Fearful of Iran? Mubarak
Photo: AP
Iranian nuclear plant
Photo: AFP
Egypt fears Iran nukes
Egyptian media stresses ‘danger of the Shiite bomb that is being developed to fortify ayatollahs’ position in region’
Fears regarding Iran’s nuclear program have been expressed as of late in the Arab world as well, particularly in the Gulf States and Egypt.
The Egyptian media has stressed the “danger of the Shiite bomb,” which, according to the media, is being developed to fortify the ayatollahs’ position in the region.
Israeli Intelligence
Sunday Times reports Israeli special forces said to be operating inside Iran in urgent attempt to locate country’s secret uranium enrichment sites; ‘we found several suspected sites last year, but there must be more,’ intelligence source quoted as saying
For example, the editor of the state-run Egyptian newspaper El-Gomhuriah, Muhammad Ali Ibrahim wrote “We must ask ourselves an important question: Should the Israeli-Palestinian conflict end with the establishment of a Palestinian state, what will Iran do? Will it agree to be a regular county in the region, or will it strive for power, playing the role of the only Islamic country capable of confronting America.”
Another El-Gomhuriah editorial called on Iran to refrain from developing nuclear arms, as they would strategically-threaten the Gulf States.
In an article titled “A Shiite, not Islamic bomb,” Egyptian weekly Ruz al-Yusuf warned of the political and military ramifications of the “Shiite bomb” developed by Iran, claiming Iran’s nuclear aspirations are aimed at fortifying Tehran’s position in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority.
The articles reflect Egyptian concerns regarding Iran’s increased influence in the region due to the situation in Iraq, Hizbullah’s involvement in the dispute between Damascus and Beirut and Hamas’ victory in the Palestinian elections.
Last Wednesday United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed called on Iran to cooperate with the West on the nuclear issue, stressing that Iran’s nuclear program is a major concern for the region’s countries.
However, media outlets also claimed that Israel is responsible for the launching of the “arms race” in the region.
