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By contrast, the Wafd Party, which was reborn only three months ago, has been restrained in criticizing Sadat. But during a hotly contested by-election campaign in Alexandria this month, Wafd Leader Fuad Serageddin spoke for three hours as thousands cheered, giving the impression that he would soon mount a serious challenge to the regime. It was the-Wafd that led Egypt's struggle for independence from the British after World War I and often clashed with Farouk in attempting to limit the powers of the monarchy. After Nasser came to power in 1952, the Wafd was banned, along with other parties, and many of its leaders were imprisoned. Its re-emergence inevitably increases the pressure on the present government.
It is not clear how far Sadat is prepared to go in cracking down on his critics. He is afraid that the present "campaigns of doubt" could return the country to the chaos of the past, and he is disturbed about the recent leftist coup in Afghanistan and the continuing rioting in Iran. On the other hand, he has worked hard to earn a reputation as a liberal who has restored a multiparty system and political freedom after the Nasser dictatorship, and he does not want to tarnish that image.
The best solution for Sadat's domestic problems would be a resounding success for his peace initiative. But at the moment he has no remaining cards to play in pushing the negotiating process. The F-5E sale helps him, to be sure, but its value will be short-lived unless the U.S. can come up with its own peace plan and promote it vigorously. Otherwise, the political freedom gained by Egyptians since Sadat came to power is likely to be eroded as the President takes action to retain order over the threat of chaos.