The recent developments in Egypt and the region point to the pervasive influence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the different sectors of the Egyptian state, without exception.
Relations between Egypt and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have recently become strained more than ever before. This revealed to what extent the UAE’s influence constitutes a threat to the core of Egyptian national security.
Since the ousting of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt has portrayed Hamas as the source of all crises, because of the link between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Morsi hails.
To support their hypothesis, Egyptian media and diplomats cited fictional accusations against Hamas, such as accusing them of jail breaks, killing Egyptian police, killing protesters in Tahrir square, and finding terrorist groups in Sinai.
It has become commonplace to link any disaster taking place in Egypt to Hamas. What is more perplexing, however, is that the interim authorities in Egypt have turned against the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. This has reached such an extent that covert threats are being sent through the media to senior leaders in the PA, reminding them of their financial interests in Egypt which could be jeopardised, as one major newspaper published yesterday.
Egypt has maintained close ties with the PA over the past twenty years. No logic would justify such aggressive attacks on the PA and its leaders in Ramallah. In fact, such attacks would endanger Egyptian national security.
The problem originated from the UAE, where the infamous ex-Fatah leader Mohamed Dahlan resides and where he serves as a security advisor to Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, the strongman and de facto leader of the UAE.
Dahlan is Bin Zayed right hand man. He faces serious charges of involvement in disputes taking place within the ruling family in Abu Dhabi. Dahlan is not only in dispute with Hamas in Gaza, but he has also become an adversary of the PA in Ramallah led by Mahmoud Abbas (aka Abu Mazen). He was expelled from Fatah due to his ambiguous and out-of-control relations with Israeli intelligence. Since then, he has been conspiring against the PA – aided by generous financial support from the UAE – to stage a coup against the Fatah leadership and the PA. Of course, Bin Zayed, himself involved in the battle against Abbas, stands on Dahlan’s side.
Yet, why would Egypt be dragged into these mazes and disputes? And why would Egypt ally with a notorious and bloody figure like Dahlan? And why would Egypt take part in a dangerous conflict with one of its closest allies, the PA, for the sake of Dahlan? Is it, for instance, a courtesy for Bin Zayed in return for a favour?
What are the interests of the Egyptian authorities in collaborating with Dahlan to the extent of losing the PA, having the PA rethink its priorities, organising inter-Palestinian relations and reconciling with Hamas in order to confront Dahlan and Egypt’s threats?
For whose benefit are Egyptian interests and national security being pushed towards this slope?
Mohamed Bin Zayed will not rule Egypt and will not determine its national security parameters. Egypt’s regional status will not endure such humiliation.
The author is an Egyptian writer. This is a translation of the Arabic text published by Al Mesryoon newspaper on 13 February, 2014
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.