ON OCTOBER 21 RUSSIA AND EGYPT held their first joint military exercise in Egypt.
Like other countries, such as the Philippines, Egypt would like to diversity its military and trade options and acquire new partners to counter the growing threat of terrorism. At the same time, Russia is looking for partners as it is forced to expand military operations in the region due the failure of rebel forces and their sponsors to leave Syria and Yemen.
Egypt is willing to risk the ire of the United States and Saudi Arabia the regions destabilizing sponsor of terrorism, but like the Philippines will continue to court relationships with the US and Saudi Arabia necessary for economic viability.
Nonetheless, this is a situation to watch in tandem with the Philippines to see just how far these countries are willing to alter their foreign policy and push the limits set by their traditional sponsors.
