Thread by @APhilosophae

What a welcome for the Egyptian President. As many will note, this is not typical. Where are Iraq-Egypt relations headed?

https://twitter.com/mahmouedgamal44/status/1409151645611606020

Such an exhibition or display is unheard of in Iraq since American destruction of the country. Furthermore, it hasnt happened since Saddams invasion of Kuwait, which destroyed Iraqi relationships with MENA nations.

What should also be noted as a source of interest are the number of still active Iraqi militias across the state. What caused them to accept or avoid this convoy exhibition is unknown as they are so often politically engaged, and tend to avoid centralizing tendencies of Baghdad.

Also of note, Al-Sisi didnt have to make this type of entrance, which is clearly dangerous. He could have entered the nation and 'Arab Alliance' meeting in a more low-key manner. What prompted Egyptian govt to make the decision that this was the appropriate time for such a move?

These meetings have been planned and ongoing for some time now this being, I believe, the 3rd meeting of the 'Arab Alliance'. What does this say to Iranian govt and why say it in such a public way? Lots of questions to be answered here.

What has been happening in MENA these past 4 1/2 years that has allowed for such an event to happen and what policy moves and ideas have led to this?

I would be happy to see this Arab Alliance prosper, reducing Iranian, US, Russian, and other extra-regional players influence. Is this a sign of the beginning of regional restablization, reducing the refugee crisis, allowing for refugees in other parts of the world to return...

To their countries of origin? It could allow US, Russian, and Iranian troops, among others to vacate the region. The hoped for new Iraqi pipeline to Basra could aid this as they would be able to export 1M barrels a day! Iraq plans to also supply Egypt with 12M barrels in 2021.

The need for the prosperity of this regional alliance can not be more important than it is today.