US greenlights military assistance to Egypt, overruling rights concerns
Al JazeeraSep 22
Biden Administration Grants Egypt $1.3B in Military Aid
Above: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue ministerial meeting on July 29, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. Image copyright: Kiyoshi Ota - Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
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.
Since 2020, the US has withheld $320M from Egypt's security assistance, citing its human rights record, including its treatment of political prisoners.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
US military aid to Egypt remains crucial as Washington 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.
Establishment-critical narrative
US military aid to Egypt perpetuates a cycle of human rights abuses. Instead of promoting stability, such assistance 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.