Egypt Tackles Increased Sinai Militancy

Gunmen attacked an Egyptian security forces base in the El-Arish area of the Sinai Peninsula the morning of May 20. No casualties were reported in the incident, which followed demands by Sinai-based militants for the release of Bedouin "political activists." The attack follows the May 16 kidnapping of seven Egyptian security personnel by Sinai militants. The attacks reveal the failure of the Egyptian intelligence apparatus to maintain control in Sinai and the lack of political unity in Cairo necessary to contain the situation. They also have increased pressure on Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to curb militant activity in Sinai. An increase in security personnel in the peninsula and harsh rhetoric from Morsi indicate Cairo is now preparing to use force to remedy the situation.