What's behind Egypt's move towards possible military involvement in Saudi-Yemen conflict?
CAIRO — Egypt's parliament is expected to vote next week on whether to authorise the armed forces to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthis if Riyadh requests its support. The move would bring the Arab world's most populous country closer to direct military involvement in the widening conflicts unleashed by the U.S.-Israeli air assault on Iran in February. President Abdel…
Egypt's parliament is set to vote next week on whether to authorize the armed forces to assist Saudi Arabia in defending itself against attacks from Yemen's Houthis, if Riyadh requests assistance. This move would bring Egypt closer to direct military involvement in the conflicts ignited by the U.S.-Israeli air strike on Iran in February.
In a speech on Saturday, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requested the approval, expressing that Egypt would "never, never forget our brothers in the Gulf" and informing Saudi Arabia's leaders that Cairo would take any measure to protect them. Like the Gulf states targeted by Tehran in the Iran war, Egypt is a long-standing partner in the U.S.-led security order, which is now being tested by the conflict.
Sisi's comments marked a significant shift from the more measured tone authorities have maintained since the Iran war began. Although Egypt has consistently expressed strong support for its Gulf allies, Cairo has not publicly committed to engaging in direct combat.
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