Egypt reserved on Iran's courtship

Egypt's president is under sharp criticism for his domestic policies. But his actions on the international stage have drawn praise. Iran is particularly pleased about warming relations - and has the most to gain.

When Mohammed Morsi was elected as Egypt's president in June 2012, the regime in Tehran was quick to send congratulations. After years of icy ties under Hosni Mubarak, Iran finally saw the opportunity to get on better terms with the regional Arab heavyweight.

The prominence of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood raised hopes among the regime in Iran of an "Islamic Awakening." "Iran sees the Arab Spring as an opportunity to promote its own revolutionary Islamic vision for the region," Elizabeth Iskander, research fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Hamburg, told DW. However, this is proving to be an illusion.

Morsi has his own agenda to follow when it comes to foreign policy. His first visit abroad after taking office was to Saudi Arabia, one of Cairo's significant financial supporters since the Arab Spring. But Morsi also played a key role in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza last month and was showered with praise by the US.

Read more: Egypt reserved on Iran's courtship | World | DW.DE | 07.12.2012