Why is ISIS in Egypt's Sinai? At AIPAC Confab, Oren Kessler, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

"ISIS Targets Egypt: Why the group set its sights on the Sinai" by Oren Kessler in Foreign Affairs.  17th May '16.  Edited for Democracy Broadcasting by Scott Jacobs, Senior Editor. 

Earlier this month, the Islamic State (ISIS) launched a massive media campaign in support of the insurgency in Sinai. Officials from 14 of its so-called provinces in Iraq, Libya, and Syria released videos promoting an Egyptian affiliate group, Sinai Province. The videos feature typical ISIS themes, such as condemnations of apostate Arab and Western governments, glorification of successful attacks, and praise for martyred brethren. What sets these videos apart, however, is the sheer number released at once, as well as their focus on Sinai, which previously played a relatively minor role in ISIS propaganda.

This media blitz could mark a turning point in ISIS strategy. The group has lost territory in Iraq and Syria, and the videos could signal a reorientation toward North Africa. ISIS may also be trying to boost morale and recruit new members. Finally, the releases could portend ISIS’ growing interest in Israel, and might suggest that the country could be the caliphate’s next target.

AIPAC '17 Policy Conference in Washington in March  AIPAC: Trouble from "ISIS in the Sinai" exclusive video. Oren Kessler, Deputy Director of Research at Foundation for The Defense of Democracies discusses ISIS' insurgency in Sinai- a problem for Egypt and Israel- and the dynamics between them) Recorded . The second-sequential segment is the Question and Answer sequel to Mr. Kessler's main talk.

The scale of the Sinai campaign is nearly unprecedented, rivaled only by an earlier media blitz against the monarchy of Saudi Arabia—a natural target given its significance as the birthplace of Islam and site of its two holiest places. That series, released in December 2015, excoriated the ruling family for working with “Crusader” states like the United States, and called on Saudis to join ISIS’ branch in the kingdom. Similarly, the latest videos accuse the Egyptian government of tyranny, condemning Cairo’s ties to Saudi Arabia and the United States. 

The videos also extend their criticism to the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated former President Mohamed Morsi for his alliances with secular governments, such as Turkey, and chastise the Brotherhood for ruling Egypt under “man-made” rather than Islamic law. 

The series warns Egyptians against adopting the “new religion” of democracy, and urge them to “wake up and realize [their] salvation is with sharia.” They play up Sinai’s location as the “land of the prophet Moses,” denounce Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as a new Pharaoh, and curse him for “protecting the Jews.”

In addition to criticizing the Egyptian government, the latest videos dub Sinai the “gateway to Palestine,” from which ISIS will “liberate” Jerusalem and its iconic al-Aqsa Mosque. The videos show Egyptian leaders and military officials meeting Israeli counterparts, and call Israel’s Jews “victims in waiting,” whom ISIS will deal with after the Egyptian “apostates.” As one fighter warns, Israelis will soon meet the same fate as their supposed Egyptian collaborators: “the knives used to slice open the necks of your spies will slaughter your soldiers tomorrow.”

Egyptian President Abdel al-Sisi at U.N. denounces Islamism and its enablers; includes Palestine

Egyptian Pres. Abdel Sisi addresses U.N. General Assembly

Egypt’s President Sisi Addresses the United Nations by Mohamed Khairat in Egyptian Streets| September 25, 2014

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi addressed the United Nations General Assembly’s 69th Session, stressing Egypt’s commitment to tackling the “plague” of terrorism while hundreds of supporters stood outside the United Nations in New York.

Upon being called to the podium, the Egyptian President was received with a loud applause from delegates, including world heads of state, of the General Assembly. The applause visibly pleased President Sisi, who immediately acknowledged it by smiling and putting his hands together in a sign of gratitude.




‘A New Egypt’

Minutes after commencing, the President was met with another applause after declaring the intentions of Egyptians to build a “New Egypt.”

“Our aim is to build a new Egypt,” said the President before being interrupted by the clapping of the hall.

“A state that respects the rights and freedoms, honours its duties, and ensures the co-existence of its citizens without exclusion or discrimination. A state that respects and enforces the rule of law, guarantees freedom of opinion for all and ensures freedom of belief and worship to its people. A state that is determined to achieve growth, prosperity, and a promising future that meets the aspirations of its people,” declared the President after silence had returned to the General Assembly.

To attain this promise, the President stressed that the State should respect and enforce the rule of law, guarantee freedom of speech and religion, and work towards the growth and prosperity of the country.

At the start of his speech, President Sisi had addressed criticism of Egypt’s road map since the ouster of deposed President Mohammed Morsi.

The President said Egyptians had made history in the past two years by first revolting against corruption and despotism to claim their right to freedom, dignity and social justice, and then when they rose up against exclusion and refused to succumb “to the tyranny of a faction who, in the name of religion, put its narrow interests before the interests of the people.”

Terrorism and the threats on the world

The world is starting to grasp the reality of what happened in Egypt, and to understand the circumstances that drove Egyptians to intuitively take to the streets to rebel against the forces of extremism and darkness,” explained the President in his 17-minute speech.

The President added that Egypt had warned the world about the spread of terrorism at the hands of extremist groups.

“The upsurge in extremism and violence perpetrated in the name of religion that the region is currently witnessing is an evidence of the true objectives of these groups that exploit religion,” said Sisi.

“They have transformed the values of justice, compassion and mercy treasured by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, into grim sectarianism and destructive civil and regional wars which continue to claim the lives of innocent people of different religions.”

The President, who showed confidence in his words, asserted that Egypt has suffered from the scourge of terrorism since the 1920s at the hands of a ‘handful of extremists that commit atrocities in the name of religion.’

However, Sisi added that these extremists should not be allowed to abuse Islam and offend the 1.5 billion Muslims across the globe.

“Terrorism is a plague that does not differentiate in its spread between developing and developed societies.”

Tackling problems in the region

Egypt’s President said that extremism and polarisation had led to strife and divisions in the region.

The President called for states in the region to ensure equality among citizens and respect for the rule of law. Sisi added that confronting extremism was also essential in tackling the various crises the region faces.

On Libya, Sisi said that Egypt had partnered with the country’s neighbours to achieve a comprehensive political solution aimed at ending bloodshed and helping strengthen and support elected Libyan institutions.

Turning to Syria, the President added a political framework which reflected the aspirations of the Syrian people without compromising with terrorists or extremists was necessary.

Meanwhile, Sisi hailed the formation of a new government in Iraq, stating that it was a significant development in the path to achieving stability and regaining territories that have fallen under the control of ISIL.

In regards to Palestine, the President stated that the Palestinian issue remained a top priority for Egypt.

“Palestinians still aspire to establish their independent state on the occupied territories in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” said the President, adding that Egypt had worked to achieve this goal since the 1970s.

“The continued deprivation of the Palestinian people of their rights is undoubtedly exploited by some to inflame other crises, achieve hidden goals, fragment Arab unity, and impose control on Palestinians under the guise of realising their aspirations.”

Africa was also the focus of President Sisi’s speech. The President urged the world to commit to tackling the outbreak of the deadly ebola virus in Western Africa and reaffirmed Egypt’s continued desire to work with its African partners.

Security Council and Final Applause

Ending his speech, Egyptian President Sisi announced his country’s bid for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council in 2016-2017.

The President added that Egypt, which was last on the Security Council in 1997, aspires to take the seat in 2016 in order to achieve the protect the interests of developing countries as well as to accelerate reform of the United Nations system.

Sisi invited member states to support Egypt’s candidature to the Security Council, adding that as a founding member of the United Nations, Egypt’s vision of international relations is one founded on the respect of the principles of international law, treaties and conventions.

Moments before concluding his speech, the President was once more interrupted with applause upon declaring “long live Egypt!”

“Long live Egypt. Long live the loving people’s of the world. Long live the principles of humanity and the values of tolerance and coexistence. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.

L.A.-resident Egyptian Coptic-Christians rallied to support Egypt's army liberating the country from Islamist rule, which was imposed by Obama administration-supported, Muslim Brotherhood facilitator, Mohamed Morsi. This DemoCast exclusive video was recorded last August outside of the Federal Building in Los Angeles.

1 million Palestinian Muslims demonstrate goal of reconquering Jewish Israel

Palestinians Dream of Destroying Israel, Peace Treaty or Not

by Khaled Abu Toameh, in Gatestone Institute  March 25, '14

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry may be able to force Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, under threats and pressure, to sign a "framework agreement" with Israel.  But as this week's rally of hatred in the Gaza Strip shows, even after the signing of a Palestinian-Israeli "peace" treaty, a large number of Palestinians will not abandon there dream of destroying Israel. 

"Jihad in Palestine is not terrorism. Jihad in Palestine is a sacred duty." — Yusef Rizka, representative of Hamas 

A mass rally held in the Gaza Strip on March 23 showed that Hamas continues to enjoy popular support among Palestinians. Tens of thousands of Palestinians took to the streets to attend the rally commemorating the 10th anniversary of the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. 

(Photo: The Palestinian Information Center)

Hamas officials claim that nearly one million Palestinians attended the rally in the center of Gaza City. March 23, '14.

Palestinian Authority [PA] President Mahmoud Abbas has good reason to be worried in the aftermath of the latest show of force by Hamas. When tens of thousands of Palestinians take to the streets of the Gaza Strip to call for the destruction of Israel and an end to the peace talks between the PA and Israel, it is clear that a large segment of Palestinian society remains opposed to any compromise with Israel.

                                                             (Video: Courtesy IDF-North American Desk)

The pro-Hamas rally is also aimed at sending a message to the U.S. Administration that Mahmoud Abbas does not have a mandate to sign any document that declares an end to the conflict with Israel.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry may be able to force Abbas, under threats and pressure, to sign a "framework agreement" with Israel. But as this week's rally of hatred in the Gaza Strip shows, even after the signing of an Israeli-Palestinian "peace" treaty, a large number of Palestinians will not abandon their dream of destroying Israel.