Arr, Biden be snatchin' aid from a matey in the Mideast! He be givin' it to Taiwan, arr!
2023-09-15
Arr, ye scurvy dogs! Avast! The Biden crew be changin' course, takin' most o' the treasure, a mighty $85 million, meant for Egypt, and sailin' it straight to Taiwan! Aye, 'tis all 'bout human rights, me hearties!
The Biden administration has decided to redirect the majority of an $85 million military aid package from Egypt to Taiwan due to concerns about human rights abuses. The State Department will allocate $55 million to Taiwan and $30 million to Lebanon. Egypt will still receive a significant portion of the $1.3 billion marked for financial aid, as that portion is not subject to human rights conditions. However, $85 million was carved out after determining that Egypt had failed to fulfill its promises regarding human rights. Egypt had to demonstrate progress in releasing political prisoners, providing due process to detainees, and preventing harassment of American citizens. While $235 million was subject to human rights-related conditions, the Secretary of State waived the certification requirement for those funds in the interest of U.S. national security. The decision to redirect funds to Taiwan is consistent with the administration's stance on China. The U.S. considers Egypt a critical defensive partnership and an essential component of its Middle East policy. Although the U.S. does not have combat basing in Egypt, the two countries have maintained a close military alliance for 40 years. Congress has attempted to tie aid to Egypt to concerns over human rights conditions in the country. President el-Sisi's government has faced accusations of widespread human rights abuses, including torture and enforced disappearances. Critics argue that recent measures taken by Egyptian authorities to address rights concerns have been largely cosmetic. Withholding funds could potentially push Egypt closer to China, as Beijing has invited Cairo to join the BRICS economic alliance.