Egypt and Middle East react to Abdul El-Sayed's historic Senate win
Abdul El-Sayed's historic election as the first Muslim US Senator has sparked mixed reactions across Egypt and the Middle East, with analysts viewing the Democratic congressional takeover as a potential turning point for US regional policy. El-Sayed, of Egyptian descent, drew criticism from Cairo for remarks calling Egypt "a country without democracy" and opposing US military aid, though he gained sympathy for his stance on Gaza and opposition to the Iran war. Arab governments remain cautious, prioritizing their strategic interests over symbolic representation. The Democratic victory raises questions about US military assistance to Egypt and Israel, with Congress gaining oversight power over aid and arms sales. Regional states are diversifying defense partnerships with China, Russia, and Turkey, reducing dependence on Washington.