WASHINGTON/CAIRO — The United States has waived human rights-related conditions attached to $320 million in military assistance to Egypt, citing Cairo’s “helpful role” since the launch of the U.S. war with Iran, according to Reuters.
The U.S. State Department announced the decision on Thursday, saying the waiver was based on U.S. national security interests and Egypt’s cooperation during the conflict.
The decision allows the funds to be provided to Egypt despite congressional requirements linking part of U.S. military assistance to improvements in the country’s human rights record.
Egypt has been a major recipient of U.S. military assistance for decades. After Cairo signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, U.S. support expanded significantly, and Egypt has received approximately $1.3 billion annually in U.S. military aid since the late 1980s, Reuters reported.
Washington has previously withheld or conditioned portions of that assistance over concerns about human rights in Egypt. Successive U.S. administrations have also used national-interest waivers to release funds despite those conditions. (U.S. Department of State)
The latest decision comes as the wider Middle East remains affected by the U.S.-Iran conflict and its regional repercussions. Egypt’s strategic position, including its role in regional diplomacy and security, has made cooperation with Cairo an important component of U.S. policy in the region.
Human rights organizations have continued to raise concerns about Egypt’s record, including allegations involving arbitrary detention and restrictions on journalists and political activity. The Egyptian government has rejected various international criticisms of its human rights policies.
The waiver illustrates the continuing tension in U.S. policy toward Egypt between human rights conditions on military assistance and Washington’s broader security and strategic interests in the region.
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