Dr. Samir Farag, the strategic expert, shed light on the map of threats that surround the Egyptian state and are reflected in the Arab national security system in a comprehensive lecture characterized by deep analysis and anticipation of risks.
This came during the training course organized by the Egyptian Fatwa House to introduce the Palestinian issue and its regional and international repercussions, in light of the rapid transformations taking place in the region.
Samir Farag: Egypt faces existential challenges in 4 strategic directions… and displacement is a “red line”
Major General Samir Farag stressed that the Egyptian state is going through the most complex stage in its modern history, which imposes the necessity of integrating efforts between national institutions, especially religious institutions, to raise the level of national awareness. He explained that rational fatwas are no longer isolated from reality, but rather have become an integral part of the awareness-building system, especially in light of the complex conflicts the world is witnessing that use religion, media, and information wars as tools for influence and guidance.
He also explained that the state pays special attention to the awareness file by organizing periodic lectures and courses within universities and various institutions, with the aim of introducing young people to the facts of what is going on in their regional and international surroundings, and the nature of the challenges that directly affect Egyptian national security, stressing that awareness is no longer an intellectual luxury, but rather a national necessity to protect the state and preserve its stability.
He praised the importance of the awareness lectures and courses organized by the Egyptian Fatwa House, as they represent a vital bridge linking correct religious understanding and the changing political and security reality, with the unconventional challenges it poses that require raising levels of national awareness, especially among the youth group, which represents about 60% of the fabric of Egyptian society.
Samir Faraj: Battles of awareness are no less dangerous than military confrontations
Dr. Samri Faraj stressed that awareness battles have become no less dangerous than military confrontations, in light of the dependence of large sectors of society on the Internet and modern means of communication, which makes them an open arena for information wars and disinformation.
In his lecture, Major General Samir Farag talked about the geographical location of Egypt and the dimensions of the strategic threat, explaining that Egypt has four main strategic directions, and that all the threats that the country faced throughout its history came through these directions, warning that the next war in the region will be in the eastern Mediterranean, in light of the energy and sea lane conflicts.
He pointed out that Egypt represents the heart of the world and a major center for global trade and logistics, pointing out that it overlooks the most important seas, waterways and rivers, and stands directly facing Europe, which made its geographical location a major reason for it being the focus of constant ambitions throughout history, stressing the need for the Egyptian citizen to realize the value of his country and the importance of its strategic location.
In a related context, Major General Samir Farag touched on the military transformations in the region, pointing out that the Egyptian soldier represents a unique model in protecting land and honor, and that the Egyptian army is “the best soldiers on earth,” adding that countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Yemen entered spirals of conflict, followed by crises in Sudan and Libya, but Egypt will remain strong with the help of its people and its ability to withstand challenges.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Major General Faraj spoke about developments in the situation in Gaza, stressing that the proposal to displace Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan was met with a categorical rejection by the Egyptian state, and that President Sisi clearly announced that displacement is a red line, and will not allow the Palestinian cause to be liquidated by uprooting the people from their land.
He explained that the occupation targeted water wells in Palestine in an attempt to push the Palestinians towards displacement, while Egypt established camps to shelter the Palestinians and provide humanitarian aid, and hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, which was held within 24 hours, during which two stages were agreed upon to end the war in Gaza.
He noted that the first phase has ended, and work is underway on the second phase, with the formation of a technocratic government to administer Gaza, stressing that the expansionist ambitions of the occupying state still exist and that the alleged biblical “Greater Israel” project represents an existential threat to eight Arab countries. He also stressed that the occupying state will always remain Egypt’s main enemy.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Major General Farag praised Egyptian diplomacy and the movements of the political leadership, stressing that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi personally organized the French President’s recent visit to Egypt, describing it as one of the most successful visits, which contributed to changing the international position and the recognition of the Palestinian state by France, then Britain and Spain.
