No Free Lunch For Egypt

Mitch McConnell
July 2, 2001; Washington Post Page A17

U.S. foreign assistance should never be taken for granted as an entitlement. Every year Congress has the responsibility to review and redirect U.S. foreign aid through the appropriations process. In examining this year's proposed funding levels I am struck by the large investment we have made in Egypt.

Since the signing of the Camp David Peace Accords in 1979, America has provided Egypt with a staggering $50 billion in economic and military assistance. For the upcoming fiscal year, the administration is requesting an additional $1.9 billion for Egypt. Events in the region, and within Egypt, demonstrate that America cannot buy peace or stability at any price.

Today a guerrilla war against Israel is being waged, with scores of Israelis and Palestinians being killed and injured. The recent bombing outside a Tel Aviv nightclub and continued public commitments to violence make clear that Hamas and other extremist Palestinian groups intend to attack Israelis at any and every opportunity. Despite the Bush administration's peacemaking efforts, the Middle East may be in for another long, hot summer.

Egypt's response to Palestinian terrorism and recklessness has been far less meaningful than we should expect of an Arab ally. During the October 2000 Arab League summit in Cairo, Egyptian officials pledged $30 million to support the Palestinian uprising. One month later, in a nod to radical Islamic extremists, President Hosni Mubarak recalled his ambassador from Israel. Just last month, Egypt jailed Saad Eddin Ibrahim, an outspoken human rights advocate and U.S. citizen, for promoting democracy and religious tolerance. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called the trial of Dr. Ibrahim politically motivated and an effort to "muzzle civil society in Egypt." And now allegations have surfaced that Egypt is collaborating with North Korea on the exchange of missile technology, with some 300 North Korean technicians reportedly already in Egypt.

Instead of educating its people toward peace with Israel, Egypt's government-backed press vilifies America and Israel. In one newspaper, a cartoon shows Uncle Sam handing sacks of money to a bearded Jew, who in turn is throwing missiles at an Arab. Another depicts former prime minster Ehud Barak as Adolf Hitler, standing atop the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem with Arab blood dripping from his clenched fists. Readers of this paper may recall a May 1 advertisement in which an Egyptian newspaper is quoted: "Thanks to Hitler, of blessed memory, who, on behalf of the Palestinians, revenged in advance against the most vile criminals on the face of the earth. Although we do have a complaint against him for his revenge on them was not enough."

Egypt has often played a key role in the peace process, but its recent actions at home are endorsing and inciting violence against Jews and Israel. While President Mubarak may be concerned with the rise of militant Islam in Egypt (including the 17 successful candidates backed by the Muslim Brotherhood in parliamentary elections last year), his pandering to anti-Semitic groups for domestic political purposes has weakened his standing at the negotiating table.

Are hateful and inciting words in the Egyptian press and a crackdown on civil society the return on America's $50 billion investment? If Mubarak must placate domestic radical constituencies, how can we expect Egypt to take the bold steps necessary to support peace?

The immediate challenge to the Middle East peace process remains a lasting cease-fire. Since PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat walked away last year from the best deal the Palestinians will ever likely be offered, he and President Mubarak must prove to Israel and the United States that they are indeed serious about negotiations and creating a political environment conducive to constructive dialogue. They do no favor to the Palestinian people by allowing the violence to continue. The unrest already has cost the Palestinian economy more than $800 million and hundreds of lives.

The time is ripe for the United States to send a clear message to Egypt that U.S. assistance is not a handout. As the appropriations process moves forward, I intend to reexamine our foreign assistance to Egypt with a view to sending such a message. To paraphrase President Ronald Reagan, when it comes to U.S. foreign aid, all nations should understand that loyalty will be matched by loyalty. Egypt should keep this in mind, whether working for peace in the region or against stability through the development of ballistic missiles, using North Korean technology.

The writer is a Republican senator from Kentucky.