What Egypt Really Thinks

The cartoon that appeared in the May 7th edition of one of the most important Egyptian newspapers, Al Gumhuria. The Arabic written on the tunic in the picture reads “Netanyahu.” Prime Minister Netanyahu is depicted holding a United States shield and wielding a spear with a Turkish flag attached. The message conveyed by the cartoon is that Israel (specifically the prime minister) has hostile intentions in the region and will use the United States as a shield and Turkey as a spear in aggression.

The cartoon that appeared in the May 7th edition of one of the most important Egyptian newspapers, Al Gumhuria. The Arabic written on the tunic in the picture reads “Netanyahu.” Prime Minister Netanyahu is depicted holding a United States shield and wielding a spear with a Turkish flag attached. The message conveyed by the cartoon is that Israel (specifically the prime minister) has hostile intentions in the region and will use the United States as a shield and Turkey as a spear in aggression. The Egyptian cartoonist depicts the United States as a tool of Jerusalem, and both Israel and Turkey as belligerent.

Although the cartoon was seemingly in reaction to the joint naval “Search and Rescue Exercise” to be conducted by the United States, Turkey and Israel, it is reflective of official Egyptian policy. In the May 14th issue of the Washington Times, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa opposed the planned joint naval exercises. Why is Egypt against cooperative efforts between Israel and Turkey? Such an agreement shows the stability of Turkish-Israeli relations, and the desire of the United States to assist in solidifying this flourishing relationship.

The United States, and we at JINSA, focus our attention on Turkey because is it the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East and consistent with U.S. intentions for the region. A democratic Israel, and a democratic and secular Turkey, create a strong foundation for security in the region.

Egypt is consistently obstructionist in the peace process and negative about this developing relationship between Israel and Turkey. While the United States works in support of this important alliance, Egypt continues to take positions antithetical to all U.S. interests in the Middle East. The cartoon in Al Gumhuria is just another reminder of Egypt’s true intentions.