WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citing a dangerous lack of progress by the Obama Administration to follow through on military and political aid to Egypt, the Council on Global Security and the London Center for Policy Research requested that the President keep a promised commitment to send Apache helicopters and spare parts to combat terrorism.
The President promised the aid in April but has failed to deliver, and the helicopters and spare parts currently remain in storage at Fort Hood, Texas. “Meanwhile, the Administration just entered into the biggest arms deal this year with Qatar, a major sponsor of the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization,” said Katie Gorka, president and co-founder of the Council. “It not only doesn’t make sense, it is contrary to U.S. national interests.”
In an open letter to the President, July 14, the Council and Center, along with other foreign policy experts, including Donald Rumsfeld, Dr. Walid Phares, and Robert McFarlane, wrote:
“Delay in delivering the promised helicopters flies in the face of your recent West Point speech and new foreign policy doctrine to create international alliances to support the fight against terrorism and to ‘shift our counter-terrorism strategy to more effectively partner with countries where terrorist networks seek a foothold.’ You called on Congress to ‘support a $5 billion Counterterrorism Partnership Fund to train and support partner countries.’ In these objectives, Egypt has been an historic and proven partner, therefore a logical starting place if you are serious about your new doctrine.”
According to Tony Shaffer, London Center senior fellow, “In the war on terror we have witnessed defining moments but none more important than the battle in which the Egyptians are now engaged. It is imperative that we support our ally, and provide them the promised military aid and support that they need.”
Since the removal of Mohamed Morsi in July of last year, Egypt has passed a Constitution and last month held free and fair presidential elections. According to Gorka, “These steps show a willingness to become a democratic state and a strong political and military ally to the United States.”
To learn more about the Council on Global Security, the London Center, the letter to the President, or the democratic changes underway in Egypt, please visit www.councilonglobalsecurity.org or www.londoncenter.org.
