Playing as Egypt

So after finally completing a campaign and unlocking the factions, I decided to try a Muslim nation.
The Egyptians looked like they would be entertaining to play and looked as though they were in a safe position. Looks can be deceiving.
I have an odd number of rebellions and am very scarce on soldiers and money. I have taken Jerusalem which will probably make me a target for Christian crusades, and to make matters worse what army I did have was just annihilated when the Byzantine's sailed across the Meditteranean and attacked me :help:

So, anyone got any advice for playing as Egypt?

You could try The Guide