Why is control of the Suez Canal so important?

Control of the Suez Canal is important for a number of reasons:

1. Location: The Suez Canal is a strategic waterway located in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It is a major shipping route for trade between Europe and Asia, and it is estimated that around 12% of global trade passes through the canal.

2. Time: The Suez Canal provides a much shorter route for ships traveling between Europe and Asia than going around the Cape of Good Hope, which saves time and fuel. This can reduce the cost of transporting goods, and it can also make it possible to transport goods more quickly.

3. Volume: The Suez Canal can accommodate very large ships, including container ships and oil tankers. This allows for efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods in large volumes.

4. Revenue: The Suez Canal Authority, which operates the canal, generates revenue from the fees charged to ships for passing through the canal. These fees can be a significant source of income for the Egyptian government.

5. Geopolitics: Control of the Suez Canal has been a source of conflict and tension between countries in the region. For example, Egypt and Israel have fought several wars over control of the canal, and the United States has intervened militarily in the region on several occasions to protect its interests.