On 29 Jan 2011, at 08:00, Dave Kumar <[email protected]> wrote: > > I would add that the point about the US's historical support for > corrupt/dictatorial regimes in Egypt and elsewhere is well taken, and I agree > with it ... but it far predates the Obama administration, and anyone who > assumes that this administration could simply change that policy when it came > to power fails to appreciate the realities of US politics. > > That's my $0.02.
The Obama administration has, in fact, significantly cut US funding to human rights and democracy groups in Egypt. Obama Administration Cut Funding To Promote Democracy In Egypt ... www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/.../obama-cut-egypt-funding_n_815731.html <> In its first year, the Obama administration cut funding for democracy and governance programming in Egypt by more than half, from $50 million in 2008 to $20 million in 2009 (Congress later appropriated another $5 million). The level of funding for civil society programs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was cut disproportionately, from $32 million to only $7 million. Though funding levels for 2010 are not yet available, they are expected to show an increase to $14 million, says Stephen McInerny, the director of advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy. He notes that the Bush administration slashed economic aid to Egypt in the 2009 budget but kept the funding for democracy and governance programs constant, while Obama cut funding to those programs in an effort to make the cuts more proportional and under pressure from the American embassy in Cairo. <>
