Egypt, Iran, and the Hizbullah Cell: Using Sectarianism to “De-Arabize” and Regionalize Threats to National Interests
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.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 June 2015
The Middle East Institute has published The Middle East Journal quarterly since 1947. The Journal provides original and objective research and analysis, as well as source material, on the area from Morocco to Pakistan. The Journal provides the background necessary for an understanding and appreciation of the region's political and economic development, cultural heritage, ethnic and religious diversity.
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