Does Cairo need to rethink its Sinai strategy?

Despite the government’s measures to eliminate terrorists from the Sinai Peninsula, the groups are thriving.
An Egyptian border post is seen from the Israeli side of the border fence with Egypt's Sinai peninsula, in Israel's Negev Desert February 10, 2016. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RTX26CIH
An Egyptian border post is seen from the Israeli side of the border fence with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, in Israel's Negev Desert, Feb. 10, 2016. - REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Khalid Hassan
@khalidfoaud
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CAIRO — “We have gotten rid of 90% of terrorism and insurgency in the Sinai.” “We are striking pre-emptive blows to destroy terrorism sources.” “Soon we will declare Sinai a terror-free zone.”

With such statements, the Egyptian authorities reassure citizens that they are in full control of the situation in the Sinai Peninsula. At the same time, Sinai has been witnessing ongoing and violent terrorist operations targeting members of the Egyptian armed forces and police with heavy weapons and explosives.

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