Egypt will remain an important player in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. In the light of the September attacks on New York and Washington , the US is likely to exert pressure on the hard line Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, and Palestinian Authority chairman, Yasser Arafat, to return to the negotiating table. Concerned that the escalation of violence may prove destabilizing for the region, Egypt will exert even greater efforts to convince the US to step up its involvement and at the same time push for an expanded role for the EU. Since the election of Sharon to the Israeli premiership, the scope for Egypt to play its traditional role of mediator has been severely reduced, with its attention turning from how to restart peace negotiations to how to prevent major retaliatory strikes on the Palestinian Territories . Should Mr. Sharon's government survive for some time, his history of involvement in atrocities against Arab civilian populations and uncompromising stance towards Palestinian demands will fan anti-Israeli sentiment within Egypt
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