status as the pinnacle of Arabian culture, and the bedrock of human civilization. This book is stunning in its revelations of Mubarak’s stranglehold on every aspect of life in this glorious, long suffering nation. Connecting one mysterious dot to the next, Elaasar teases the reader from chapter to chapter, as he lucidly explains the details of Egypt’s worst kept secrets of all…the ‘secret’ of Mubarak’s power and how he plans to rule from his own royal crypt," adds Professor Miller.
“Egypt is the next domino to fall and, as they say, so goes Egypt so goes the Middle East...explaining why a pillar of American dominance in that part of the world is about to crumble,” says Robert Baer, former Middle East-based CIA operative and author of See No Evil, and Sleeping with the Devil.
The 83 years old President Mubarak of Egypt has been in power since 1981 and was elected for six more years in 2005. Concerns about Mubarak’s health draw much greater attention to the question of who will next rule the nation of Egypt? Succession plan for Mubarak’s son Gamal is already in place.
Visible signs of discord between the United States and Egypt over a wide array of issues have appeared in recent years. Equally alarming is the rise of anti-American conspiracy theories in Egypt’s state media.
Haunted by the memories of the overnight fall of the Shah of Iran to the Ayatollahs, U.S. policymakers fear a similar event in Egypt. Once thought to be a strong U.S. ally, the Shah of Iran, lost his grip over power to the zealous clergy sabotaging every effort for peace and stability in the region. Marcos and Suharto, two old dictators considered strong U.S. allies, as well, fell to the angry mobs in the Philippines and Indonesia.
President Obama is likely to find himself facing an unbelievably bad choice in the largest Arab country, says Elaasar-- discussing several scenarios that can take place in Egypt. “Would America intervene militarily to preserve Gamal’s faltering rule? Would an ambitious general stage another coup, turning Egypt into a God -knows-what regime? Would that general ally himself with Muslim radical groups like the Muslim Brothers, Hamas, or Hezbollah? Would Egypt witness another Khomeini-style revolution? Considering the alarming rising poverty figures in Egypt and the disparities between the classes, could Egypt be overrun by an angry and hungry mob, French Revolution style? Egypt would then erupt into lawlessness, chaos, or perhaps civil war with the dissolving of the central government, its head figures and its upper class already preparing for such a turn of events.
Whatever the scenario would be, spill over from what could occur in Egypt in the near future would impact many nations, Elaasar warns in his book “The Last Pharaoh”.

The Last Pharaoh is available on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Pharaoh-Mu...

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise for -The Last Pharaoh-

-This book is stunning in its revelations of Mubarak-s stranglehold on every aspect of life in this glorious, long suffering nation. Connecting one mysterious dot to the next, the author teases the reader from chapter to chapter as he lucidly explains the details of Egypt-s worst kept secrets of all-the -secret- of Mubarak-s power and how he plans to rule from his own royal crypt. " - Professor Tate Miller, Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Why everyone has to read this book?

-Let me give you the four scariest words I can't pronounce in Arabic: Egypt after Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak's "emergency rule" dictatorship is deep into its third decade, making him one of Egypt's most durable pharaohs. His succession plan is clear: Son Gamal tries to replicate Beijing's model of economic reform, forestalling political reform...- - Thomas P. M. Barnett, Esquire columnist and author of -The Country to Watch: Egypt"

-U.S. policymakers now face a difficult choice: continuing to support the iron-fisted rule of Egypt's current president and his likely hand-picked successor, or backing a beleaguered democratic opposition that some believe could open the door to Islamic fundamentalist rule-.

- Voice of America

-When it happens, it will rock the world..: octogenarian Mubarak, will leave office, either by his own decision or that of Providence, probably within the next three years. So far, few in the West have paid much attention. But Egyptians certainly are getting ready, and we should do so as well-, says Georgetown University Professor Michelle Dunne, expert on Arab politics and U.S. policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

An Eye Opener

This banned book is a must read. As Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak enters his 28th year in power and his ninth decade, Egypt's future is more uncertain than ever. Egyptian society is stagnant. Despite having a glorious heritage and a sense of nationhood that goes back millennia, Egyptians are pessimistic about the future of their country.

Egypt's old dictator is in his final days. Succession plan for Mubarak's son Gamal is already in place. We will see big headlines soon coming from Egypt as the next domino to fall. Remember the Shah of Iran, Suharto and Maros. History repeats itself.
Also recommended Silent Victims: The Plight of Arab & Muslim Americans in Post 9/11 America

The Most Important Book of our decade

The coincidence of Will Smith's movie of a similar name and Elaasars' courageous book is no accident. "The Last Pharaoh" is on his "last leg" as it were and the rest of th e world seems for the most part ignorant or at best apathetic toward "the most dangerous political vacuum in the world"

A country armed to the teeth - with state of the art American weapons and an oppressed and starving population sound familiar?

The coming disaster is nothing short of a Napoleonic nightmare in the making and one can imagine several scenarios of cataclysm starting with a replay of Bastille day and ending with occupation, death and genocide throughout Africa (a country begging for unification) Eastern Europe and the middle east. Throw in an easily manipulated America, with a limping military and an almost uncanny knack for double edged diplomacy and you have got Armageddon in the offing.

Everyone needs to read this book to 1) be ready and understand 2) Act within social conventions to influence thoughtful policy measures and 3) Pray for luck

AList(tm) book review - Arabisto.com

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise for “The Last Pharaoh”
“This book is stunning in its revelations of Mubarak’s stranglehold on every aspect of life in this glorious, long suffering nation. Connecting one mysterious dot to the next, the author teases the reader from chapter to chapter as he lucidly explains the details of Egypt’s worst kept secrets of all…the ‘secret’ of Mubarak’s power and how he plans to rule from his own royal crypt. “- Professor Tate Miller, Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Why everyone has to read this book?
“Let me give you the four scariest words I can't pronounce in Arabic: Egypt after Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak's "emergency rule" dictatorship is deep into its third decade, making him one of Egypt's most durable pharaohs. His succession plan is clear: Son Gamal tries to replicate Beijing's model of economic reform, forestalling political reform...” - Thomas P. M. Barnett, Esquire columnist and author of “The Country to Watch: Egypt."
“U.S. policymakers now face a difficult choice: continuing to support the iron-fisted rule of Egypt's current president and his likely hand-picked successor, or backing a beleaguered democratic opposition that some believe could open the door to Islamic fundamentalist rule.” - Voice of America.
"Egypt is the next domino to fall and, as they say, so goes Egypt so goes the Middle East.” - Robert Baer, former Middle East-based CIA operative, author of See No Evil and Sleeping with the Devil.
“Equally alarming is the rise of anti-American and Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in Egypt’s state media and society. Haunted by the memories of the overnight fall of the Shah of Iran to the Ayatollahs, U.S. policymakers fear a similar event in Egypt. Bush's successor is likely to face an unbelievably bad choice in the largest Arab country. Elaasar’s book is indeed an eye opener” - Swiss News Agency.
“With so much at stake, the West is slowly coming to grips with a new reality; a reality which no single book or author could possibly address. The Last Pharaoh should be indispensable to anyone hoping to understand Egypt’s role, not only the Middle East, but the potential for Mubarak’s Egypt to impact the destiny of global events”. - The Media Oasis.
“In this remarkably frank and revealing portrayal of Mubarak’s Egypt, no reader of this book could ever again think of Egypt as anything less than the potential tipping point of Middle Eastern society.” - Syndicated columnist Ray Hanania.
“When it happens, it will rock the world..: octogenarian Mubarak, will leave office, either by his own decision or that of Providence, probably within the next three years. So far, few in the West have paid much attention. But Egyptians certainly are getting ready, and we should do so as well”, says Georgetown University Professor Michelle Dunne, expert on Arab politics and U.S. policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
"The Last Pharaoh is remarkably thorough. The simplicity of the style and content makes this book required reading for students, journalists, policymakers and general public in order to better understand the mechanisms of authoritarianism and despotism in Egypt." - Political Science Professor Noureddine Jebnoun, University of Montana.