Background
Historically, Egypt has been an important country for U.S. national security interests based on its geography, demography, and diplomatic posture. Egypt controls the Suez Canal, which opened in 1869 and is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas. As of early 2022, an estimated 10% of global trade, including 7% of the world’s oil, flows through the Suez Canal. Egypt’s population of more than 103 million people makes it by far the most populous Arabic Speaking country.
Although today it may play a smaller political or military role in the Arab world than it has in the past, Egypt may retain some “soft power” by virtue of its history, media, and culture. Cairo hosts both the 22-member Arab League and Al Azhar University, which claims to be the oldest continuously operating university in the world and has symbolic importance as a leading source of Islamic scholarship. Additionally, Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel remains one of the most significant diplomatic achievements for the promotion of Arab-Israeli peace.
While people-to-people relations remain limited, the Israeli and Egyptian governments have increased their cooperation against Islamist militants and instability in the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip. Since taking office, President Joseph Biden has balanced various considerations in his approach to U.S.-Egyptian relations, praising Egyptian diplomacy while signaling U.S. displeasure for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi’s continued domestic crackdown.
General
The United States is currently increasing military aid despite recent human rights concerns
Background of US and Egypts relationship – July 2022
Yes
*Human rights and gender equality are sacrificed
*President Sisi is holding political prisoners – up to 100,000, including US citizens
*Foreign aid has not helped solve human rights abuses
What could the US do with this money at home”
Current modest suspensions do not work in influencing Egypt
Disappearance and torcher under President Sisi
The United States does not need to support and pay for this
There has been little effective leverage from arms sale – marginal at best
No
*Aid to Egypt is central for protecting the Suez canal
*Egypt was the first Arab nation to formally sign a peace treaty with Israel
*Foreign aid and military sales create leverage
*It has helped to contribute to US jobs in manufacturing
*Foreign aid means economic stability for Egypt
How the United States benefits from foreign aid to Egypt
Egypt and the US confirm their strategic partnership