This sentiment could be witnessed in the deteriorating official discourse about the US, and the conspiracy theories about America helping the Muslim Brotherhood rise to power that raged in the public discourse. The actions of the US administration during the 2011 January revolution – mainly President Barack Obama’s statements against Hosni Mubarak and the US reaction to the overthrow of his successor Mohamed Morsi – were perceived by the military leadership as an act of disloyalty to an ally that faithfully served US regional interests. This comes against the background of tensions in recent years. Instead, Sisi’s moves should be understood as a calculated message to Washington, and a nuanced attempt to increase its leverage over the US while maintaining and even improving ties.
Still, although Egypt and Russia have moved forward in sensitive areas – including arms deals and contracts for civilian nuclear facilities – since 2014, it would be wrong to conclude that Sisi is trying to phase out American support. The visit marked the beginning of an era of increasingly close ties between Cairo and Moscow. The noticeably amicable talks came as relations between Egypt and the United States, its longtime backer, were showing signs of significant strain. In February 2014, Egypt’s leader Abd el-Fattah el-Sisi – still military chief and not yet president – flew to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
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