The US Congress is split over whether to cut military aid to Egypt in the wake of last week’s bloody crackdown. Republicans have slammed Obama’s lack of action as going against US values, but a withdrawal of funds could trigger an economic backlash.
Cutting the $1.3 billion US aid package that supports the Egyptian military could have repercussions in the region. For one, US allies Israel and Saudi Arabia have already moved to step up their support for the military-led overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi.Saudi Arabia, which is seeking to curtail the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in the region, pledged $5 billion to the Egyptian military following Morsi’s ouster.
Its Gulf neighbors Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, who also fear the spread of the Brotherhood’s ideology, have also promised aid.
There are also implications for the American economy. Canceling military aid could mean US taxpayers are left to foot the bill for Egyptian military equipment already ordered on credit from US arms manufacturers, while canceling defense orders could also hit US company profits and jobs at home – at a time when recession fears are growing.
Obama last week said a military exercise with Egypt would be canceled, but it is less clear whether any cuts will be made in the $1.3 billion military aid.
"As we've made clear, all of our assistance to Egypt is currently under review, and we will consider additional steps as we deem necessary," said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.
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