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Sisi keeps watchful eye on Al-Azhar's growing role abroad

Egypt's president is reportedly concerned that Al-Azhar's increasing international activity is working to insulate itself from the Egyptian government's control.
Egyptian Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb meets with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls (unseen) on October 11, 2015 at the headquarters of al-Azhar, the Sunni Islam's most prestigious centre of learning in the Egyptian capital Cairo. Valls arrived in Cairo the day before at the start of visits to three nations aimed at boosting economic ties and holding talks on regional conflicts, and met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.    AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD        (Photo credit should read K
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CAIRO — Egypt’s Al-Azhar has had a significant presence abroad in recent years, especially in its efforts to counter the effects of the Islamic State's rise in several countries. The Sunni religious and educational institution has undertaken joint programs to support Islamic countries' fight against extremism and participated in conferences held by international organizations.

All this activity, however, apparently has made President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi a bit suspicious of the motives behind it. He and Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb have been known to vie for influence.

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