The Egyptian army put down riots by disgruntled police officers in 1986 , and he threw an estimated 30,000 people in jail when jihadists carried out a string of attacks on tourists . Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years , surviving would - be assassins , ill health . He was a major player in Mideast affairs , helping enforce the Camp David accords with Israel . He did n't tolerate political dissent , and had a questionable economic track record . Mubarak 's fall signals the start of a new era in Arab politics .
Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years , surviving would - be assassins , ill health . He was a major player in Mideast affairs , helping enforce the Camp David accords with Israel . He did n't tolerate political dissent , and had a questionable economic track record . Mubarak 's fall signals the start of a new era in Arab politics .