Egypt Forgives Iraqi Debt in Exchange for Oil

Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab and his Iraqi counterpart announced in a news conference on Jan. 11 that Egypt supported the Iraqi government and army in the war against IS through the expansion of mutual coordination at the military and security levels.

An Egyptian diplomat told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, “Contacts are underway to activate the security, economic and military agreements in the coming days through the formation of a joint higher committee to follow up on their implementation.”

The diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity: “Supporting Iraq these days is no longer an option, but a necessity in light of the common terrorist threat facing both countries and the Arab region, and the lack of tangible results of the international coalition operations against IS.”

However, in light of the Egyptian domestic challenges and the unstable political and security situation facing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s administration in governing the country, the question arises as to the extent to which Egypt can provide military and security support in the face of terrorism in Iraq. It is worth noting that Egypt had announced its military’s nonparticipation in the international coalition to confront IS.

Mohammed Mohsen Abu Nour, a researcher and specialist in international relations, told Al-Monitor, “Military cooperation with Iraq may include expansion in the provision of security and diplomatic services to confront IS.”

Abu Nour explained that “Egypt has pressure tools through which it can support the Abadi government. These include stopping Egyptians from joining IS ranks through an official decision banning Egyptians from traveling to six countries where the youth can join IS.”