US aid to Egypt:should focus on human investment

In Palm Beach Post on August 22, 2013

 

HOT TOPIC THE U.S. AND EGYPT

Shift foreign aid toward building society

By Ghassan Michel Rubeiz

The nature and context of U.S. foreign aid to Egypt deserve a thorough review. As Egypt’s instability rises, Americans look to the White House for action. Egypt has been an ally of the U.S. for more than three decades. Of the annual $1.6 billion to Egypt, $1.3 billion is for military aid and only $256 million is designated as humanitarian assistance.

The Egyptian military establishment is known to lust for political power and to control a major sector of the economy on the side. After former President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February 2011, the army assumed power for 18 months. In June 2012, Mohammed Morsi, a senior representative of the Muslim Brotherhood, was elected president. Mr. Morsi’s dysfunctional, divisive and unpopular rule lasted for only one year. Taking advantage of a series of massive demonstrations, the army ousted Mr. Morsi on July 3.

For a while, it looked as if the army had a clever political transition plan. That proved not to be the case. Last week, the army’s assault on the supporters of Mr. Morsi resulted in the deaths of more than 800 people. The interim government declared a month-long state of emergency, expressed regret for loss of life, and tried to justify the attack as an act of defense of national security.

As Washington’s influence in Egypt appears to be at an all-time low, how should the U.S. react to this two-sided conflict, neither of which is on the right track? And how should Washington deal with its foreign aid to Egypt?

President Barack Obama has avoided passing strong judgment on Egypt’s most recent political transition, though he canceled joint military exercises scheduled for next month and said, “Our traditional cooperation cannot continue as usual when civilians are being killed in the streets and rights are being rolled back.”

The United States may continue to provide aid while publicly urging the interim government to lift the recently imposed curfew, free political prisoners and start planning inclusive elections. The U.S. may have to take additional steps in the format and quality of aid.

Foreign aid priorities could shift from military capacity-building to state-building. More aid should be given in the form of support for economic development, education and the building of political parties. If aid is structured through a bilateral partnership, American and Egyptian experts could plan development and empowerment programs together.

To keep the military at a distance, humanitarian aid could be delivered through an Egyptian private agency, the Consortium of National Empowerment through Human Investment. The political context of foreign aid is crucial. Washington must better coordinate its foreign policy in the region. If U.S. aid is perceived by Egyptians as an instrument of compliance, it will be hard for Washington to build a genuine partnership with Cairo.

Currently, the interim government and its opposition are nervous about U.S. involvement in Egypt’s domestic politics. Washington could cooperate with the European Union and the Arab League in aid and diplomacy. The United States could try to put pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both major aid contributors, to help them tie their aid to Egypt to good governance, inclusion of minorities and reconciliation.

To further enhance trust, foreign aid might encourage reciprocity. For example, with regard to educational aid, Egyptian teachers could offer courses in American universities and, reciprocally, American educators could teach and advise in Egypt.

There is a limit to what the United States can do to influence the future of Egypt. Washington could use what influence it has by supporting projects in human investment and urging the military to hand over power to a functioning civilian government.

Ghassan Michel Rubeiz, a winter resident of Palm Beach

Gardens, has written for The

Christian Science Monitor and the Arab-American News

Services.