Policy Analysis

Since the outbreak of the crisis in Sudan in April 2023 between the country's warring generals, Cairo has faced a dilemma regarding how to approach the war on its southern borders.

Egypt, strategically positioned in the heart of the Middle East and North Africa, is grappling with significant economic pressures exacerbated by regional conflicts and geopolitical instability.

The ongoing Israeli military presence on the Philadelphia Corridor may prove an explosive flashpoint for Egypt-Israel relations given domestic pressures and internal fears in Cairo.

Even if an incursion into Rafah occurs without sparking a clash between Israeli and Egyptian forces, Israel will be facing two key challenges in its relationship with Egypt: the eventual status of the Philadelphi corridor and the rapid rise of support for Hamas inside Egypt itself.

While Hamas has experienced a surge of popular support in Egypt, these views have not impacted those who say that they have a positive view of the Muslim Brotherhood. Iran’s proxies, namely Hezbollah and the Houthis, remained deeply unpopular among Egyptians.

Despite economic losses, Egypt is still hesitant to participate in any direct military operations to deter the Houthis. Cairo believes that it is more appropriate to work towards ending the military operations in the Gaza Strip and launching a political process, rather than opening a new front to expand the conflict in the Middle East.

According to new polling, the percentage of six Arab publics who believe America has had a positive role in the war amounts to just 7%.

Regardless of the upcoming elections results, there are many Egyptians who feel that Sisi’s policies are harming their country, reflect a lack of national belonging, and are the product of reckless and poorly-considered decisions.

Although joining BRICS is an exciting economic prospect for many governments, the addition of new member states has not been without controversy. In Egypt, news of the nation’s accession to this institution has fueled a heated internal media debate on the feasibility of the move and its impact on the deteriorating economic situation in Egypt.

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

Once a dominant political movement, the Muslim Brotherhood's continual internal crises have caused the group to splinter and recede from the spotlight.

With key topics and figures excluded, Egypt's national dialogue is unlikely to achieve much in the way of reform.

A new public opinion poll of Egyptian citizens, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in late March/April by a regional commercial firm, showed that despite the current economic doldrums, street protests remained unpopular.

Chinese influence extends beyond the economic sphere, posing serious threats to Egypt's security interests and relationship with the United States.

Runaway inflation, currency devaluation, and unprecedented foreign debt could make this holiday the most challenging one in years, especially for low-income households.

Approval for contacts with Israelis remained steady through 2022, even as hesitancy on Abraham Accords continued.

The most recent poll results from Egypt suggest a disconnect between public opinion and pubic policy, especially on economic concerns and relations with Israel.

Regional polls from March and August reveal shifting power dynamics, as economic conditions and relations with Israel continue to weigh on citizens’ minds.

Egyptians expressed skepticism about the economy, reliance on the United States, and the Abraham Accords with Israel.