Abstract:
This article examines the obstructive elements in Iran-Egypt'sdiplomatic relations. The author argues that the most important obstacle is the two countries disagreement over political Islam. Tehran and Cairo are at odds over issues such as the relationship between religion and politics, Jihad (the Holy War), and the scope of clergies' power, influence and authority in government. Meanwhile, controversy exists in the two countries' foreign policy approaches in the region, as well as their national security concerns and priorities. There is also difference of opinion over the issue of terrorism which makes it hard for the two sides to resume their relations. The Egyptian government claims that Iran supports terrorism, and regards this issue as an impediment for opening the relations. Yet, Iran denies such a claim mentioning there has even been some mutual agreements between the two countries after the 9/11 events over the fight against terrorism. In another matter, the author examines the influence of names and symbols, disagreements over nationalism, and the tension in the two countries patrimonial systems, as factors which slow down rapprochement between Iran and Egypt.
Machine summary:
"As an example Aliakbar Nateq Nuri, the spokesman of the Islamic Consultative Assembly had said that he supports the development ofrelations with EgyptY3lNeverthelcss, the difference of opinions between the two main political parties in Iran regarding the restoration of the diplomatic relations with Egypt and a lack of diplomatic consensus among them has caused confusion among Egyptian officials.
The impediments were mainly focused on the two countries disagreement over foreign policy approaches in the region, the Egypt's peace treaty with Israel, lack of diplomatic consensus on any rapprochement, the two countries disagreement over political Islam, terrorism, cultural elements including names and symbols, different approaches toward nationalism, and finally their different patrimonial systems.
Contrary to TarekAtia belief, Iran has taken some important steps toward improving its relations with Egypt, some of which are as follows: Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has been the best friend to the Arabs, and has supported them, especially Palestine against Israel; Iran has ignored the military and weaponry aid Egypt granted to Iraq during the war with Iran, a fact which shifted the situation in frontlines to Iraqi's benefits; 12 thousand Egyptian POWs who were captured during Iran-Iraq war were one-sidedly released by Iran; Egypt has always backed the false claims by UAE on the three Iranian Islands, Big, Small Tonb, and Abu-Musa in Persian Gulf."