Interesting Debate between two nomaders!
I have been following a debate between Nisrin and Luli about whether Egyptians are Arabs are not. It is an interesting debate with Luli arguing that we are not Arabs and Nisrin arguing that we are!
So whets my take on all of that? Well I honestly dont care if we are partly, due to culture and heritage Arab or not. I know we cant change the past but we can and will change the future!
Egypts government decision to align Egypt with the realities of the Arab World and the Middle East is full of shit! There is no economic benefit from that, whether in the future or now. Even our role in the Arab League is diminishing. Our respect and leadership role in this region is also diminishing! And besides the lack of benefits, there are many costs: Egypt has been dragged into every major conflict with Israel, we have been in 4 wars between 1948 and 1967, 10s if not 100s of thousands died in those wars, or as the Egyptian Media likes to call it, became Martyrs!!!
It is more strategically useful in the long and short run for Egypt to focus on Africa or the Midetranian Basin. Egypt can play a more influential political role in Africa. Egypt can have a positive impact on many countries in Africa. In the Midetranian basin a more focus on relationships and role in that area might and will result into better economic relations with the EU. Relations similar to the ones Tunisia has!
It doesnt matter which culture we are part of, we need to think geopolitically to find and create alliances that will make our country prosper economically and to have a more of a positive impact in our neighboorhood.
Chef!
4 Comments:
Nicely Put Assem.
I could not agree more.
may i just say, i blame nasser!
Well Nassers choices were more or less right till the mid 60s! Then he messed up really bad!
I agree that Egypt shouldn't align itself with outher Arab countries. In fact, I don't think any Arab country should align itself economically with the Arab world. Who knows which Arab country will be the next to be invaded by U.S. If it's a country you have major economic/political ties with, your country is screwed.
I disagree the Egypt has been dragged into every major conflict. Out of its own free will it got involved on its own. Egypt could have always said, "no we are not going to get involved." No one held a gun to Egypt's head. I agree that Egypt's role in the Arab world is diminishing. I think this is a good thing. I don't think other Arab countries should have to depend on Egypt's leadership.
Is Egypt currently trying to build strong ties with Africa and if so, how? I'm just curious.
I love the debates about Egypt and Arab World :) Thanks Luli and Nisrin for keeping it alive :)
Well Egypt was dragged due to the policies of its government which assumed that leadership role. Yet besides the leadership role and government choices, Egypt choose to enter those conflicts as it was dependant on financial aid and support from Arab Countries. In addition to the financing, Egypt used the Arab markets for employment of Egyptians. Large Egyptian populations exist in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya and all over the gulf. Of course this is not an excuse for the Egyptian decisions.
In terms of relations with Africa, Egypt is one of the founding members of the COMESA. We are also lobbying to host the African Parliament in Cairo. Cairo gives a lot of aid (relative to GDP) to Nile basic countries and a little bit of humanitarian aid to other African countries. I think Egypt was one of the founding nations of the AU, although i am not positive.
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