Sisi Seeks Parliament Approval for Saudi Military Support

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has asked parliament to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests help defending itself against Houthi attacks. The form of any assistance remains unspecified, and parliament had not completed its deliberations as of October 19. Al-Sisi made the request in a speech on Saturday, describing the proposed role as defensive and saying Egypt was not seeking to attack anyone. On Sunday, the National Defence Council approved providing Saudi Arabia with all necessary and available forms of support, according to the Egyptian presidency. That announcement did not specify a deployment or identify what support would entail. Lawmakers postponed a decision after a Sunday session, saying discussions would continue. Reports dated October 19 said parliament was expected to vote after a Tuesday session or later that week. No result was reported. Egypt’s constitution requires approval by both parliament and the National Defence Council before forces can be sent on combat missions abroad. The request is conditional on Saudi Arabia asking for assistance. Lawmakers said they had not discussed the form it might take. Retired Egyptian...