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The United States has officially approved a $1.3 billion military assistance package for Egypt, despite growing concerns over the country's human rights record. This decision by President Joe Biden’s administration has sparked criticism, particularly in light of Egypt's history of political repression under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Overriding Human Rights Conditions
Typically, US military aid to Egypt comes with conditions related to improving the country’s human rights situation. However, on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced to Congress that the 2024 aid would not be subject to the usual conditions. A State Department spokesperson clarified that these requirements were waived in the name of US national security interests, particularly concerning Egypt’s role in brokering peace in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to the spokesperson, Egypt’s efforts to finalise a ceasefire agreement, return hostages, and facilitate humanitarian assistance for Palestinians are key factors behind the decision. “This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
According to the spokesperson, Egypt’s efforts to finalise a ceasefire agreement, return hostages, and facilitate humanitarian assistance for Palestinians are key factors behind the decision. “This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
Egypt’s Role in the Middle East
Egypt, a critical US ally in the Middle East, has been playing a pivotal role in negotiating ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas. The Biden administration views Cairo as essential to the region’s stability, with the country frequently involved in negotiations and peacekeeping efforts. Over the years, this has translated into a strong military relationship between the US and Egypt, even in the face of domestic repression.
Since 2020, the US has withheld portions of Egypt’s military aid, amounting to approximately $320 million, to pressure the el-Sisi government on human rights. For instance, $95 million of this aid was linked to the release of political prisoners, and another $225 million was tied to broader human rights improvements.
However, on Wednesday, Blinken said the full $1.3 billion in military aid would be provided, citing “clear and consistent” improvements by the Egyptian government in areas such as political prisoner releases. This signals a shift in US policy as it weighs national security concerns over Egypt’s human rights record.
Since 2020, the US has withheld portions of Egypt’s military aid, amounting to approximately $320 million, to pressure the el-Sisi government on human rights. For instance, $95 million of this aid was linked to the release of political prisoners, and another $225 million was tied to broader human rights improvements.
However, on Wednesday, Blinken said the full $1.3 billion in military aid would be provided, citing “clear and consistent” improvements by the Egyptian government in areas such as political prisoner releases. This signals a shift in US policy as it weighs national security concerns over Egypt’s human rights record.
The Human Rights Debate
Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have been quick to dispute the notion that Egypt is making meaningful improvements on human rights. “Authorities released hundreds of detainees but arrested much more, adding to the thousands of critics, including journalists, peaceful activists, and human rights defenders,” Human Rights Watch said. They further criticized Egypt’s crackdown on LGBT individuals, female social media influencers, and survivors of sexual violence, citing arrests under vague “morality” charges.
The repression of political dissidents remains a significant issue, with reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and impunity for grave human rights violations continuing unabated. Critics have long pointed out the tension between the US advocating for democracy and human rights abroad while providing military assistance to allies like Egypt, who are accused of violating those very principles.
The repression of political dissidents remains a significant issue, with reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and impunity for grave human rights violations continuing unabated. Critics have long pointed out the tension between the US advocating for democracy and human rights abroad while providing military assistance to allies like Egypt, who are accused of violating those very principles.
Historical Context
The US has maintained military support for Egypt since President el-Sisi came to power in a 2013 military coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi. Despite a deadly crackdown on protests following the coup, the US quickly resumed military assistance to the el-Sisi government. This ongoing military relationship has been a point of contention, especially among rights advocates who see it as a contradiction of US foreign policy values.
As Egypt continues to serve as a crucial partner for US interests in the Middle East, particularly in terms of regional security and peace efforts, the tension between national security and human rights concerns is likely to persist. The Biden administration’s decision to greenlight this latest round of military aid underscores the complex balancing act the US faces in navigating its foreign policy priorities.
As Egypt continues to serve as a crucial partner for US interests in the Middle East, particularly in terms of regional security and peace efforts, the tension between national security and human rights concerns is likely to persist. The Biden administration’s decision to greenlight this latest round of military aid underscores the complex balancing act the US faces in navigating its foreign policy priorities.
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