Diplomacy at service: Egypt and the Gulf Arab States Security

Abstract

Egypt has always been an active player in the Middle Eastern affairs due to its strategic location, its Arab culture, its proximity with important Gulf and Arab States and its traditional involvement in the oldest Middle Eastern conflict i.e. Palestine issue. After Free Officer’s coup of 1952, Egypt followed free foreign policy as per its national interests and idiosyncrasies of its leadership. Nasser and his pan-Arab ideas were very popular in Arab republics. However, Sadat’s decision of joining US bloc gained Egypt some level of affinity with the Arab monarchs. With the rise of Mubarak in power, Egypt completely fell into the Gulf alliance. Changing Middle Eastern politics especially increasing influence of Iranian threat enhanced Mubarak’s Egypt value in the eyes of the Gulf Arab States. Shorttermed Morsi government tended to generalize and liberalize Egyptian external relations but his efforts were thwarted by the Gulf leaders with the regime change and return of the dictatorial rule. Current government under Al Sisi, is more inclined towards Gulf security than preserving Egyptian integrity. The Gulf Arab countries have granted billions of dollars to Mubarak and Al Sisi governments. In return these governments have assured the donor states for their complete allegiance to their security