Saudi Arabia plays curious role

Submitted by Michael S (United States), Sep 15, 2016 at 05:00

I believe Al-Sisi still feels threatened by the Muslim Brotherhood, plus a new threat from Da'esh. He is therefore dependent on the good will of the military, and is unlikely to end favors to it.

Turkey is a case of the opposite situation: Erdogan's government is, essentially Turkish Muslim Brotherhood; and the President there is afraid of the military. This has led him to gut the leadership of the armed forces.

Saudi Arabia's role in all this is curious: they keep Sisi afloat with gifts, yet have had a close alliance with the Turks. I wonder which way things will turn.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".