Egypt is increasingly apprehensive about the rise of Islamist factions in Syria following the takeover by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Having supported Bashar al-Assad until shortly before his ousting, Cairo is recalibrating its approach while facing potential regional repercussions and domestic unrest related to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Cairo has expressed significant apprehension regarding the recent gains made by Islamist groups in Syria, particularly following the Islamist takeover by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This development has compelled Egypt to reevaluate its diplomatic stance years after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s rise to power via the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt, which maintained longstanding support for President Bashar al-Assad until just before his removal, now finds itself faced with the geopolitical repercussions of the changed regime in Syria.
Merissa Khurma, director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, articulated the sentiment in Cairo: “For Egypt, this creates of course apprehension, especially given the Brotherhood’s history in the country.” Amid shifting regional dynamics, while several Arab nations have already sought to establish relations with the new Syrian leadership, Egypt continues to proceed cautiously.
In the wake of Assad’s ouster, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delayed his outreach to the new Syrian government, ultimately advocating for a policy of inclusivity. Cairo’s recent humanitarian aid delivery to Damascus marked its first such gesture since the regime change, positioning Egypt to navigate the complexities of the evolving situation.
President Sisi has thus far adopted a non-committal stance on Syria’s future, reminding audiences that the country’s direction rests solely with its people. Mirette Mabrouk from the Middle East Institute commented on Egypt’s restrained response, noting the dual threats posed by both Islamist factions and non-state actors within Syria. Domestically, Egyptian authorities have enacted measures to quell any potential unrest emerging from Syrian actions, detaining individuals celebrating Assad’s fall and tightening visa protocols for Syrians.
The political landscape in Syria has undergone significant transformation following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, leading to increased concerns for neighboring Egypt. Historically, Egypt has maintained a close relationship with Assad; however, with the rise of Islamist groups, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Cairo is reevaluating its position. The Muslim Brotherhood’s past influence within Egypt also factors into the apprehension felt by the state, as it fears similar movements might spark unrest domestically.
In summary, Egypt’s measured response to the Islamist takeover in Syria reflects deep-rooted concerns regarding stability and security. With its historical ties to the Assad regime now altered, Cairo’s approach is characterized by caution and an emphasis on establishing stability in the region. As Egypt navigates these complexities, its focus remains on preventing any resurgence of the Muslim Brotherhood and mitigating threats to its internal security.
Original Source: www.france24.com
