A group of the Egyptian Military Intelligence met months before the June 30 Revolution to discuss the Egyptian-Iranian convergence, after Mohamed Morsi's initiative to invite around 200 thousand Iranian tourists. They reached a ‘Situation Assessment Report' that was duly submitted to Mohamed Morsi in the Ettihadiya presidential palace. The report outlined the dangers facing Egypt's National Security and presented compelling reasons for such a prognosis, among which the Egyptian psychological structure which would not eagerly accept the Shiites. Egypt regards the Gulf Security as its own; therefore converging with Iran would definitely have an inevitable negative political impact on the Gulf States. Relations with the Gulf had already become tense back then due to Morsi's policies. Mohamed Morsi and his loyalists did not give much thought to the Military Intelligence advice, and the Iranian tourists started visiting Egypt, disturbing several political and religious circles. An informed security source explained, months later, the motives behind these events. He said that state Sovereign apparels had trusted information about Turkish, Israeli and American projects in the region, the most recent of which was the Iranian Project. These projects, with their fabricated conflicts, must all converge to Cairo. Following January 25th, Security agencies were able to highlight suspicious moves from the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires. These moves didn't go unnoticed, and he was explicitly advised to adhere to his designated role. But he simply disregarded the warnings, maybe because he was under the impression that Egypt was a lenient and appropriate ground for an Iranian expansion. He also probably thought the timing was fitting for Iran to divulge its intentions towards Egypt. The Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Egypt met with several political figures harboring an obvious goal to exert pressure on the ruling system after the revolution to reinstate ties between Egypt and Iran. The scheme was successful as politically naive public figures turned their heads towards Iran. They started to publicly express the necessity of restoring relations with Iran. It was obvious they had a lot to gain by executing the Iranian agenda. Nothing ever happens in this world for nothing in return. The support that Mohamed Morsi's regime received from Iran was the best alibi the mullahs' regime was striving for with all its might. It was desperately trying to find room on the Egyptian scene. The pinnacle of the tragedy happened when Ahmadinejad came to Cairo for an official visit with the Muslim Brotherhood President. His eagerness to visit the Hussein Shrine (Shiite Holy Figure) in the heart of Cairo was clear to all Cairo as he raised his hand with the victory sign. He was portraying a victorious conqueror's image, displaying his triumph over a troublesome country, for him and the rest of the Ayatollahs. A troublesome country that is an obstacle to their aspirations in the Arab region. Ahmadinejad thought he had achieved what he came for by assuming this juvenile victorious posture. He waited for a response, which came to him quite fast, from an apolitical passerby. This Egyptian citizen decided to throw a shoe at Ahmadinejad; security guards managed to stop the shoe's trajectory, but not the message. One that shows the kind of response Iran should be expecting from Egypt for its intents. Iran's allies are trying to pin the current situation on the war between Sunni and Shiite, thus causing a fracture between Egypt and Iran. But what is actually happening on the sectarian ground is only a symptom of war. It is true however, that Egyptians abhor those who insult the Holy Sahaba (initial followers), and treat Lady Aisha, the mother of believers, with noticeable animosity. Nonetheless, this does not constitute a good-enough reason to hate Iran. We know perfectly well, that some Shiite sects are extremist and peculiar. Egyptians also know that the motive behind these Iranian actions is purely political in nature and not religious at all. Therefore, Egyptians consider Iranian deeds as imperialistic daydreams that they will soon be awakened from. This issue is quite similar to the Ottoman empire Erdoğan is trying to recreate. It is obvious that there is not much difference between Ankara's and Tehran's visions. Intruders tried to portray the Egyptians' love for Ahl Al Bayt (the Prophet's household) and their visits to their shrines as a strong Shiite passion, which will eventually lead to Iran. This is a false assumption. The love Egyptians have for Ahl Al Bayt is in honor of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). I cannot deny the fact that politics have played a major role in fomenting the hatred that many Egyptians feel for Iran. The reasons for this hatred may not be very clear to those who already abhor Iran, and do not wish it any good. However, simplifying matters as we always do, we attribute the antagonism with Iran to religious reasons, pertaining to the difference of sects as seen in the negative rumors spread around the Iranian faith, behavior, ethics and principles. I also cannot deny that the Egyptian awareness has evolved after the two revolutions, January 25 and June 30. They made us distinguish between foes and friends. It was confirmed that this lurking entity does not wish us well. There is no big difference between that entity and Israel; they share the same intentions towards us. That, in short, is the full story. An Egyptian may forgive a lot but I daresay he would never be as tolerant when it comes to his homeland, freedom and sovereignty. All the more reason, Egyptians abhor Iran as much as they do Israel, Qatar, Hamas and America. We only mean to highlight what Iran is intending for Egypt. We are not relying on theories, oriented consensus or stakeholders. What Iran is doing is serious and dangerous; they mean to shake the security and stability of this country. Under the circumstances, it is only natural to ask the question: do we dislike Iran? It is also only natural to answer: yes we do. Reality and history have established that they never meant us any good.
