Egyptian Influence

An editorial in the Egyptian online weekly Al Ahram questions whether Egypt, so pivotal a player in Middle East negotiations, is up to the diplomatic challenges their now facing.  With hawkish elements in the U.S. and Israeli administrations and the growing influence of Iran thwarting attempts at peace throughout the past year, they question Egypt's role in the region.

Is this an 'Iranian era' of strength building?  And is Egypt less relevent?  The article ends in the negative.  "The answer is a definite no.  When all is said and done, Egypt is still a crucial player in the Arab world," they conclude.