In moments of tension, some voices tend to oversimplify matters to the point of distortion. Complex relationships are reduced to ready-made accusations, and the positions of states are compressed into words like: “betrayal,” “gloating,” and “abandonment.”
At that point, the discussion is no longer a difference of opinion, but rather a confusion — sometimes, in my view, intentional — between emotion and anger.
First: Egypt Is Not Governed by Emotions
Egypt, with its history and weight, does not base its decisions on reactions, nor does it enter conflicts to satisfy feelings—whatever they may be.
It is neither wise nor responsible to demand that a country of Egypt’s size declare an open confrontation with a major regional power like Iran, while the entire region is living on the edge of a delicate balance.
Wars are not statements, nor are they managed by the logic of “proving positions.” They are governed by national security calculations, the price of which is blood… not words.
Second: Questions That Must Be Honestly Asked Before Making Accusations
There are fundamental questions that deserve answers:
- Have the countries that are now calling for strong positions responded to Egypt’s repeated calls to establish a joint Arab military force?
- Has there been real work toward building an independent Arab defense system, or has reliance remained on external security arrangements?
- Can we ignore the presence of foreign military bases in the region and their role in complicating the situation, then demand others pay the price of these complications?
These are not accusations… but facts that must be considered in any serious discussion.
Third: Independence Is Not Partial
It is illogical to demand that Egypt take military action while, in some countries, security decisions are tied— to varying degrees— to international arrangements with major powers in which Egypt is not a party.
Strategic independence cannot be selective: either decisions of war and peace come from within, or the equation remains more complex than what is presented in the media.
Fourth: Calling for Open Confrontation with Iran Is Not Necessarily Strength
Such calls may, in some cases, represent a dangerous oversimplification of reality.
Even the countries in whose name confrontation slogans are raised do not close all doors, nor do they approach the future with absolute severance. Here, Egypt’s role appears differently—not as a party in conflict, but as a country that, by virtue of its position and history, can serve as a bridge or mediator at a time when the region needs a balancing mind… not a louder voice.
Fifth: Brotherhood Does Not Mean Subordination
The relationship between Egypt and the Gulf states is a genuine historical brotherhood, tested over time. There were periods when wealth was absent and Egypt was the support, and after 2011, when Egypt needed support, the Gulf stood by it.
But brotherhood does not mean that one country acts under another’s dictates, nor that it engages in battles it does not see as strategically worthwhile.
Differences in judgment do not mean hostility, nor do they justify discourse that exceeds the bounds of decency or logic.
Conclusion
It is not wise to call for war, then blame others for not engaging in it.
Nor is it fair to ignore the complexities of reality and reduce positions to emotional accusations.
Egypt does not posture… nor does it drift.
It calculates its steps and understands that true strength lies not in rushing into conflict, but in correctly assessing the moment.
I believe that Egypt, through its political leadership, is acting wisely in this tense environment, and that the president’s swift visits to Gulf countries contribute to extinguishing unnecessary escalation that may even be intentional.
In a region full of tension, the most rational role may not be to ignite the fire… but to prevent its spread.
The test is not only in stopping ballistic missiles targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf, but also in neutralizing the “missiles” launched by some from within—those aimed at the foundations of trust between Egypt and its Arab partners.
