While there are some overlaps in the factors behind the deterioration of Iran and Turkey's relations with Egypt over the years, each case has its own stubborn reasons. In fact, unlike a decade ago, Ankara's issues with Cairo today are much more persistent than those of Tehran.

One general factor to consider is that Turkey's historical baggage may cause ups and downs in its relations with Egypt. Going back a bit on this dimension can be mind-opening.

Troubled past

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire a century ago, the new Turkish Republic withdrew from the Arab world under the slogan of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.” When it three decades later decided to return to the region, it was in conjunction with the west. Laboring to remove the last colonizer from the Suez Canal, Egypt was enraged when it saw Turkey as a backup for Britain as...