A week ago I wonder how man people would have considered Egypt an ally?
There are varying degrees of cooperation between nations. Is Egypt an ally on the level of say Britain? No. Is it an ally compared to Lybia? Yes. Is it an ally as compared to Iran or Syria? Sure it is.
Sadat and Mubarak were stable players willing to conduct relations with the West in a reasoned manner.
Much of what we have seen in the way of anti-Israel or anti-Western actions or comments from it’s government, have been related to necessary posturing due to radical groups within their nation.
I understand your point, and I think it’s raises a valid point. I still think the term ally does apply here.
Would we be allowed to use Egyptian airspace if need be? Could we expect Egypt to represent our views, even if watered down? Could we expect it to stay out of conflicts in the region where we felt compelled to conduct military activity? The answer to these questions would be varying shades of yes.
Believe me, that’s much better than it would be if an Iranian style government arose there.
Well, they weren't near the top of the long enemies list.