Egypt is wary of revolutionary movements in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Egyptian social media reflected dissent against President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, while authorities cracked down on celebratory Syrian refugees. Both countries share a tumultuous past of uprisings, leading to Egypt’s vigilance against any possible contagion of unrest from Syria.
Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels, Egypt has adopted a cautious stance, fearing that revolutionary sentiments may spread across its borders. Egyptian social media erupted with messages like “It’s your turn, dictator,” directly addressing President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, signaling the potential for unrest reminiscent of Egypt’s own turbulent past.
Since the Arab Spring began in late 2010, both Syria and Egypt have faced significant upheavals. The Syrian uprising concluded with al-Assad’s regime collapse, while Egypt experienced the ousting of Hosni Mubarak and the rise of an Islamist political party following the first democratic elections. In 2013, el-Sisi’s military coup halted the Islamist movement, leading to ongoing regional apprehension regarding the resurgence of such groups.
In the wake of al-Assad’s flight to Russia, Egyptian authorities swiftly detained at least 30 Syrian refugees in Cairo who were celebrating the regime’s demise. This reaction highlights the Egyptian government’s heightened vigilance against any resurgence of revolutionary fervor that could threaten their own stability.
The article discusses the political dynamics between Egypt and Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing Egypt’s trepidation over potential contagion of revolutionary movements. The historical context provided is critical, detailing how both nations experienced significant shifts during and after the Arab Spring. Understanding this background is essential as it elucidates why Egypt remains apprehensive about the events in Syria, given its direct experiences with revolutionary and Islamist movements.
In conclusion, Egypt’s concern over Syria’s political upheaval reflects deep-seated fears of similar unrest spreading across its borders. The historical parallels between the two nations underscore the delicate balance of power and the potential repercussions of revolutionary fervor. As Egypt monitors the situation, it remains steadfast in its efforts to prevent the resurgence of Islamist factions that could destabilize its regime.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
