Egyptian soldiers killed in armed attack in Sinai: Army
Al JazeeraNov 27, 2021
Report: Egyptian Army Has Turned Sinai Schools Into Military Bases
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Image copyright: Egyptian Defence Ministry/AFP/Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
A report by the UK-based Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR), shared with The Guardian, claims that the Egyptian army, in its 10-year fight against militants in the Sinai, has taken over 37 schools and transformed them into military bases, while dozens more have been destroyed.
Using satellite images, video, photos, and testimony from witnesses who live in the sparsely populated area, the SFHR claims that the army carried out the "unnecessary targeting of certain schools," causing "community-wide shock," with 59 schools being destroyed in clashes with the militants.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
As Sisi continues to violate human rights throughout Egypt, including his brutal campaign against militants in the Sinai, it's important to remember how he came to power. Ultimately, Sisi is a US and Israeli stooge whose primary job is to repress democracy in Egypt and maintain Western geopolitical interests in the region. The only way to save Egypt and stop the horrors is to end support for Sisi and the Egyptian military.
Pro-establishment narrative
Though it would be great if the US got to pick global leaders — something it is often accused of — the reality is that the US has to work with what it's got. In Egypt, though Sisi is likely a tyrant, he has kept the country stable, especially in the face of the post-2011 chaos brought on by the Muslim Brotherhood. To preserve regional stability, the US will have to grit its teeth and deal with an authoritarian in the Egyptian presidency.
