Last, and perhaps most important in the Sinai conflict is the local Bedouin population. The Bedouins are ripe targets for Jihadi groups in the Sinai because of their status as marginalized outsiders in Egyptian society. They are often refused local jobs to those of Egyptian heritage. Many Bedouin families are tied to the Levant and Saudi Arabia, and still maintain close cultural and familial ties to those lands. Sinai Bedouins often endure many hardships including no running water or property rights. They were able to find employment opportunity in resorts in south Sinai. However, tourism in the south has taken a huge hit due to ongoing conflict. As a result, Bedouins find opportunity in the transport of drugs, weapons, and people. Many have become radicalized, joining local groups like ABM. Some help transport contraband through tunnels into Gaza.
Currently, the status of the Bedouin population in the Sinai is a black eye on the human rights record of the Al Sissi government. If Egypt offered Bedouins greater legitimacy, its current relationship with global trading partners would improve dramatically. Reinforcement of Sinai ports, and pipelines, as well as an enhanced buffer isolating Gaza can provide employment to the Bedouins, vastly improving their current status in Egypt.
Defeat of militant Islam in the Sinai, and development of infrastructure on the part of a moderate Arab/ Israel alliance addresses two goals: first, integration of Bedouins into Egyptian society, second, military and economic victory against ISIS and Hamas. Victory for a moderate, pro-Western alliance in this region also helps diminish the strength of the successful PR war being launched by ISIS. Winning the war against radicalism in the Middle East comes down to global public perception that a successful outcome is possible. Perhaps victory and economic progress in the Sinai is the first step.