Queen’s University Middle East expert Houchang Hassan-Yari is available to talk about the legacy of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who is currently on life support after suffering a stroke.

“Hosni Mubarak ruled over Egypt for three decades. His professional life is divided into two episodes: military and political,” says Dr. Hassan-Yari, who can do interviews in both English and French. “As a politician, Mubarak ruled over Egypt with an iron fist while maintaining a certain social liberalism. On regional and international political scene, he was a key ally of the United States and guarantor of a cold peace with Israel. He was also the referee of the inter-Palestinian political game. Finally, Mubarak became a victim of over 30 years of political repression and economic misery of his people.”

Dr. Hassan-Yari can also talk about Egypt’s current political situation: two presidential candidates both claiming victory after last week’s election, and the ruling military council deciding to strip the next president of many of his powers.

Please note that Dr. Hassan-Yari wants to be identified in the media as Middle East expert who teaches political studies at Queen’s University and Royal Military College.

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Michael Onesi (office: 613.533.6000 ext. 77513,michael.onesi@queensu.ca) or Anne Craig (office: 613-533-2877, Anne.Craig@queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

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