# Omar Suleiman

> Egyptian head of intelligence and vice president (1936–2012)

**Wikidata**: [Q223568](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223568)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Suleiman_(politician))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/omar-suleiman-q223568

## Summary
Omar Suleiman was an Egyptian military officer, diplomat, and politician who served as the head of Egypt's intelligence services and briefly as the country's vice president. He played a central role in Egyptian national security and political leadership during the later years of Hosni Mubarak's regime and the 2011 revolution.

## Biography
- Born: 1936, in Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Education: Egyptian Military College, Cairo University, Ain Shams University
- Known for: Leading Egyptian intelligence services and serving as interim vice president during the 2011 revolution
- Employer(s): Egyptian government, Egyptian intelligence services
- Field(s): Military, Intelligence, Politics

## Contributions
Omar Suleiman was instrumental in shaping Egypt’s national security apparatus as the long-time head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service (EGIS). He was appointed to the vice presidency in the final days of Hosni Mubarak's rule in 2011, becoming the first vice president Egypt had seen in nearly three decades. His contributions include:
- Oversight of intelligence operations during critical periods, including the North Yemen civil war, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War.
- Playing a key role in Egypt's domestic and foreign policy decisions through his leadership in intelligence.
- Acting as a central figure in the political transition during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, although his appointment as vice president was short-lived.

## FAQs
### What role did Omar Suleiman play in Egyptian politics?
Omar Suleiman served as the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service for nearly two decades and was appointed interim vice president in 2011 during the Egyptian Revolution. He was a key figure in national security and political decision-making during Hosni Mubarak’s presidency.

### What military or intelligence conflicts was Omar Suleiman involved in?
Suleiman was involved in intelligence operations during the North Yemen civil war, the Six-Day War of 1967, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. He was part of Egypt’s military and intelligence apparatus during these pivotal moments in Middle Eastern history.

### Which institutions did Omar Suleiman attend?
He was educated at the Egyptian Military College, Cairo University, and Ain Shams University, which provided the foundation for his military and intelligence career.

### Why was Omar Suleiman appointed vice president?
He was appointed vice president by Hosni Mubarak in an attempt to stabilize the government during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. However, his tenure was brief, as Mubarak was removed from power shortly thereafter.

### What is Omar Suleiman's legacy in Egyptian intelligence?
Suleiman is recognized for modernizing and strengthening Egypt’s intelligence services, making them a central pillar of national policy during both wartime and peacetime.

## Why They Matter
Omar Suleiman was a defining figure in Egyptian intelligence and politics during a period of intense regional conflict and internal transformation. As head of the General Intelligence Service, he influenced Egypt’s stance in regional wars and its approach to internal security. His brief tenure as vice president marked a critical moment in Egypt’s political history, representing an attempt to maintain order during a time of revolution. His influence extended beyond Egypt, shaping intelligence cooperation with international allies and impacting Middle Eastern geopolitics.

## Notable For
- Being the first vice president of Egypt in nearly 30 years during the 2011 revolution
- Leading the Egyptian General Intelligence Service for nearly two decades
- Playing a central role in Egypt’s political and military strategies during the North Yemen civil war, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War
- Being a key figure in the final days of Hosni Mubarak’s regime
- Educated at three major Egyptian academic institutions: Egyptian Military College, Cairo University, and Ain Shams University

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Omar Suleiman was born in 1936 in Egypt. He pursued his education at several prestigious Egyptian institutions:
- **Egyptian Military College**, the oldest military academy in Egypt, founded in 1811.
- **Cairo University**, established in 1908, one of Egypt’s most prominent academic institutions.
- **Ain Shams University**, founded in 1950, known for its large student body and academic diversity.

These institutions provided Suleiman with a strong foundation in military strategy, governance, and intelligence operations.

### Career in Intelligence and Politics
Suleiman began his career in the Egyptian military and intelligence services in the 1950s. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and leadership capabilities. His key roles included:
- **Head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service (EGIS)**: Suleiman led the agency for nearly two decades, during which he oversaw intelligence operations in:
  - **North Yemen civil war (1962–1970)**: A conflict where Egypt supported republican forces.
  - **Six-Day War (1967)**: A war between Israel and the Arab states, resulting in significant territorial losses for Egypt.
  - **Yom Kippur War (1973)**: A conflict initiated by Egypt and Syria to regain territory lost in 1967.
  
His leadership during these conflicts established him as a central figure in Egyptian national security.

### Vice Presidency and Political Role
In 2011, during the Egyptian Revolution, Hosni Mubarak appointed Omar Suleiman as **interim vice president**, a position that had been vacant for nearly 30 years. This appointment was widely seen as an attempt to stabilize the regime amid mass protests. However, Mubarak was removed from power shortly after, and Suleiman’s vice presidency ended. Despite the brief tenure, his appointment marked a significant moment in modern Egyptian political history.

### Influence and Legacy
Omar Suleiman’s influence extended beyond Egypt’s borders. As head of intelligence, he was instrumental in shaping foreign policy and intelligence cooperation with global powers. His work impacted:
- **Regional diplomacy** during times of conflict and peace.
- **Military strategy** in alignment with national interests.
- **Political transitions**, particularly during the 2011 revolution, where his leadership was pivotal, even if short-lived.

Suleiman’s legacy lies in his role as a stabilizing force during turbulent times in Egyptian history. His contributions to intelligence and governance continue to influence Egypt’s political landscape.

### Personal Details and Death
Omar Suleiman passed away on July 19, 2012. Throughout his life, he was known by several names, including Omar Sulaiman and Omar Mahmoud Suleiman. His identity is preserved in global databases and encyclopedic records, including Wikidata, VIAF, and the Library of Congress.

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