Egypt’s political scene has changed radically from the vigorous pluralism that followed the 2011 uprising; in 2015 the Islamist and secular groups that won those elections are excluded or marginalized.
At its core the Kingdom remains an autocratic state wedded to monarchical privilege at home and bent on enforcing political quietism abroad
The Egyptian military has gained unprecedented power since overseeing the ouster of two Egyptian presidents, Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and Mohamed Morsi in 2013. But political overreach and internal rivalries may prove obstacles to long-term military control.
The self-proclaimed Islamic State is using past Western transgressions in Iraq to justify its brutality.
To many, there appears to be no logic in the course of events in Yarmouk. The fact is that, in the ongoing conflict in Syria, it is the reality on the battlefield rather than theoretical reasoning that is imposing itself.
The self-proclaimed Islamic State’s takeover of the Yarmouk refugee camp is good for Bashar al-Assad.
There are signs of internal dissension within the self-proclaimed Islamic State. But even if it is in partial retreat, it is a likely threat in the Middle East—and to Western interests—for years to come.
While the fall of Idlib is a clear loss for the regime of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the takeover of Yarmouk by the self-proclaimed Islamic State is a regime-blessed tactic, if not necessarily a successful one.
Nusra aims to strengthen its footprint and widen its influence in the northern Syria and present itself as the primary force fighting the Assad regime on the ground.
The idea that Sisi will be an effective ally against Islamic terrorists is misguided. He has, in fact, become one of the jihadists’ most effective recruiting tools.
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