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February 22, 2002/Adar 10, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 23
Egypt getting in Bush's good graces
MATTHEW E. BERGER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - Two contrasting images of Egypt are circulating in Washington, with policy-makers divided between those who see the country as an advocate for Middle East peace and those who view it as an obstacle.
The Bush administration lately has been warming to Egypt and President Hosni Mubarak, acknowledging the country's "leadership role" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The White House on Feb. 14 formally notified Congress of its intention to sell Egypt 53 Harpoon missiles, worth $255 million, the latest sign that the administration views Egypt favorably.
Yet some lawmakers and Jewish activists are angry that the recent warming appears to have swept aside concerns about Egyptian human rights abuses, rampant anti-Semitism in the Egyptian press and the recall of the Egyptian ambassador to Israel.
Secretary of State Colin Powell said Feb. 12 that Egypt is "doing what we ask of them" in terms of aiding efforts to end Israeli-Palestinian violence. Specifically, analysts say, Egypt has increased pressure on Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat since a shipment of weapons was seized by Israel in January en route to the Palestinian territories.
The official said the United States also is heartened by last week's release of Saad Eddin Ibrahim, an Egyptian human rights activist who was sentenced to seven years in prison last May for tarnishing Egypt's image, embezzlement and accepting foreign money.
Ibrahim, who also holds American citizenship, was granted a new trial by an appeals court.
Administration officials say they feel a need to acknowledge Egypt's changed tone, and have altered their rhetoric in describing Egypt. In addition, as it becomes more likely that the United States will target Iraq in the next phase of its war on terror - a move that is likely to inflame the Arab world - U.S.-Egyptian relations have taken assumed new importance.
Some lawmakers and Jewish activists are angry that ongoing concerns about Egyptian policy appear to have been swept aside lately.
"I think the administration has been vastly overgenerous in its praise" of Egypt, said Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif). "It's a fundamental mistake on the part of the State Department not to put more pressure on Egypt" to promote American interests.
Congress has several issues on the table that affect U.S.-Egyptian relations.
Specifically, Congress now has 30 days to evaluate the proposed Harpoon missile sale. Advocates for Israel believe that selling Egypt the weapon without modifications could erode Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.
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