Cairo's entry into the Yemeni conflict represents an important opportunity to clarify US policy toward Egypt, improve tense bilateral relations, and bolster Gulf security interests, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said.
On March 26, Egypt announced that it will join the Saudi-led military campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi takeover of Yemen, Eric Trager wrote an analysis published by the Institute.
While the extent of Egypt's involvement is still to be determined, Cairo's decision reflects two considerations: addressing the theoretical threat that the Houthis pose to maritime security in the Red Sea, and helping its Arab Gulf allies resist Iran's hegemonic ambitions.
The Houthi seizure of Aden on March 25, however, seemingly forced Cairo's hand. From Egypt's perspective, Houthi control of the southwestern coastal city threatens maritime traffic in Bab al-Mandab, the strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Cairo worries that the Houthis might threaten Suez Canal traffic, which has been one of the Egyptian government's most reliable revenue streams. Over $5.4 billion in canal tolls were collected in 2014 alone, and Egypt is currently digging a second canal that it anticipates will increase revenues to $13.5 billion.
For this reason, the Egyptian navy will likely play a central role in the government's Yemen strategy. Egyptian and Saudi naval forces have been preparing for a possible confrontation with the Houthis, and last month's exercise in the Red Sea focused on interoperability.
Washington has a strong interest in helping Egypt succeed in Yemen. The US military relies on safe transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait for supporting coalition efforts against Daesh, as well as maintaining its presence in the region more broadly. Moreover, the Obama administration has declared its support for the Saudi-led coalition's "goal of restoring the legitimate authorities in Yemen," and Egypt will likely be a central player in that effort.
In addition, Egypt's entry into the conflict represents an important opportunity to clarify US policy toward Cairo and improve a bilateral relationship that has been tense since Mohamed Morsi's ouster. By sending the F-16 fighters and Harpoon missiles that have been withheld since October 2013, Washington can affirm its partnership and equip Cairo for advancing shared security interests in the region. And by bolstering Egypt's involvement against the Iranian-backed Houthis, the administration can reassure America's Arab allies that it will not abandon them even as it seeks a nuclear accord with Tehran.