This is what the U. S. had to say about Egypt before the recent coup:
State and USAID: Egypt has undergone profound change since its January 2011 revolution. Smart, catalytic engagement by the U.S. Government can accelerate progress towards a more stable, secure, open, democratic and prosperous Egypt. U.S. assistance will support the Egyptian people as they strive to develop a legitimate democratic government that represents all Egyptians, promotes political freedoms, and creates economic opportunities. As part of the continued partnership, the United States will encourage Egyptian efforts to expand civil liberties; introduce transparency, accountability, and the rule of law; and foster democratic institutions, including the criminal justice sector. Assistance also supports economic rejuvenation and modernization and provides vital investments in health and education, including a landmark higher education initiative. The Egyptian Government is a vital partner in countering regional security threats, and the United States will assist the Egyptian Government in modernizing its defense forces and improving its antiterrorism capabilities. The United States will continue to encourage Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism in the region. U.S. assistance supports U.S. efforts to support Egypt’s continued implementation of its peace treaty with Israel. (Source: Congressional Budget Justification FY 2014) Source: ForeignAssistance.gov
For a detailed look at where the dollars do go check out http://foreignassistance.gov/OU.aspx?OUID=165&FY=2013&AgencyID=0&budTab=tab_Bud_Overview
This is what the U. S. has to say now:
I spoke this morning with Interim Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei, Interim Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and expressed our deep concern about the bloodshed and violence in Cairo and Alexandria over the past 24 hours that has claimed the lives of scores of Egyptian demonstrators and injured more than 1,000 people.
I want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured.
This is a pivotal moment for Egypt.
Over two years ago, a revolution began. Its final verdict is not yet decided, but it will be forever impacted by what happens right now.
In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process they have publicly embraced.
Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability.
At this critical juncture, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations.
The United States urges an independent and impartial inquiry into the events of the last day, and calls on all of Egypt’s leaders across the political spectrum to act immediately to help their country take a step back from the brink.
An inclusive political process is needed that achieves as soon as possible a freely and fairly elected government committed to pluralism and tolerance.
The Egyptians who poured into Tahrir Square in 2011 and 2013 themselves called for this outcome for their country’s future and for their aspirations.
A meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society.
To enable such a dialogue, the United States reiterates our call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law.
I want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured.
This is a pivotal moment for Egypt.
Over two years ago, a revolution began. Its final verdict is not yet decided, but it will be forever impacted by what happens right now.
In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process they have publicly embraced.
Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability.
At this critical juncture, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations.
The United States urges an independent and impartial inquiry into the events of the last day, and calls on all of Egypt’s leaders across the political spectrum to act immediately to help their country take a step back from the brink.
An inclusive political process is needed that achieves as soon as possible a freely and fairly elected government committed to pluralism and tolerance.
The Egyptians who poured into Tahrir Square in 2011 and 2013 themselves called for this outcome for their country’s future and for their aspirations.
A meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society.
To enable such a dialogue, the United States reiterates our call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law.
PRN: 2013/0932
From NY Times Egypt WarnsPro-Morsi Protesters To Leave Sit-In
"In his first visit to Cairo last month, Burns [Deputy Secretary of State William Burns] signaled that while Washington was calling for an inclusive transition, it had moved on from Morsi and his Brotherhood group. But he also stressed that Egypt's "second chance" at democracy could not happen without the Brotherhood's participation."
My Comments:
I was under the impression that Mohamed Morsi was a democratically elected president of Egypt and when he appointed many members of the Muslim Brotherhood to his cabinet/inner circle was when the people of Egypt began to take exception to Morsi's rule. The Brotherhood is not liked by a vast number of the population of Egypt, especially the female population. The United States is getting itself in an interesting position on this in more ways than one.
If the recent events and the ouster of Morsi was indeed a military coup, then all monetary aid to Egypt must by United States law be ceased. The U. S. is reluctant to stop funding many of its programs to Egypt and therefore does not want to recognize this as a coup.
Stressing that Egypt's democracy cannot happen without the participation of the Brotherhood is not going to make many friends in the population-general in Egypt. But then this will not be the first time that we find ourselves sleeping with the devil. We seem to do it a lot in that area of the world.
What do you think is the goal of Egypt's military? Are they just trying to make sure they have jobs? It's hard for me to believe this military group wants a truly free society, with room for all viewpoints. But so far, in effect, that's what they're doing. Truly, I was surprised when they pushed Morsi out so quickly. I don't know what to think.
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