Russia Finds a Potential Partner in Egypt

In addition to Iran, Egypt has emerged as another potential partner for Russia in its attempts to undermine U.S. interests in the Middle East. Egyptian and Russian officials met March 23-26 to examine a proposal for Egypt to establish a free trade agreement with the Russia-dominated Customs Union, which also includes Kazakhstan and Belarus. An official decision will not be made until after Egypt's presidential election May 26-27.

With Egypt facing power shortages due to a looming natural gas deficit combined with a high wheat import bill and dwindling foreign currency reserves, Russia is working to position itself as a strategic partner. But although Cairo may have some interests in common with Moscow, Egypt's relationship with the United States will be difficult to overcome, and Russia's interest in competing for influence in Egypt may provide the new government in Cairo an opportunity to play the interests of the two great powers off one another.