Egypt Remains Vigilant Amid Fears of Syrian Revolutionary Influence

Egyptian leaders express concern over the potential spread of revolutionary fervor from Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. The rise of Islamist movements in Syria sparks fears in Egypt, where President el-Sisi remains vigilant of similar uprisings. Recent arrests of Syrian refugees in Cairo, celebrating Assad’s fall, reflect the Egyptian government’s apprehension towards political contagion.

In the aftermath of Islamist rebels’ successful ousting of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Egypt remains on high alert, drawing parallels between the events in Syria and its own recent history. A notable hashtag, “It’s your turn, dictator,” gained traction on Egyptian social media, signaling a warning directed at President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Egyptian leaders are acutely aware of the revolutionary zeal that can proliferate across borders, particularly in light of their own past upheavals.

Both Syria and Egypt have experienced significant political turmoil since the Arab Spring began in late 2010. The Syrian uprising concluded with the downfall of al-Assad nearly 14 years later, while Egypt witnessed the ouster of its long-time president, Hosni Mubarak. Following a period of democratic elections that saw an Islamist party come to power, Mr. el-Sisi orchestrated a military coup two years after Mubarak’s removal, establishing a regime wary of Islamist influences taking root in the region.

After Mr. al-Assad’s departure from Syria to Russia, reports emerged indicating that Egyptian security forces arrested at least 30 Syrian refugees in Cairo who celebrated his downfall. This swift action underscores Egypt’s apprehension regarding potential political contagion stemming from the Syrian revolution. Such fears highlight the tense atmosphere among regional leaders who remain determined to suppress any ascendant Islamist movements.

In conclusion, Egypt’s vigilance regarding the situation in Syria stems from its historical experiences with revolutions and political upheaval. The swift social media reactions and subsequent arrests indicate deep-seated fears among Egyptian authorities about the possibility of Islamist influence spreading from Syria. As both countries navigate their turbulent political landscapes, the specter of revolutionary fervor continues to loom large for leaders in the region.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com