Tantawi

"Although he has been derided on the street, and in classified diplomatic cables, as a “poodle” to Mr. Mubarak, Field Marshal Tantawi is portrayed by some senior American officers who know him personally as a shrewd operator who played a significant role in the relatively nonviolent ouster of his patron." People forget that Tantawi rose to his position after he served as commander of the Mubarak's special militia, the Republican Guards.