US threatens $1.5bn ‘aid sanctions’ against Egypt following political unrest

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Afrique Avenir / News of the World

APA - London (United Kingdom) The United States has issued a warning, this weekend, that it could withdraw $1.5 billion aid to the crisis engulfed Egypt, calling on President Hosni Mubarak to address ’legitimate grievances’ of protesters.

The warning issued by the White House on Saturday to withdraw $1.5bn aid in annual aid to Egypt, most of it military, came on the heels of an official claim from diplomatic sources here, saying that authorities in Cairo are meeting over a leaked paper alleging that Washington “is a key sponsor” of those they classify as “rebels” who are bent on seeing the downfall of Hosni Mubarak’s administration.

Official report issued here this weekend says that Barack Obama warned President Mubarak that he must reform his regime and refrain from violence against protesters.

However, the US president’s message suggested that Washington will go on supporting its longstanding ally for now.

Read more: http://www.afriqueavenir.org/en/2011/01/29/us-threatens-1-5bn-%E2%80%98aid-sanctions%E2%80%99-against-egypt-following-political-unrest/

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Just a convenient link. Its breaking elsewhere.

What is also breaking is that the US State Dept has said it has a good working relationship with Egypt's new VP. I guess that's settled the guys future with the Egyptian population. :sarcasm:

[annabanana]

1. Right now it seems the only way Mubarak can "address ’legitimate grievances’ of protesters"

is to leave. And take his "vice-presidents" with him.

[Turborama]

2. Al Jazeera English: US to reconsider aid to Egypt

White House officials are evaluating the annual package given to the embattled Egyptian government.
Laila Al-Arian Last Modified: 29 Jan 2011 15:54 GMT

In the aftermath of Egypt’s crackdown on protesters on Friday, Washington has announced it is reviewing its aid package to the country.

Egypt has received http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL32260.pdf">$28bn in assistance since 1975, according to the US Agency for International Development. While USAID's website says the funds have gone to programs devoted to health, trade and education – among other things – most US aid goes to Egypt's military.

Egypt receives close to $2bn in economic and military aid every year, making it the second largest recipient of US foreign assistance after Israel. Of that, $1.3bn is devoted to military assistance, according to the Congressional Research Service, the public policy arm of the US congress.

One third of Egypt's military aid is used to upgrade its weapons systems - in essence to replace older Soviet weapons with US arms, according to a CRS report.

During the past four days of protests, it's been widely reported that tear gas canisters fired at protesters are stamped "Made in USA".

Full article: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/201112915194130323.html

:hi:

[dipsydoodle]

3. Thanks for that.

and goodnight !

:hi:

[Turborama]

4. It's goodnight from him

And it's good morning from me.

:rofl:

ETA for anyone who might not get the joke...

[defendandprotect]

5. Would that possibly push Mubarak and military to more brutal crack down on protesters?

Yikes!

[EFerrari]

8. No. They want the money. If it means booting Mubarak

to keep it, he's gone. He's gone anyway.

[defendandprotect]

10. Certainly, I think Egyptians would like to recover the monies stolen by Mubarak ... $40 billion?

but looks, sadly, like Mubarak has been getting encouragement from Europeans/?

not to step down, but to crack down. Looks like that's what's happening now?

Would also say that this isn't only about Egypt -- if any of these revolts succeed

based on impoverishment of the people, it will embolden others. You can see the

effect this uprising is having on Americans watching it -- and hoping for the Egyptian

people. Very likely, imo, seeing ourselves in this. Iraqis seeing themselves in it.

And all the OIL countries where the people have been suppressed. And, all over the world.

China, I think, is still blocking any reporting on Egypt?

[No Elephants]

6. "$1.5bn aid in annual aid to Egypt, most of it military,"

So....we built the army that has kept this corrupt dictator in power--and is now brutalizing the protestors?

They hate us for our freedoms.

[Rex]

7. Good! We need that money to fix the fucking blackhole economy

sucking us all down. I know it is not a lot, but if we start NOW by putting back money and not just letting people steal it. Maybe make some high fences and ponds with sharks. A trinket.

[underpants]

9. BS

the helicopters don't pay for themselves

WE subsidize the military industry.

[Paper Roses]

11. I'd love to see a list of all countries to whom we give MILITARY

aid. Do we really need to be the supplier to the world of guns, bombs and the like.

I say we close the military spigot and keep the money saved at home and used for the benefit of Americans in need. Jobs, infrastructure and the rest of our situations that need attention.

As a country, sometimes I think we are just plain stupid. Better yet, the powers that be in Washington are just plain stupid.