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.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that Washington will provide Egypt with $1.3B in military aid this year, the first full allocation during the Biden administration.
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.Since 2020, the US has withheld $320M from Egypt's security assistance, citing its human rights record, including its treatment of political prisoners.
On Wednesday, the US government notified the Congress of releasing $320M, including the $95M contingent upon Egypt's progress on human rights.However, the State Department notified Congress of releasing the amount, including the $95M contingent upon Egypt making "clear and consistent progress" in releasing political prisoners.
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. MeantInstead toof promotepromoting stability, such aidassistance 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.