Egypt is on a quest for economic allies. In the tumultuous years since former President Hosni Mubarak's ouster, Saudi Arabia has been one of Egypt's primary backers. But the past several months have brought the countries' differences to light, straining their relationship. In October, the Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (better known as Saudi Aramco) announced that it would suspend delivery on its petroleum deal with Egypt, likely in an attempt to bring the country back in line. Though the governments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are trying to downplay their apparent falling out, Cairo is scrambling to secure its access to fiscal aid and oil from other allies.
The emerging rift between Cairo and Riyadh is not surprising. Egypt has demonstrated a desire for greater independence in its foreign policy, resisting Saudi Arabia's attempts to bring the country further under its influence. Depending on the policies of the next U.S. president,...
