Egypt is concerned about the Islamist takeover in Syria, closely monitoring developments following the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This apprehension stems from Egypt’s historical experiences with the Muslim Brotherhood, leading to cautious engagement with Syria’s new authorities. Egypt’s response seeks to address regional stability while mitigating risks of domestic unrest.
Egypt is exhibiting trepidation in response to the recent Islamist ascendancy in Syria, particularly after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s assumption of power following the downfall of the Muslim Brotherhood. The control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria catalyzed concerns regarding the potential implications for Egypt, given the historical context of the Brotherhood’s influence within the nation. Al-Sisi’s administration, which had hitherto supported Bashar al-Assad, is now adopting a cautious stance amidst evolving dynamics in the region.
Merissa Khurma, a prominent figure at the Wilson Center, remarked that this situation undoubtedly generates apprehension for Egypt, particularly because of the Brotherhood’s historical relevance. In contrast to several other Arab nations that have quickly reached out to Syria’s new authorities, Egypt has maintained a measured approach, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty waiting three weeks post-Assad’s ousting to contact his Syrian counterpart.
Recent developments, including Egypt’s humanitarian aid delivery to Damascus and the call for inclusivity in governance, underscore Cairo’s desire to engage, albeit cautiously, with the new regime. Egypt’s reaction is indicative of its awareness of the geopolitics at play, as Mirette Mabrouk of the Middle East Institute noted that the emergence of non-state Islamist actors poses significant concerns for Egyptian stability. Security forces have also acted swiftly to stifle any indications of domestic unrest related to the situation in Syria by detaining individuals celebrating Assad’s fall.
Amid global shifts, particularly the decreasing influence of Iran and the rising prominence of Turkey following the power shift in Syria, Egypt is weighing its regional standing. The evolving relations between Egypt and Turkey, historically marred by rivalry, remain uncertain. As Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar engage with Syria’s new leadership, Egypt is mindful of not being sidelined. It is likely that any support Egypt extends will be contingent on a power-sharing agreement within Syria to mitigate risks associated with minority rights, which could lead to further regional instability. Ultimately, Egypt’s actions are driven by national security and geopolitical interests.
The political landscape in Syria has drastically changed with the rise of Islamist groups, particularly after Assad’s removal by non-state actors such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This change poses a significant challenge to Egypt, which has historically been wary of Islamist movements due to its own experiences with the Muslim Brotherhood. The Egyptian government’s strategy will significantly impact regional dynamics, particularly in relation to its longstanding rivalry with Turkey and engagement with the broader Arab world.
In conclusion, Egypt’s reaction to the Islamist takeover in Syria is marked by caution and calculated engagement. The historical context of the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence in Egypt informs the government’s apprehension regarding the new Syrian regime. As shifting geopolitical landscapes unfold, Egypt seeks to assert its regional influence while safeguarding its internal stability and security interests through a carefully calibrated approach.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
