Govt election panel 18 May approved 12 of 14 Muslim Brotherhood affiliated candidates to stand in 1 June elections for the Shura council (Upper House). President Mubarak 11 May extended for 2 more years Emergency Laws in place since 1981 assassination of President Sadat. Police 3 May beat protesters in Cairo who opposed laws for restricting political, civil freedoms. Some 10,000 people remain detained without charge under emergency legislation.

Former IAEA head ElBaradei 2 Apr held rally in Mansura, Nile Delta in campaign for democratic reform. Kuwaiti authorities deported 21 ElBaradei supporters 10-11 Apr. Riot police 6 Apr broke up protest held by pro-democracy “6 April” movement in central Cairo; U.S. state department criticised action. 16 senior members of Muslim Brotherhood, arrested Feb for alleged secret militant cell, released on bail 7-8 Apr. State Security Court 28 Apr convicted 26 members of alleged Hizbollah cell arrested early 2009 for planning attacks in Egypt. Israel 13 March warned citizens of kidnap threat in Sinai.

President Mubarak’s absence from country 6-27 March for surgery in Germany renewed speculation over health, succession. Former IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei returned to Egypt late month, continued public campaign for political reform following Feb launch of National Association for Change. Over 40 members of Muslim Brotherhood arrested across country 12 March; at least 45 more arrested 23 March. Muslims and Christians clashed in Marsa Matruh 12 March.

16 senior members of Muslim Brotherhood, including deputy leader Ezzat, arrested 8 Feb; detained members reportedly charged with forming clandestine militant organisation. Former IAEA head ElBaradei 23 Feb announced formation of organisation to promote constitutional reform after meeting opposition, civil society members; over 1,000 defied govt ban 19 Feb to greet ElBaradei at Cairo airport, urging him to run for president in 2011. Dissident Ayman Nour 14 Feb selected by Ghad party as candidate for 2011 presidential elections despite being barred following 2005 election. Makeshift bomb thrown at Cairo synagogue 21 Feb.

Confrontation erupted across Gaza border 6 Jan between Palestinians protesting delay of international aid convoy and Egyptian border guards; 1 guard killed. Egyptian police 5 Jan clashed with international activists accompanying convoy in al-Arish port. FM Aboul Gheit 9 Jan said no further convoys would be allowed. Gunmen killed 7 outside Coptic Christian church in southern town Nagaa Hammadi 6 Jan; killing followed Nov sectarian riots over rape of Muslim girl. Copts clashed with security forces at 7 Jan funeral; inter-sectarian attacks reported in following days. Muslim Brotherhood 16 Jan named Muhammad Badie, from movement’s conservative wing, as new leader. Authorities 31 Jan announced arrest of 26 suspected members of Islamic Jihad terrorist cell.

Following mid-month reports of 10-km steel barrier being built along Gaza border to block tunnels, FM Aboul Gheit defended construction as defence of national security. Security presence at border increased 19 Dec following reported shots at construction sites from Gaza side. Muslim Brotherhood (MB) 19 Dec held elections for leading council ahead of leader Akef’s retirement in Jan; conservative old guard reportedly dominated results. 10 senior MB members arrested in Delta 5 Dec; MB SG Ezzat 6 Dec said 227 members now imprisoned. Ex-IAEA head ElBaradei 5 Dec said he might stand in 2011 presidential elections if democratic guarantees in place.

Violence between fans inflamed tensions around 14 Nov Egypt-Algeria World Cup football match in Cairo. Protest near Algerian embassy in Cairo over alleged attacks on Egyptians by Algerian supporters turned to violent clashes with police 19-20 Nov. Egypt 19 Nov recalled ambassador to Algeria; Mubarak 21 Nov said Egypt would defend dignity of citizens abroad. Police 10 Nov arrested 12 Bedouin in Sinai near Gaza border in clash over alleged cement smuggling; in 20 Nov clash sparked by arrests, police killed one protester in Baluza, north Sinai. Muslims attacked Christian shops in southern town Farshut 21 Nov in riot over alleged sexual assault. Ruling NDP held annual conference 31 Oct-2 Nov; speeches by President Mubarak and son Gamal avoided presidential succession issue.

16 members of banned Muslim Brotherhood movement arrested 26 Sept, Beheira. Police 1 Sept reported discovery of explosives cache in Rafah, Gaza border. Hundreds of Coptic Christians protested at 17 Sept funeral of man murdered by beheading, calling for govt protection.

Trial began 23 Aug of 22 members of cell allegedly plotting attacks for Lebanese Hizbollah, detained in May; 4 further suspects tried in absentia. President Mubarak discussed Mideast peace with U.S. President Obama in 18 Aug Washington visit.