Egyptian Disarray is Obama’s Fault
There are lots of ways that young people and freedom loving Americans can serve their country. Most obvious of course, is military service. Hippie pacifists join the volunteer service of the Peace Corps. But many more political science graduates, and up-and-coming diplomats, cut their teeth working for organizations that coach budding democracies on how to use their power with care- such as public relations, creating a political infrastructure, and helping to create the free and open public debate that is necessary to give voices to everyone in the political processes.
In some places this is more difficult than others. And in some places, it can be downright dangerous. Several organizations that do work described above are right now under suspicion by the newly created Egyptian government of “using foreign money to foment dissent.” And 19 Americans are facing arrest. And this is a direct result of Obama not supporting a 40-year ally as they faced a mob uprising backed by radical Islamists.
From the LATimes here:
Egypt’s military-controlled government announced that 19 Americans working for pro-democracy groups, including the son of a Cabinet official, would be ordered to stand trial on licensing and financial charges.
The provocative decision by investigating judges comes as the U.S. has threatened to suspend $1.3 billion in annual aid to Egypt’s military. It highlights the widening divide between Washington and one of its closest allies over democratic reforms at a time of sweeping political upheaval across North Africa and the Middle East.
Judges have referred 43 people, including 19 Americans, to be prosecuted on charges of violating foreign funding laws for nongovernmental organizations working in Egypt. One of them is reported to be Sam LaHood, the Egypt director of the Washington-based International Republican Institute, or IRI, and son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
The younger LaHood and other Americans working for IRI received haven last month at the U.S. Embassy amid fears they might be arrested after a travel ban was placed upon them. Employees at two other U.S.-based groups — Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute — are also under investigation. The charges reportedly carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Obama just wanted “democracy” in Egypt and he didn’t care that it came from a rampaging mob. Now many NGO employees are at risk as the nation continues to destabilize. Most of those Americans facing arrest are Northern Virginia and Maryland residents. And while I don’t mind saving 1.3 billion dollars by denying foreign aid to an asshole nation like Egypt, I think I would have much rather had a stable, friendly nation there instead of the mess we have now.
