Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-eg.png "Flag of Egypt") | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Egypt hostages’ located in Sahara Desert
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| Summary |
There whereabouts of 19 abducted people, including 11 European tourists and eight Egyptians, have been determined as of Tuesday. The captives and kidnappers are about 15 miles from the Egyptian border in Sudan. Although the identities of the kidnappers are unknown, it is suspected they are ethnic African tribesmen. This area of Sudan is a crossing ground for drug-smugglers and is known for hijackings and bandits. Germany is conducting the negotiations with the demanded ransom, although no action has yet taken place.
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| Analysis |
Competition for control of wealth in this area has often led to violence in the past. When violence erupted in the late 20th century, Egypt was affected internationally. This area holds a lot of wealth as a result of tourism, which is very popular in Gilf al-Kebir, the well-known plateau where the hostages were kidnapped, as well as the nearby Nile Valley, eastern Sahara, and Sinai peninsula. These tourist areas in effect cause people to compete for wealth brought by foreigners, thus leading to a division amongst the people of Egypt. This division has proven to cause acts of violence. Tourists are then apprehensive to travel to these destinations when this aggression is publicized, thus leading to disrupted international relations.
This occurrence also exemplifies a power struggle in Egypt. Although it is not yet confirmed that the kidnappers were ethnic African tribesmen, the kidnapping is an example of the divisions between groups. The unrest caused by competition over wealth shows a lack of internal control in Egypt, which in effect could potentially lead to the start of a new era of violence in the area.
A $15 million ransom is being demanded and there are “no plans to storm the area” for fear of risking security of the hostages. While Germany is in charge of leading negotiations, they have not taken action besides the formation of a “crisis team.” This situation shows that Egypt is lacking control over its territory. The involvement of Germany and its actions portray a loss of sovereignty in Egypt. Because the outcome of this situation is dependent upon the decisions and actions made my Germany, Germany holds authority over Egypt thus imposing on its sovereignty.
It seems there is no flawless solution to this situation. Since Germany holds the power to determine the outcome, it appears it is inevitable that Egypt will be viewed as the weaker, less sovereign state. | |
| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | September 25, 2008 at 12:10 pm | |
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