Egypt is considering asking for Gulf mediation, under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, in the rapidly intensifying dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia is building the massive dam in order to gain control over a larger share of the Nile River’s water at the same time that several East African countries, led by Egypt and Sudan, argue that Ethiopia is already receiving much more than its fair share of the river’s water. Egypt’s approach to the Gulf States is another step in a steady escalation of the pressure by to get Ethiopia to be more attentive to Egypt’s demands. Egypt’s more confrontational policy began in January, following the breakdown of technical negotiations among the Egyptian, Sudanese, and Ethiopian water resources ministers. Saudi Arabia is not only supportive of the post-Morsi regime in Egypt — it is also a large contributor to economic development projects in Ethiopia through investments made by Saudi businessmen in infrastructure projects.