Osama El-Baz, 1931-2013

At Camp David 1979

During Anwar Sadat's Presidency, Osama El-Baz was sometimes referred to as "Egypt's Kissinger," but unlike his American counterpart, he remained close to the center of power for decades, serving throughout Husni Mubarak's Presidency as an adviser and head of the President's Political Office. The 82-year-old diplomat and political adviser died today. (Link is in Arabic.)

A key player in the 1979 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, El-Baz also represented continuity in Egyptian foreign policy, often used for quiet diplomatic missions; his influence survived the tenure of many Foreign Ministers as he enjoyed the trust of the Presidents he served.

His younger brother, Farouk El-Baz, is a geologist and professor known for his work on the Apollo moon landings.