Egypt dares Obama to cut aid
You will recall that Egypt has detained over 40 people, including 16 Americans, and now wants to put them on trial for trying to spread democracy in the Arab nation. One of those being detained is Sam Lahood, the son of US Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood (pictured above). In an earlier post, I reported that the US might cut aid to Egypt as a result. Now, Egypt has dared the Obama administration to do just that. What will the 98-pound weakling do?Despite the warnings from Washington, Egypt's military-backed Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri struck a defiant tone Wednesday, telling reporters he was "saddened" by the pressure Egypt was facing but insisting authorities "can't back down or won't change course because of some aid."Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey is supposed to visit Egypt and meet with Army head Tantawi. But the bottom line is that the Obama administration is going to have to find the courage to say no to the Egyptians. Otherwise, the US will become even more of a laughingstock than it is already. And in an election year, even Obama cannot afford that.
"Egypt used its legal right to face some violations by civil groups," he said. "The lofty judiciary moved and discussed and investigated the case. ... The West then turned against us because Egypt exercised its rights."
El-Ganzouri also charged that aid pledged by Arab states has also stalled since the dispute began. He said he met in early December with Arab ambassadors "who promised that Egypt will receive a lot of money," but two months later "none of these promises have come through."
He hinted that the US and Arab allies are withholding aid money because Egypt has adopted more independent policies since the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in February.
What could go wrong?
Labels: Egyptian democracy, US foreign aid
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:59 AM
2 Comments:
Come to think of it....How about the U.S. sale of 125 - M1A1 Abrams tanks to Egypt ?
Some press person needs to ask the current U.S. administration what the plan is regarding impounding and repatriating the U.S. equipment Egypt (as foreign aid in balance to Israel) and Turkey (as part of NATO) have and whether Turkey will be put on a special status since they are picking a fight with Israel. NATO needs to not back Turkey if they attack Israelis or if they interfere with o&g drilling by other states in the region.
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