Egyptian Revolution Signals Promising Prospects for Peace in Middle East

Diplomats Adel and Maher El-Adawy paint encouraging picture at Great Decisions lecture

WOOSTER, Ohio — Prospects for peace in the Middle East may never be more promising than the present following the ousting of Egyptian President Hosni Murbarak, but it must include Egypt, agreed two of that country’s diplomats who spoke Wednesday evening as a part of the Great Decisions lecture series at The College of Wooster.

Adel El-Adawy, a former aid to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and his son, Maher, current Egyptian Ambassador to Liberia, addressed an overflow crowd in Gault Recital Hall of Scheide Music Center. The two were introduced by Adel and Samira El-Adawy, both students at Wooster and the grandchildren and children, respectively, of Adel and Maher.

“The time is now to move toward peace and to do so as quickly as possible,” said Maher. “We must utilize the energy and momentum generated by the recent events in Egypt. This revolution was not about politics or religion; it was about people. They proved that it is possible to bring about justice without violence.”

Both Maher and his father praised the legacy of Sadat and the importance of his message, which still resonates nearly 30 years after his assassination. “When you talk about peace in the Middle East, you have to talk about Anwar Sadat,” said Maher. “He deserves to be recognized for his role in the process.”

Maher also addressed the impact of Murbarak’s reign, and although he was openly critical of the fallen leader, he also acknowledged the fact that he saved many lives by protecting the peace treaty with Israel amid fierce opposition.

Adel shared his vision for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. “No one country can solve the problem,” he said. “The situation can only be resolved through the cooperation of the entire international community.” The senior El-Adawy called for the establishment of a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel’s right to statehood. “A two-state solution is required,” he said. “It’s not that difficult if everyone works together.”

Both El-Adawys noted the importance of Egypt in the region, particularly after the revolution, and both were cautiously optimistic about the future. “Egypt is in the middle of all this,” said Maher. “It has played a lead role in negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and it continues to play a key role in combatting terrorism. There is still uncertainty about the military’s role in the process, so it is important the we pursue democracy now rather than later.”