Mubarak Risks Losing Lead Role in Gaza Talks as Criticism Rises

[oberliner]

Jan. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Egypt’s efforts to broker a cease- fire between Israel and Gaza have brought it no peace at home.

Its restive population has taken to the streets by the thousands in protest, blaming President Hosni Mubarak for his inability -- or unwillingness -- to help Palestinians in the coastal enclave, more than 1,300 of whom died in the three-week conflict. Taxi drivers replace Arab pop with Palestinian martial music on their cassette radios, businessmen in central Cairo sport checkered Palestinian scarves and art galleries produce instant antiwar exhibits.

If negotiations fall apart, Egypt’s credibility as self- declared regional stabilizer and leader of the Arab world will be damaged. Mubarak’s popularity was already low among Egyptians because of the country’s increasing economic problems. Turmoil even threatens a smooth transition to new leadership -- with Mubarak’s son, Gamal, as heir-apparent to his 80-year-old father.

“This is a nightmare for Egypt,” said Abdel Monem Said, director of the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo. “It’s hit from all sides.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aJJq.yqQFp6Y&refer=home