| ID | 140298 |
| Title Proper | Egypt, Iran, and the Hizbullah cell |
| Other Title Information | using sectarianism to “De-Arabize” and regionalize threats to national interests |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Monier, Elizabeth |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article argues that anti-Shi‘ism is simply one component in a strategy to justify and enforce Egypt’s security policies and regional leadership goals. An examination of Egyptian press coverage of the 2009 discovery of a Hizbullah cell in Egypt illustrates a process through which Shi‘ism is initially identified as a sectarian threat, but then “de-Arabized” through linkage with Iran. Despite being an Arab organization, Egyptian media portray Hizbullah as a non-Arab challenge to the Arab world’s stability, more than a Shi‘i challenge to Sunnism or a security threat. This indicates that Egypt’s traditional foreign policy of defending Arab interests is more important than sectarianism in conceptualizing threats to its security. |
| `In' analytical Note | Middle East Journal Vol. 69, No.3; Summer 2015: p.341-357 |
| Journal Source | Middle East Journal Vol: 69 No 3 |
| Key Words | Iran ; Egypt ; National Interests ; Sectarianism ; Traditional Foreign Policy ; Hizbullah Cell ; De - Arabize ; Regionalize Threats ; Anti - Shi‘ism ; Regional Leadership Goals ; Defending Arab Interests |