Strategic Divisions Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Fragile peace with much at risk.

Egypt and Saudi map courtesy: susris.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - According to Euro news reporter Faiza Garah, the rift in relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, has begun to widen.

She mentioned some factors explaining their current differences in her article, including Egypt's opposition to the ground invasion in Yemen, and strategic differences between Egypt and Saudi Arabia for reconciliation with the Muslim Brotherhood.

While Saudi Arabia extends a hand to the Muslim Brotherhood and King Salman collaborates with this group, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi lists them as a terrorist organization and considers them a main cause for internal conflict in Egypt.

The third difference between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is the "Syria crisis".

Egypt stands behind Syrian President Bashar Assad, while Saudi Arabia wants to topple his administration. Saudi Arabia also opposes Egypt in playing host for Syrian opposition.

The next difference is internal crisis in Libya. Saudi Arabia is not optimistic towards Egyptian policies in Libya.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is skeptical about Russian-Egyptian relations. That's why Putin's letter to the Arab summit triggered a strong Saudi attack.

According to the Euro news reporter, Saudi authorities believe that Saudi-sponsored Muslim Brotherhood groups are the best tool against Shiites and Ansarullah (Arabic for "Helpers/Supporters of God") in Yemen and in the region.