Hussein Tantawi Head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt Date of Birth: 31.10.1935 Country: Egypt

1. Military Service and Conflict Roles
2. Military Leadership and Promotions
3. Minister of Defense and War Effort
4. Presidential Speculation and Health Concerns
5. US Relations and Domestic Challenges
6. Vice-President and Power Transition
7. SCAF Leadership and Political Transitions
8. Awards and Personal Life

Military Service and Conflict Roles

Mohamed Hussein Tantawi Soliman was born on October 31, 1935. He graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1956 and embarked on a distinguished military career. Tantawi participated in several armed conflicts with Israel, including the Suez Crisis, the 1967 War, the War of Attrition, and the 1973 War, where he commanded the 16th Infantry Battalion.

Military Leadership and Promotions

Tantawi held various senior positions within the Egyptian military. He led a mechanized division, served as military attaché in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and headed the Operations Department. In November 1988, he commanded the Republican Guard, responsible for the President's security. In 1990, he became the Head of Operations Department again.

Minister of Defense and War Effort

During the Gulf War in 1991, Tantawi coordinated Egyptian army operations with the anti-Iraq coalition. He received a special commendation from General Norman Schwarzkopf for his role. In May 1991, he was appointed Minister of Defense and Military Production. In October 1993, he attained the rank of Field Marshal, becoming Egypt's fifth in forty years.

Presidential Speculation and Health Concerns

Tantawi was briefly considered a potential successor to President Hosni Mubarak after an assassination attempt in 1995. However, experts later doubted his chances due to reported lack of support within the military and potential health issues.

US Relations and Domestic Challenges

Tantawi was seen as a pro-Israel ally by the US, but some American diplomats questioned his role in the military partnership between the two countries. Despite US pressure, he resisted political reforms, prioritizing stability. WikiLeaks correspondence revealed his disappointment with Mubarak's son, Gamal, as heir apparent.

Vice-President and Power Transition

As mass protests against Mubarak erupted in 2011, Tantawi was appointed Vice-President on January 31st. On February 11th, Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak's resignation, transferring power to a Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) headed by Tantawi.

SCAF Leadership and Political Transitions

The SCAF reaffirmed Egypt's international agreements, including peace with Israel. It dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution, assuming legislative authority until elections could be held. As head of the SCAF, Tantawi became Egypt's de facto leader, representing the country domestically and internationally.

Awards and Personal Life

Tantawi has received numerous awards from Egypt and other countries. He is married with two children, reported as either sons or a son and a daughter.