Senate Democrat Threatens to Block More of Military Aid to Egypt
New York TimesSEP 13 2023
For the first time under Pres. Joe Biden's administration, the US has granted Egypt its full allocation of $1.3B in military aid for this year amid the Gaza war.
Washington Wednesday announced the reversal of a policy that had diverted over $300M from Egypt's aid in the past three years citing its human rights record.
On Wednesday, the US government notified the Congress of releasing $320M, including the $95M contingent upon Egypt's progress on human rights.
US military aid to Egypt remains crucial as it secures valuable intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism support, and access to the Suez Canal. Withdrawing aid risks ceding influence to Russia and China in this geopolitically significant region. Though the aid's effectiveness in shaping Egyptian policies is debatable, it represents a long-term investment in regional stability and US interests.
US military aid to Egypt perpetuates a cycle of human rights abuses. Meant to promote stability, such aid instead bolsters an oppressive regime that shows no genuine commitment to reform. The US is tacitly endorsing Egypt's disregard for civil liberties and democratic values. This undermines America's moral standing and credibility on the global stage.