Earlier this week, Egypt announced that it is seeking Russian assistance to revive its nuclear program.

Why is the government of Mohamed Morsi committing itself to an investment of billions of dollars when it is embroiled in economic crisis that is fueling unrest in an already explosive political environment? It seems to be a move by the Muslim Brotherhood-led government to solidify the country’s position as a regional power, as well as a way to improve relations with Moscow since Cairo has been facing difficulties in getting aid from the International Monetary Fund.

The move could also be seen as a play to increase Cairo’s leverage with the West so that it receives the aid it desires without having to make too many concessions in return. …

In a report by Ibrahim Said last year titled, “The bomb and the beard: The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood’s views toward weapons of mass destruction,” Said quotes Hamdi Hassan, spokesman of the Brotherhood’s parliamentary caucus, who said in 2006, “We [Egyptians] are ready to starve in order to own a nuclear weapon that will represent a real deterrent and will be decisive in the Arab-Israeli conflict.”