The National Interest Foundation Newsletter

Issue 186, April 7, 2023

Welcome to our NIF Newsletter. In this week’s headlines: we analyze the meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, examine the effects of Netanyahu’s cabinet approving the creation of a national guard under command of Itamar Ben-Gvir, and look into the sentencing of Algerian journalist Ihsane El-Kadi.

Written by Breje Khan-Williams; Edited by Jacob Van Veldhuizen

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President el-Sisi Meets With MBS

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Egypt Navigates Financial Crisis

Amid a devastating financial crisis in Egypt, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened in the picturesque Red Sea city of Jeddah. As the region’s dynamic geopolitical landscape shifts, these two leaders gather to strategize and forge a path toward a common future. The serene Red Sea backdrop belies the turbulent complexities permeating the Middle East. Egypt’s financial turmoil, exacerbated by the ripple effects of the invasion of Ukraine, has exposed its dependence on the wealthier Gulf nations. In response to Egypt’s pressing needs, Saudi Arabia and its neighbors have provided support through deposits in its central bank and substantial investments. Recently, Riyadh has indicated a significant shift in its economic aid policy, adopting a more cautious and conditional approach to assistance.

Since President el-Sisi’s rise to power in 2013, following the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi, Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in supporting Egypt’s economy. However, the Jeddah summit occurred in the context of Riyadh’s announcement that it would no longer offer financial assistance without conditions. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan revealed this policy change at the prestigious gathering in Davos, Switzerland, stating that the kingdom would collaborate with international institutions to require improvements in the nations they support. This new policy briefly sparked tensions between the two countries when two prominent Saudi commentators criticized Egypt’s past shortcomings on social media. Nevertheless, the situation was promptly resolved by Saudi and Egyptian authorities, with el-Sisi expressing appreciation for the assistance from their “brothers.” Despite the rapid reconciliation, this policy shift carries significant implications for Egypt as it contends with its financial crisis.

As the political landscape of the Middle East undergoes significant shifts, Egypt’s position is no exception. In December last year, the nation obtained a crucial $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting Egypt’s reliance on its regional partners. This loan incorporates structural economic reforms, new financing, and debt rollovers from the Gulf countries. The Jeddah summit not only affects Egypt and Saudi Arabia but also carries broader implications for the Middle East as a whole. The evolving relationship between these two influential nations has the potential to reshape regional dynamics, as both countries are key players in the region’s political and economic spheres.

The summit reflects 3 major changes in the region. Firstly, the summit reflects a more cautious approach by Saudi Arabia toward providing economic assistance to its regional partners. This shift may lead other Gulf countries to reconsider their policies, potentially influencing the distribution of aid and investments throughout the Middle East. As a result, countries in the region may be prompted to adopt structural reforms to meet the new conditional requirements, potentially leading to greater financial stability and transparency. Secondly, the Jeddah summit’s emphasis on economic and political cooperation highlights the growing importance of regional alliances in the Middle East. The willingness of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to address their differences and collaborate on shared challenges underscores the potential for greater regional integration. This cooperation could have a domino effect, fostering stronger ties among other Middle Eastern nations and promoting collaborative efforts in areas such as counter-terrorism, trade, and regional security. Lastly, the summit has taken place against the backdrop of significant diplomatic realignments in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to mend relations with Iran, resume diplomatic ties with Syria, and strengthen its relationship with Turkey demonstrate the kingdom’s desire to recalibrate its foreign policy. These developments could lead to a more balanced and stable regional order, reducing tensions and fostering dialogue between traditional adversaries. As a close ally of Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s role in these realignments should not be underestimated. By maintaining strong ties with Riyadh, Egypt can position itself as a key player in the emerging geopolitical landscape, potentially leveraging its influence to address pressing regional issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian crisis, and the ongoing struggle against extremism.

Saudi Arabia’s continuously growing role in the Middle East may also be cause for alarm. As they continue to collaborate more with other countries and expand their sphere of influence, it will likely become increasingly difficult for opposition parties, pro-democracy organizations, free press, and human rights. Increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes in the region will allow these countries to collaborate in their suppression and abuse of whom they consider dissidents.

The Jeddah summit between Egypt and Saudi Arabia carries far-reaching implications for the Middle East, impacting the region’s economic policies, fostering stronger alliances, and contributing to the reshaping of the geopolitical landscape. The meeting between President el-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signifies not only a new chapter in the relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia but also serves as a harbinger of a new era in the region’s constantly evolving geopolitical landscape. As the winds of change sweep across the desert, the true impact of Saudi Arabia’s new economic aid policy and the future course of Egypt’s journey out of its financial crisis will be revealed in due course.

Cabinet Approves Israeli National Guard

Israeli Cabinet Approves the Creation of a National Guard under the Command of Itamar Ben-Gvir

Since the start of the year, huge weekly protests have been held by people in Israel opposed to Netanyahu’s plan to gut the judicial branch. He has packaged it as a reform plan. Demonstrations have escalated, with hundreds of thousands of people packing the streets in Israel’s cities. The protesters have called for the reforms to be scrapped and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. The protesters argue that the changes will weaken the judicial system, which historically has kept the government’s power in check. Netanyahu agreed to postpone these reforms, but to keep his government from falling apart, he needed to make concessions to those who did not favor the postponement. One of these was creating a national guard directly under the control of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The Israeli cabinet recently approved this controversial “national guard” proposed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir’s guard would deal with “emergency situations, nationalistic crimes, terror, and strengthening sovereignty,” according to his office’s statement. Ben-Gvir, who is also the leader of the extremist Jewish Power Party, demanded the action in exchange for stopping the government’s contentious judicial changes after months of protest and nationwide strikes. The head of the opposition said, “The government’s priorities are ludicrous and abhorrent. Running over democracy and encouraging the wildest dreams of the insane are the only things that keep it occupied”. The National Guard’s main objective is to work with law enforcement and the armed forces to resolve conflicts, namely pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place in mixed Jewish and Arab neighborhoods. The hardline Jewish settler Ben-Gvir, convicted previously of supporting terrorism and inciting hatred against Palestinians, has drawn criticism for his threat to use force against anti-government protesters and the Arab and Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank. Ynet News reported that Inspector-General Yaacov Shabtai, the head of Israel’s police force, expressed concern that the national guard would be very expensive and might even compromise public safety if not supervised. Israeli media sources say that the project has a budget of about $276 million. According to Bernard Smith of Al Jazeera, the guard would be financed by skimming 1-1.5 percent of the budgets of all other ministries. According to Smith, the attorney general informed the cabinet that the new national guard does not have legitimacy. According to her, legal issues are currently holding up the current draft. It must also clear parliamentary barriers. A committee composed of officials from the prime minister’s office, military ministry, justice ministry, finance ministry, Israeli police, and army will be formed to establish the force. Ayman Odeh, an Israeli lawmaker, asked, “Why does Israel need another national guard when it already has an army, police, military intelligence, Shin Bet, Mossad, National Security Council, Prisons Service, riot police, and a SWAT team?”. Former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot called the creation of a committee directly accountable to the national security minister “a serious event that threatens the country’s ability to use force.” Prior to the idea being made public, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel expressed its grave concern to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of Israelis have gathered to protest the plan this week. Of even greater concern is the heightened killing and suppression of Palestinians that is almost sure to take place if this force is created. Ben-Gvir is an extremist and allowing him direct control of a military force will only lead to more death and destruction. Continuing the suppress Palestinians will continue to push more of them to a most militant form of resistance, further escalating the conflict.

The conflict is already escalating, as the Al-Aqsa mosque has been raided multiple times over this past week. The Israeli Defense Force used excessive force to clear out the mosque, injuring many while doing so. They employed brutal tactics and weapons such as rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. In response, rockets were fired from Gaza and Lebanon. Adding another military entity into the mix, especially one led by an extremist like Ben-Gvir, would only lead to an increase in the frequency of abuses against Palestinians, and in turn, likely put more Israeli citizens in danger. Not only is the establishment of this militia morally wrong, but it will also increase the frequency with which Israeli citizens are in danger.

The world must take decisive action to stop Israel from creating a national guard. The most effective way to do this is to conditionalize the aid given to Israel by the United States. Additionally, economic sanctions could be used to discourage Israel from creating a national guard. Countries should use their economic and diplomatic leverage to pressure Israel into abandoning its plans. This could include restrictions on trade, financial transactions, and travel. Holding those responsible for any crimes against humanity committed is also extremely important. International pressure should be applied to ensure that Israel is held accountable for any violations of international law. The international community should be united in its condemnation of any actions taken by Israel that threaten peace and stability in the region. An independent body, such as the ICC, must investigate any violations and take appropriate measures to ensure Israel is held to account for its actions.

Press Repression in Algeria

Algerian Journalist Sentenced to 5 Years

In an alarming display of the Algerian government’s crackdown on independent journalism, Ihsane El-Kadi, a prominent critic of the government and owner of one of the few independent media organizations in the country, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Sidi M’Hamed court in Algiers. This sentence, of which El-Kadi must serve three years, was handed down on Sunday after he was accused of “foreign financing of his enterprise,” according to AFP. The case against El-Kadi is emblematic of the broader assault on press freedom and democratic values in Algeria.

El-Kadi’s arrest and subsequent sentencing highlight the Algerian government’s relentless efforts to control the media landscape and suppress dissenting voices. His media company, Interface Media, which owns and operates El Kadi’s other publication and Maghreb Emergent, has been ordered to shut down by the court. Additionally, fines of 11.7 million Algerian dinars ($86,200) have been imposed on the company and El-Kadi personally. The journalist’s arrest on December 24 under a state security statute prohibiting the receipt of funds that endanger national unity or state security reveals the government’s readiness to exploit legal mechanisms to stifle critical journalism. Following El-Kadi’s detention, Interface Media’s offices were sealed off, and its records were seized. El-Kadi’s defense team has refuted the foreign funding allegations, pointing out that the only foreign transfer received by his company came from his daughter, a resident of the United Kingdom, who sent 25,000 British pounds ($31,000) to the business in which she is a partner. The unjust treatment of El-Kadi has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, as well as from groups advocating for the freedom of journalists, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Hundreds of individuals have signed a petition demanding his release. Sherif Mansour, the program coordinator for CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa region, characterized El-Kadi’s detention in December as an affront to Algeria’s independent press and called on authorities to “stop their persecution of the press.” Mansour asserted, “Algerian authorities are assaulting some of the few independent voices in the nation by detaining journalist Ihsane El-Kadi and closing down Radio M and Maghreb Emergent.”

The sentencing of Ihsane El-Kadi indicates a larger pattern of repression and intimidation against independent journalism in Algeria. The crackdown on dissent and independent journalism in Algeria has had significant implications for the relationship between the government and its citizens. Repressing independent voices and the stifling of free expression can lead to an erosion of trust in the government and foster a climate of fear and suspicion. Citizens become disillusioned with the political system and lose faith in the democratic process as the government continues to consolidate power and suppress opposing views. This can result in disengagement from political participation and increased polarization within society. Additionally, the absence of independent media outlets and reliable sources of information can lead to the spread of misinformation and a lack of transparency in government actions. As citizens lose access to unbiased reporting, their ability to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions is severely compromised.

As the Algerian government relentlessly pursues its campaign to suppress freedom of the press and dismantle the very foundations of democracy, it becomes increasingly imperative for the international community to raise its voice in unison, denouncing these oppressive actions and relentlessly advocating for the protection of journalists and their indispensable contributions to the fabric of a thriving democracy. The alarming silencing of El-Kadi and the forced closure of his independent media organization reverberate far beyond Algeria’s borders, striking fear into the hearts of journalists everywhere who dare to speak truth to power. The world cannot afford to stand idly by as the pillars of press freedom and democratic values are systematically dismantled in Algeria. It is incumbent upon the international community, including governments, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens, to join forces in solidarity with those who risk everything to preserve and promote the free flow of information, expose corruption, and hold the powerful accountable. To turn a blind eye to the plight of El-Kadi and other independent journalists in Algeria would be to accept the erosion of democratic principles and the normalization of censorship and repression. We must harness the collective power of our voices, our advocacy, and our unwavering commitment to the cause of press freedom to challenge the injustices perpetrated by governments that seek to silence those who bear witness to the truth.