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Egypt and Iran are two major Middle Eastern powers. Mutual suspicion and occasionally open hostility have largely characterized the relations between the two nations. Diplomatic ties were severed shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and efforts to restore them have yet to succeed. This essay examines the two nations' stance on major issues such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The analysis suggests that a thaw is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
Key Words: Egypt; Iran; Hezbollah; Hamas; Nuclear Weapons.
The two Middle Eastern powerhouses, Egypt and Iran, share significant similarities and differences. With a population of more than 83 million people, Egypt is by far the most populous country in the Arab world, and indeed the entire Middle East. With about half a million active military forces, Egypt has one of the largest armies in the region. Finally, Cairo's "soft power" (e.g., movies, TV, education, and sport) is very popular all over the region.
Iran enjoys similar advantages. With approximately 70 million people, Iran is one of the most populous countries in the Middle East. Iran's active military forces are roughly the same size as Egypt's. In addition, in recent years Iran has made substantial progress in its indigenous military industry. Finally, Iran's soft power comes from sectarianism, not Arab nationalism. Iran is the leading Shiite state in the region. There is no way to provide an accurate assessment of the relationship between Iran and the Shiite communities in neighboring states, but it is likely that at least some spiritual ties connect the two sides.
Given these characteristics, both Cairo and Tehran have claimed a leadership position in the Middle East. For decades, relationships between these two power-houses have not been easy. Mutual suspicion and occasionally open hostility have characterized Egyptian-Iranian relations. Shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, diplomatic ties had been severed and efforts to resume them have yet to succeed. This essay examines where Cairo and Tehran stand on major regional and international issues such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and nuclear weapons. A close examination of these issues suggests that a rapprochement between Egypt and Iran is not likely in the near future.
Hezbollah
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