The United States of America and Egypt are going through a difficult stage of their relationship. The United States has gone out of its comfort zone with a cozy relationship between the US and the ousted President Hosni Mubarak. It was a simplified relationship, basically between a high power and an obedient partner. The US paid for what it wanted and Mubarak and his people as well as the military leaders received the financial benefits which also included some meager benefits to the country.
The United States paid the Egyptian government what was called military aid 1. 3 billion dollars to upgrade Egypt's military. The truth of the matter was that Egypt never received any equipment or technology that will put Egypt's military on equal footing with Israel. If Egypt is not supposed to protect itself from Israel then who is the enemy? The other billion dollars was supposed to be sent for economic aid. 350 million dollars of these funds go to pay debt service on the three billion dollar loan that Egypt owes the US. Since this is just interest fees only, that really means this loan was paid over many years, yet we are still paying the interest on funds that are supposed to be used for economic development. The rest of the funds are applied to US contractors such as USAID and other government and non government American organizations. The sad fact is, one will not find any identified project in Egypt that can stand for US funds, made by the US such as the Opera House which stands magnificent and points to the generosity of the Japanese people. The US has not so far left a positive a single easily identifiable fingerprint in Egypt.
The US was taken by surprise with the Egyptian Revolution and since then has been swaying from one direction to another not clear on which way to go as not wanting to be definitive on their policy position just in case the wind blows in other direction.
This hesitation is creating a lot of problems for the US and for Egypt. The United States welcomed the Muslim Brotherhood win in elections in Egypt, yet they seem surprised with the Muslim brotherhood policy and practice inside and outside of Egypt. The US was surprised at the angry mob who attacked the US embassy and could not understand how and why the Egyptian Government led by Dr. Morsy allowed the attack to happen, and for the Egyptian president to have a delayed response to the incident with a cold shrug of shoulder for its significance.
For the first time since Gamal Abdel Nasser's era that an American president declares that Egypt is neither enemy nor an alley.
This situation tells us clearly that the relationship is not at its best.
Now since the Jan 25th Egyptian Revolution, President Barrack Obama has announced in public that he will designate a one billion dollars loan forgiveness and another billion as aid and loans guarantees. Up till now none of that happened. Four hundred and fifty million dollars are being held by the US Congress, U.S. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX-12), is not sure that Egypt needs or deserves the funds.
Four hundred and fifty million dollars will not solve Egypt's problems; that is a fact. It also will not solve the US financial challenges as it really is a drop in a bucket, so the issue is not how little or big the funds are, this is really about the relationship between two great countries . What do these countries want from each other?
The time has gone when the US can order and pay for the service, as after the awakening of the Arab youth, any ruler will find it very hard to keep a double standard by giving lip service to his people and working in secret with the US. The facts about Egypt and US needs remain the same.
Egypt has a strategic geographic location that makes it so important for the US to be in good terms specially with China and Iran strengthening their position in the Middle East and Africa.
The Suez Canal is so important to US Commerce .
The air space is vital to US Security.
Peace between Israel and Egypt and protecting Israel is vital for the US and creating stability for Egypt will be essential to provide this peace.
Countries remain, friendships and relationship between countries depend on how solid one country stands next to another country.
Egypt found its way even with a corrupt tyrant regime, Egypt will find its way with the Muslim Brotherhood system or change it to suit the Egyptian people's need.
It's the nation. It is the people that make the Country not the ruler and the relationship must be between nations and not depend on a person. It is the country that matters not the person. It is not the four hundred and fifty million dollars that matter, it is the principal. How tall can the US stand not only in front of Egypt but also in front of the whole world . Does the US stand firm by its promises? Does the US stand with a country that it has had a great relationship with for years?
It is in my humble opinion to benefit both Countries that the US delivers its promise and stand next to a partner in peace at its time of need.
Samia Harris
Democracy for Egypt
No comments:
Post a Comment