President Morsi's Effect on Egyptian Foreign Policy

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In The Media

President Morsi's Effect on Egyptian Foreign Policy

Despite fears in the United States, Egyptian foreign policy under President Morsi has been marked by continuity rather than a fundamental paradigm shift.

By Marina Ottaway

Published on Sep 27, 2012

Source: KPCC Southern California Public Radio

The rise to power of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the presidency of Mohammed Morsi stoked fears in the United States that Egypt, long a linchpin of American foreign policy, would dramatically alter the balance of power in region. However, noted Carnegie's Marina Ottaway on KPCC Southern California Public Radio, “So far, we have no reason to expect dramatic changes. While there is a lot of anxiety in the U.S. and elsewhere, if you are looking for concrete policy changes, it’s difficult to see any at this point.” At his UN General Assembly speech, Morsi did not announce any fundamental changes in policy, Ottaway added. Rather, he confirmed that Egypt would continue to respect international treaties—crucially, including Camp David—and called for the international community to accept its responsibility to further the peace process. Egypt has also attempted to forge a solution to the Syrian crisis through its convening of Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, Egyptian foreign policy to this point under Morsi has been bereft of fundamental policy changes, Ottaway concluded.

About the Author

Marina Ottaway

Former Senior Associate, Middle East Program

Before joining the Endowment, Ottaway carried out research in Africa and in the Middle East for many years and taught at the University of Addis Ababa, the University of Zambia, the American University in Cairo, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

Recent Work

Article
Reactions to the Syrian National Initiative
- Marina Ottaway, Omar Hossino
Article
Slow Return to Normal Politics in Egypt
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Political Reform North Africa Egypt

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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