U.S. Military Aid To Egypt Faces Scrutiny Over Emerging Controversies

Egyptian landmarks of the Sphinx and pyramids

The Biden administration’s decision to continue military aid to Egypt sparks debate over human rights and regional security priorities.

At a Glance

The Biden administration will provide Egypt with $1.3 billion in military assistance.
This decision overrides concerns about ongoing human rights abuses by Egypt’s government.
The full amount of aid will be granted based on perceived but disputed human rights improvements.
Congressional critics and rights watchdogs argue U.S. foreign policy should align more consistently with human rights values.

Continuous Military Aid Despite Human Rights Concerns

The Biden administration has confirmed the continuation of $1.3 billion in annual military assistance to Egypt. This decision, announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, waives the usual human rights conditions due to national security concerns. Despite previous conditions aimed at improving Egypt’s human rights record, the administration views Egypt’s role in advancing regional peace as critical.

Since 2020, portions of Egypt’s military aid have been withheld to pressure the government towards human rights reforms. However, the full aid amount is now approved, with the State Department citing significant progress, including the release of over 950 political prisoners and proposed pretrial detention reforms. Rights organizations and some U.S. Senators remain skeptical of these claims.

Critics denounce $1.3B in US military aid to Egypt despite alleged rights abuseshttps://t.co/Jgm3o3OYnX

— Voice of America (@VOANews) September 14, 2024

Conflicting Reports on Human Rights Improvements

Human Rights Watch and other organizations argue that Egypt’s human rights situation remains dire. Reports of arbitrary detentions and prosecutions of critics, journalists, and activists continue to surface. Critics allege that the decision to provide unconditional military aid undermines U.S. commitments to human rights.

“Authorities released hundreds of detainees but arrested much more, adding to the thousands of critics, including journalists, peaceful activists, and human rights defenders,” Human Rights Watch said in an assessment of conditions in Egypt.

Senators Chris Coons and Chris Murphy have expressed concerns over Egypt’s human rights record, suggesting that the country has not made the necessary progress to warrant the unconditional aid. Their joint statement emphasizes the contradiction between U.S. rhetoric on human rights and its actions.

Anti-Israel folks say they focus on Israel over countries like Russia because Israel receives US aid (it also provides the US with critical intelligence, weapons testing and other assistance in the region). They point out that Russia doesn’t receive $$.

What about Egypt? The US… https://t.co/MRetoI6V6p

— Kaye (@KayeSteinsapir) September 1, 2024

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The Biden-Harris administration’s decision underscores a pragmatic approach prioritizing regional stability and security over stringent human rights conditions. The State Department highlighted Egypt’s contributions to ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas and the facilitation of U.S. national security interests in the region as key reasons for the aid waiver.

“This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict,” the spokesperson told Reuters.

While some view this approach as a necessary compromise in a volatile region, others believe it sends a message that human rights can be overlooked when convenient. Human rights advocates argue that this could embolden further abuses and undermine long-term stability.