Who Are Egypt’s Allies and Enemies?
Egypt’s position geographically causes the country to shift its focus from time to time. The country signed a peace treaty in 1979 with Israel, which served to end decades of fighting between the two countries. Since that time, the countries have been considered strategic partners. Although the U.S. funds Egypt’s military efforts, its stance, as of 2014, is neutral with respect to its relationship with Egypt.
According to reports by the BBC, Egypt is considered an ally of the West as well as the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, which also reduced the influence and movement of rebel Islamists in the country.
While Egypt has been a central force in the historical development of Islamism, the government has always been opposed by the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood, which was established in Egypt in 1928, was founded by Hassan al-Banna, an Egyptian teacher. Since that time, the group has been tolerated although outlawed in the country.
As of 2014, Qatar and Turkey, which support the Islamic organization of the Muslim Brotherhood, are considered Egyptian enemies. The Sudan has had border disputes with Egypt as well.
