Egypt’s Apprehension Following Islamist Ascendancy in Syria
Egypt is apprehensive about the recent Islamist takeover in Syria, leading to a cautious recalibration of its diplomatic strategies. While Egypt historically supported Assad, the rise of HTS poses concerns given the Muslim Brotherhood’s history. Egypt’s response is marked by extreme caution, contrasting with the more proactive stances of other Arab nations. The country is focused on maintaining internal stability amidst shifting regional dynamics.
The recent Islamist victory in Syria has led to heightened apprehension in Egypt, prompting President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to reassess the nation’s diplomatic stance towards its neighbor. Historically, Egypt supported President Bashar al-Assad until very recently, and the ascendance of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) raises concerns regarding the ideological implications for Egyptian stability, especially considering the Muslim Brotherhood’s contentious history in Egypt. Merissa Khurma, director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, expressed, “For Egypt, this creates of course apprehension, especially given the Brotherhood’s history in the country.”
In contrast to several other Arab countries that have quickly engaged with the new Syrian administration, Egypt has opted for a more cautious approach. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, while affirming Egypt’s support for Assad just before his fall, hesitated for weeks before reaching out to his new Syrian counterpart, advocating for inclusive governance. Recent developments include an Egyptian aid plane that delivered humanitarian assistance to Syria, marking Cairo’s first significant intervention post-Assad’s regime.
The Egyptian response has been characterized by extreme caution, with officials recognizing the potential for non-state actors and Islamists to pose threats. Domestically, the Egyptian authorities have cracked down on any celebrations concerning Assad’s departure, apprehending thirty Syrians involved in such expressions and tightening visa restrictions upon their compatriots.
Amid the political upheaval in Syria, Egypt clung to messages of stability, broadcasting Sisi’s claims of a need to guard against external threats aimed at destabilizing the Egyptian state. Compounding these unease, photographs of Syria’s new leader alongside controversial figures linked to the Brotherhood reignited fears within the Egyptian populace. These political dynamics unfold amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape where Turkey’s influence appears to be growing at the expense of Iran’s, further complicating Egypt’s diplomatic positioning.
Moreover, while most Gulf nations have already established formal communication with the new Syrian leadership, Egypt remains wary and non-committal. Analysts suggest that any future engagement from Cairo will be contingent upon favorable governance structures in Syria, especially regarding the treatment of minority groups that could provoke domestic unrest. As articulated by Mirette Mabrouk of the Middle East Institute, “For Egypt, everything boils down to security and interests.”
Egypt’s historical support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has shifted dramatically following the latter’s recent ousting and the rise of Islamist forces. Under President Sisi, who ascended to power after the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt now faces the implications of a potential Islamist resurgence next door. This change challenges Egypt’s longstanding stability and security strategies, prompting careful diplomatic maneuvering as the government attempts to manage internal dissent and foreign relations amidst a volatile regional landscape.
In summary, Egypt’s response to the Islamist takeover in Syria reflects significant caution, driven by historical fears associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the potential ramifications for domestic stability. As Cairo navigates its diplomatic relations and reassesses its role in the region, it remains wary of the influence exerted by non-state actors and Islamists in Syria. Future engagement by Egypt is likely to be conditional and focused on ensuring security and stability within its borders.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
