Throughout history, many nations and religions have passed, peoples have differed, and states have changed. But there are defining moments that remain in the memory of nations. We remember Egypt’s clear stance against Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, a voice that resonated throughout the world, along with the leaders of Arab and foreign countries.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, stood united to resist the invasion, and the Kuwaiti right ultimately triumphed over evil. Yes, some Arab countries supported the invasion and chose a different path, due to either their own interests or their belief that the invasion of Kuwait might lead to the liberation of Palestine. It later became clear that this was a matter of influence and deals, with no real connection to the slogans that were being promoted. There was also popular support for the Iraqi invasion in those countries, driven by massive brainwashing operations.
In time, the facts became clear, despite the efforts made by Kuwait and the Gulf states to present the truth. This is what is happening today. The Gulf states do not have the right to blame the Egyptian people, or even some of them, who hold convictions and act according to their beliefs. What is happening in the region today may not be seen by some Egyptians as part of the struggle for the liberation of Palestine, while we in the Gulf face daily Iranian aggression.
Yes, some have persuaded some Egyptians that Iran will be the one to liberate Palestine and Jerusalem. I urge Egyptians not to be misled by such slogans, especially since our Egyptian brothers have already experienced the pain of the Israeli occupation in 1967. We do not blame these people, as everyone has the right to believe what they think is right and express it as they see fit. However, we criticize the statement issued by the Egyptian Minister of Information, who attempted to portray these opinions as representative of Egyptians living abroad.
Yes, some believe that Iran will liberate Palestine, not only in Egypt but throughout much of the Arab world. We have been hearing this rhetoric for 50 years, while the reality is that Israel has expanded significantly during that time. The liberation of Palestine has become merely a slogan used by Iran to deceive Muslims and Arabs, while it pursues the export of its sectarian revolution and attempts to alter the religious and cultural beliefs of nations.
In the Gulf, we have exercised restraint, and our political leadership has shown great wisdom in addressing Iranian aggression. We must not forget that Iran has targeted holy sites, not just civilian or oil facilities. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have attacked Makkah and Madinah. A stance based on false slogans is therefore deeply unjust to the Gulf states. However, this situation does not justify insulting the Egyptian people.
No one has the right to influence public opinion with pessimism or disrespect. I wish to apologize to the people of Egypt. Some have offended this great nation, its civilization, and its historic stances of solidarity with the Gulf states. The Arab Republic of Egypt has always stood with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Blaming the Egyptian Minister of Information arises from the fact that everyone has the right to express their opinion as they see fit. Those who ignore Iran’s crimes of killing thousands of Yemenis, Iraqis, Syrians, Lebanese, and others, and insist on defending Iran are clearly detached from reality, and their opinions carry little weight. This segment of the Egyptian people still has the right to defend its views.
Perhaps we have failed to convince them of our point of view. Many Arabs opposed Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion, but time revealed the truth, and their positions eventually changed. To the Gulf citizens who criticize the Egyptian people, we would like to say - If you cannot persuade them through dialogue, then please remain silent. The Egyptians are a great people, led by a capable president, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Leaders who govern their countries with logic do not control the opinions of their people. We in the Gulf states are not afraid of a change in Egypt’s position. Egypt is part of us, and we are part of it.
