The presence of Egyptian forces in the UAE, against the backdrop of the US and Israeli-led war on Iran, raises serious questions among the Egyptian public about the missions and objectives, the gains and losses, and the potential dangers of involvement in a war that Egyptians say has nothing to do with them.

The suspicion and controversy may be exacerbated by the revelation that Egypt sent advanced air-defence systems and their operators to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait during the war, according to The Wall Street Journal.

This decision, made secretly and without parliamentary approval, represents a strategic shift in the Egyptian military doctrine and Cairo’s stance of refusing involvement in any war outside its borders. It may have future repercussions for Egyptian national security.

Article 152 of the Egyptian Constitution stipulates that the President of the Republic, in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, “shall not declare war, nor send the Armed Forces on a combat mission outside the borders of the State, except after consulting the National Defence Council and obtaining the approval of the House of Representatives by a two-thirds majority.”

The “distance of the railway” policy

For over a decade, the “distance of the railway” policy repeatedly invoked by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to express his support for the Gulf states, without any concrete action, has been a source of ridicule and political embarrassment for the Egyptian regime, which has received generous Gulf support since the 3rd July 2013 coup.

Cairo senses that remaining silent this time, with the continuation of Iranian attacks on the Gulf states, could cost it dearly and could sever the lifelines of financial, oil, and political support, at a time when its ruling regime is facing a crippling economic crisis, massive debts, and geopolitical........

© Middle East Monitor