In pictures: Mid-East war games

This year's scheduled "Bright Star" US-Egyptian war games have taken on special significance, coming amid Washington's efforts to win the Muslim world's support for its war on terror. The biannual exercises, which continue until 1 November, are the world's largest.

The forces made a simulated assault on the north Egyptian coast

About 43,350 Egyptian troops are involved in the exercises

Jordan and Kuwait have also contributed hundreds of troops

The US has deployed 23,000 soldiers and state-of-the-art weaponry

US commanders say its marines are ready to go to Afghanistan if necessary

Egypt's position as a key Arab ally of Washington has rarely been so important