Egypt flexes its mediation muscle in Lebanon crisis

CAIRO — As the intense rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to threaten Middle East stability, Egypt has been trying to play a mediating role. When the crisis recently extended into Lebanon, Cairo began deploying efforts to keep the small country from being dragged into a regional military conflict.

Egypt's foreign initiatives coincide with escalating tension between Saudi Arabia on one side and Iran and Hezbollah on the other. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group, is based in Lebanon but is backed by Iran. Saudi Arabia is pressuring Lebanon to put a lid on Hezbollah activity.