What is U.S. policy on military and economic aid to Egypt?

The American Prospect of course wonders about political reform — even after removal of a dictator in another heavily populated Middle Eastern nation has led to violence within that country (Iraq). It is naive to demand or expect a rapid change from authoritarianism to modern democratic rule in the Middle East. (I believe what is more likely in the future is some form of fascism or Latin American imitation.)

Just as Israelis are increasingly questioning the utility of continued U.S. aid to their country … so too are Egyptians.

The money is seen as bolstering Egypt’s stability, support for US policies in the region, US access to the Suez Canal, and peace with Israel. But some critics question the aid’s effectiveness in spurring economic and democratic development in the Arab world’s most populous country – a higher US priority after Sept. 11, 2001.

By consistently toeing the US line Cairo is winning friends in Washington…

I think with Egypt (as well as other countries in the region) we need to put together a 50 year plan to encourage GRADUAL liberalization and the establishment of institutions that are necessary for a democracy to thrive (impartial judiciary, a more economy etc) Pushing too hard and too fast will lead to chaos. Keep providing the $2 billion/year BUT set small incremental benchmarks for its continuation according to the overall plan.

Massive aid to Egypt, and for what now? Largely, maintaining the current regime, which at least is halfway intelligent and isn’t as evil and openly hostile toward Israel as its other neighbors, even considering all the faults readers may believe it has. Otherwise, insofar as the current regime is maintained, it’s similar to but less noteworthy than our former relationship with the Shah of Iran. Note that Jordan maintains at least calm relations currently with Israel without requiring such massive “aid.” (Note also that it would be unwise to attempt similar massive “aid” bribes with Syria and Iran.)

The thing is, so many people concentrate on Saudi Arabia and they don’t consider that Egypt might see its government fall first, someday. Don’t forget that Sadat (who signed the peace treaty and also received the Shah of Iran) was assassinated, and people in the region openly celebrated that event.