Egypt's longest serving ruler for over two hundred years, Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak assumed the presidency of his country in 1981, resigning only under duress in February 2011.

He was born in Kafr-El-Meselha, Egypt, which is located in the Nile delta. His father was a minor government official, serving in the Ministry of Justice. His hometown was well-regarded for good schools; indeed, Kafr-El Meselha had produced four cabinet ministers. Academics suited Mubarak, and when he finished high school he enrolled at Egypt's Military Academy. He later transferred to the Air Academy, where he graduated in 1950. Some of his pilot instruction was conducted in the former Soviet Union. Later, he became an instructor at the Air Academy and served as a commander of Egypt's bomber force during the 1960s Yemen civil war.

Upon his return from that assignment, he was selected for the directorship of the Air Academy, charged with reorganizing and developing the Egyptian air force. He was one of the organizers of the successful surprise attack on Israeli forces who were then occupying the east bank of the Suez Canal. The attack sparked the Yom Kippur War. His efforts were rewarded by then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who appointed Mubarak vice-president. Due to Sadat's interest in handling international affairs and public appearances, Mubarak was well-placed to learn and understand the complexities of running a national government.

He also developed foreign affairs experience by traveling in Sadat's stead to other countries, including the United States. He was a major contributor to the outcome of the 1978 Camp David Accords, which were signed by Egypt and Israel leaders. When Sadat was assassinated by Islamic fundamentalists in 1981, Mubarak assumed the office of president. One of his first acts as president was to jail more than 2,500 members of militant Islamic groups. He maintained most of Sadat's policies, particularly the close ties formed with the United States. When that country entered a conflict with Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, Mubarak's government remained a stalwart supporter and member of the American-led allied coalition. As a result, Egypt was forgiven approximately $14 million in debt.

In 2003, when the United States became once again embroiled in Iraq, Mubarak's government was not as supportive as the first time. Mubarak stated that a more proper course of action would first include a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Serving as the leader of a politically-unstable region of the world has certain risks. During his twenty-nine year tenure, at least six assassination attempts have been conducted against Mubarak's life. Egypt's economy has suffered in the years since the second Iraq War. This may have been part of the reason Egyptian citizens began to question the great length of Mubarak rule. In 2005, his government reluctantly agreed to permit multi-candidate elections, but Mubarak always had ways of working whatever system was in place; and so, he remained in power. Many Egyptians became more suspicious of their government, and investigations revealed widespread corruption, including imprisonment of political protestors without trial, and a tightly-controlled media.

In late January 2011, massive numbers of Egyptians joined in public protest against Mubarak. By February 1, Mubarak agreed not to contest the September 2011 presidential election. However, the protests continued and; in some cases, became violent. When it was announced on February 11, 2011 that he would step down immediately, the protestors errupted into cheers. According to some reports, shortly before the announcement Mubarak and his family left Cairo for Sharm el-Sheikh, located in the Sinai region of Egypt.