Egypt, Under Stress, Sees U.S. as Pain and Remedy--Move straight to palestinian state

NY Times ^ | 10-22-06 | MICHAEL SLACKMAN

[SJackson]

CAIRO, Oct. 20 — Faced with twin political threats — a rising Islamic movement at home and diminished influence throughout the region — Egypt is pressing the United States for an aggressive promotion of Palestinian statehood as a means of strengthening itself and other Arab governments allied with Washington, senior officials say.

Egyptian officials told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her recent visit here that the United States should move straight “to the endgame,” with a major policy initiative tackling the most contentious Palestinian issues: borders of a future state, the site of the capital, and the so-called right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Whether Washington agrees — a senior Egyptian official with first-hand knowledge of the conversation said Ms. Rice seemed to be listening — Egypt’s request is evidence of growing concern and frustration here. The leadership is showing signs of vulnerability, and in large measure it has blamed American actions in the Middle East for many of its problems, from the rise of Iran as a regional power to the growing popularity of political Islam.

Egyptians and other Arab leaders who are friendly with the United States see a major regional peace initiative by Washington as the first necessary step toward stealing momentum from Islamic groups, officials here said. In Egypt, however, optimism is limited that Washington will put the stated interests of its Arab allies ahead of the perceived interests of Israel.

[SJackson]

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[aynrandfreak]

That would make Hamas look like the saviors of the Palestinians, and they would immediately move to war with Israel.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Egyptians aren't too busy to cash our $2 billion check ever year.

[siunevada]

a major regional peace initiative by Washington

Get Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton on the job, they can clean up the mess from all the other major peace initiatives they left behind.

Although, I guess what they really mean is force Israel to surrender anmd thus cease to exist, isn't it? Since that is what will make the Islamists happy.

[the anti-mahdi]

Egypt is a brutal dictatorship bought off by taxpayer funds.

I suggest they choose sides ally themselves with the west and survive or allow the fanatics to draw them into annihilation. We should cut the cowards off in any event. What single benefit has supporting the kleptocracy of Mubarak and his syphilitic son and apparent successor can anyone name?

[Donna Lee Nardo]

"Egyptians and other Arab leaders who are friendly with the United States see a major regional peace initiative by Washington as the first necessary step toward stealing momentum from Islamic groups, officials here said. In Egypt, however, optimism is limited that Washington will put the stated interests of its Arab allies ahead of the perceived interests of Israel."

Sheesh...Clinton and others before him actually did put Arab interests first in past Mid-East peace initiatives, and for what? It wasn't good enough for Arafat and Hamas and Israel certainly received no further peace and security.