Egypt-Gulf cooperation motivated by strategic interests

Recent announcements that Qatar and Saudi Arabia have both granted Egypt US$500 million in budget support raised eyebrows among some Egypt-Gulf watchers, curious about whether the funding comes with any political strings attached.

Money given by a foreign country is usually driven by a strategic ambition — so what drives Qatari financial support for Egypt, and how does it differ from Saudi Arabia's?

The money is not known to come with any conditions, analysts say, but both countries have practical reasons to create niches for themselves as a new political system emerges in Egypt.

In the long-run, however, Qatar could be Egypt’s more important regional partner, as Saudi Arabia is hampered by domestic concerns.

“Qatar understands the importance of Egypt emerging as a strong Arab power. It has so much potential and will require support politically, economically and socially,” said Salman Shaikh, director of Brookings Doha Center.

Hassan Abu Taleb, an analyst specializing in Gulf issues at the state-funded Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, agreed.

“Qatar is aware that the Egyptian revolution is better for Arab interests, and it is trying to send a message to Egyptians, not the government, that it will help them pass this transitional period,” Abu Taleb said.

The small Gulf peninsula is known for its keenness on promoting Arab interests and acting as an alternative to US intervention in the region, which it regards as damaging, according to Gulf States Newsletter’s 30 September issue.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s much larger neighbor, is also a pragmatic player and will be looking for ways to support Egypt’s development. However, the country’s leadership had a closer relationship with Mubarak and is still thought to be smarting from the way he was deposed.

The kingdom is also held back by domestic issues. “I don’t think Saudi has a determined policy on Egypt largely due to its own internal situation, such as the ailing health of the king. There is not one single center of decision-making on many issues, including the Egyptian case,” Shaikh said.

Decision-making in Saudi Arabia falls under the purview of a large number of princes, while in Qatar the ruling Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and his powerful wife Sheikha Mozah al-Missned are known for their personalized style of politics.