Does the US really have power over Egypt?

[SultanOrder]

I think the perception that the US has power over Egypt is extremely inflated. Yes, the US gives about 1.3 billion in aid to Egyptian Military annually, yes they have a long lasting relationship, and yes you see American's officials going there every once in awhile. But, all in all what does that amount for?

Egypt is the most populated arab country, controls the suez, has the largest military in the region, and has friends other than the US. If America takes suspends the billion dollars, you have Gulf countries ready to take America's place, and even offering more money. The military is the most stable institution in the country, and the only one capable of holding it together. Short of threatening a military campaign against the military, what can they do?

Obama is trying his best to stay relevant in the game, without alienating the most powerful force in the country. And the military knows it.

[FAH1223]

I think the perception that the US has power over Egypt is extremely inflated. Yes, the US gives about 1.3 billion in aid to Egyptian Military annually, yes they have a long lasting relationship, and yes you see American's officials going there every once in awhile. But, all in all what does that amount for?

Egypt is the most populated arab country, controls the suez, has the largest military in the region, and has friends other than the US. If America takes suspends the billion dollars, you have Gulf countries ready to take America's place, and even offering more money. The military is the most stable institution in the country, and the only one capable of holding it together. Short of threatening a military campaign against the military, what can they do?

Obama is trying his best to stay relevant in the game, without alienating the most powerful force in the country. And the military knows it.

To be fair, $1 billion is nothing compared to the $12 billion that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait provided to the military regime after they ousted Morsi. None of these countries are fond of Ikwan and the MB so to only point fingers at the US is diverting attention from the fact that the lack of unity among Arab states is also fueling the crisis.

The $1.3B doesn't count the amount of intelligence shared by the governments, and warfare tactics. In the news, the administration is mulling whether or not they should stop joint military exercises with the Egyptian army. Think about that.

[Cherine]

Why is america giving the military of a foreign country 1.3 billion in AID? What's in it for them? Why not just give it to the government and then they decide how they spend it..

No wonder the egyptian military wields so much power.

[FAH1223]

Why is america giving the military of a foreign country 1.3 billion in AID? What's in it for them? Why not just give it to the government and then they decide how they spend it..

No wonder the egyptian military wields so much power.

Camp David, 1979

[SultanOrder]

Why is america giving the military of a foreign country 1.3 billion in AID? What's in it for them? Why not just give it to the government and then they decide how they spend it..

No wonder the egyptian military wields so much power.

To keep the peace with Israel. Israel also gets aid, jus a little bit more though.