Iraq is courting Egypt into joining the Axis of Resistance

While tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are high, Iran is seen as pushing Iraq to broker Egypt’s inclusion into the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” writes Mustafa Saadoun for Al-Monitor. The axis can provide Egypt with cheaper oil than Saudi Arabia could, he adds. Rapprochement between the countries could mean an alliance to fight terrorism and face the economic crises, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari. Egypt’s distance from Saudi Arabia brings it closer to Iran, which heads the Axis — made up of Iran’s regional allies of Syria, Hezbollah, and Iraq.