The dying days of 2007 unleashed an old dilemma that has long soured relations between developing and industrially advanced countries. Indeed, the United States' decision to suspend $100 million in aid to Egypt is a bad omen, not just because Egypt can do with that money, but because the decision seems to be dictated by Israel. Many people in Egypt argue that we can do without such assistance which serves US vital interests in the region more than serving Egypt itself. If anything, this latest move by the US highlights the fact that US foreign policy now is dictated by Israel. The particular stipulation that the tunnels through which arms are smuggled to Israel be demolished gives the game away. Why is the US so adamant that this particular demand be fulfilled? Washington is not threatened directly. Such actions give the impression that the sole concern of the US in the region is the protection of Israel. It might be understandable that some politicians and human rights activists in the US are uneasy about the pace of democratic reform in the country, but no one can deny the fact that many steps were taken and that there has been a gradual change in that direction over the past few years. Whichever way it is seen, the cutting off of US aid will be interpreted as gross interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation. The entire episode is insulting and augurs ill for the future of American-Egyptian relations. Israel, once again, is proving to be a stumbling block to better relations between the US and the Arabs. Greater sections of the Egyptian public, now angry at such national affront, migh be won to the argument that Egypt should do away with US aid altogether. This at a time when Egypt needs good relations with the US if only to be able to engage effectively in the many regional burning issues that threaten to plunge the world into a global war. As much as Egypt cherishes its special relationship with the US, it is of the conviction that this relationship should be based on mutual interests and not dictated solely by Israeli interests -- a bilateral one and not one in which there is a third party dictating terms. As such, it is hoped that the Senate vetoes this harmful decision of suspending the $100 million in aid. Washington should try to cultivate a more equitable relationship with the Arabs. Much is at stake. The political reform taking place in Egypt and the Arab countries today merit support from the US -- and there is no better support from the US than putting pressure on Israel to stop its aggressive drive in the region. This is the time for America to prove that it is also a friend of the Arabs and not only a friend of their enemy. The road is long and bumpy, but it is high time the US begins to reconsider its biased and eschewed policies in the region and take seriously Arab concerns.
