The United States and Egypt

The crackdown in Egypt has clarified events: the military staged a coup; the civilian regime created by Gen. Abdul-Fattah al-Sisi was a façade. The military’s attempt to destroy the Muslim Brotherhood guarantees a violent future, likely including terrorism and perhaps ending in civil war. Despite having placed $75 billion worth of aid into Cairo’s coffers over the years, Washington has no leverage. Foreign aid does not promote economic development, nor does it buy political leverage. In a recent post Cato scholar Doug Bandow argues that Washington should say no more and leave Egypt’s future to be decided by the Egyptians.

More From Cato: