Implications of the Military Presence of Some Counties in the Red Sea Region

Within the framework of the regional arrangements undertaken by some regional and international countries for re-positioning in the Red Sea region, by strengthening the military presence there in a manner that will have security implications for Arab countries including the Egyptian national security; The Council in cooperation with the Friends of League of Arab States, organized on 21^st of March 2018 a seminar to discuss a paper presented by Ambassador Mohamed Anis Salem, member of the Council, on the “Arab States in the Globalization of the Red Sea”. It was attanded by Dr. Mounir Zahran, Chair of the Council, and a number of members of the Council.

The paper included a presentation of the approaches that dealt with the importance of the historical background of the Red Sea and the geopolitical and economic dimensions. The countries of the Red Sea region were identified, the connection between the regional system of the Red Sea, the multiplicity of internal conflicts, failed regimes, regional conflicts, the liquidity of patterns of alliance and harmony, the review of new forms of international intervention, militarization of conflicts and the proliferation of military bases.

The paper also included a review of a comprehensive strategy to coordinate Arab efforts in the Red Sea, including elements comprising:

• To carry out an objective analysis of the current and future challenges in the Red Sea, with the introduction of multiple scenarios that include, at the very least, the prospects of:Firstly the situation remains the same; Secondly, the deterioration of the situation significantly increases the severity of conflicts, increasing foreign intervention and increasing instability in the countries of the region; Thirdly, the improvement of security and economic conditions in the region, and Lastly, unexpected scenarios (called “black swan”).

• Identify the Arab interests that need protection in the theater of the Red Sea, and choose the best means and tools to achieve these goals, and limit the international parties that can be coordinated with in this direction, while identifying parties that have reservations or adopt targets that conflict with Arab interests (Some Arab parties joined the United States in opposing Djibouti’s intention to give Russia a military base).

• Revitalize the diplomatic processes that seek to resolve the multiple conflicts that interact in the Red Sea region and identify those that can be launched across the countries of the region and the concerned regional organizations with the aim of minimizing foreign intervention.