Egypt Pledges Support to Saudi Arabia if Asked

Egypt’s presidency said on October 18 that the country would provide Saudi Arabia all necessary and possible support to defend its security and stability, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sought parliamentary authorization for possible defensive action if the kingdom requests help. The pledge followed a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by Sisi. The presidency said Cairo would also intensify political and diplomatic efforts with regional and international parties to help de-escalate the crisis and resolve it. The offer remains conditional. Sisi asked lawmakers to authorize possible action if Saudi Arabia sought assistance, and parliament was scheduled to hold an emergency session on October 18 at 1 p.m. local time, or 10 a.m. GMT. The reports do not establish the session’s outcome, that Saudi Arabia has requested support, or that Egyptian forces have been deployed. Sisi made the request in a speech at a military academy ceremony on October 17. He said Egypt’s role would be defensive, not an effort to attack or fight another country, and that any action would depend on guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince...