Knives Come Out for U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson

The Cable ^ | 3 Jul 2013 | John Hudson

[mandaladon]

As the violent standoff between the Egyptian military and President Mohamed Morsy continues, U.S. ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson has become a lightning rod for critics of U.S. policy in the country.

The tip of the spear for U.S.-Egypt diplomacy, Patterson's June 18 speech discouraging street protests has come to symbolize the administration's inability to recognize the potency of Egypt's liberal opposition. "Some say that street action will produce better results than elections," Patterson said. "To be honest, my government and I are deeply skeptical."

Now, with the Egyptian military's 48-hour deadline for Morsy to yield to protesters demands passed, observers fear the outbreak of widespread violence between Morsy's Islamist supporters and moderate critics, and many wonder if the U.S. could've taken a harder line on the Brotherhood during its 10-month rule.

Patterson in particular resisted opportunities to criticize the Morsy government as it implemented increasingly authoritarian policies. In a memorable May interview with the Egyptian English-language news sit Ahram Online, she repeatedly dodged pointed questions about Morsy's leadership. "The fact is they ran in a legitimate election and won," she said. "Of course it is challenging to be dealing with any new government. However, at the state institutional level, we are for instance still liaising with the same military and civil service personnel, and thus have retained the same long-established relations."

[Enterprise]

Hilary, Susan and Ann - All three catastrophically stupid and incompetent. Yep - time for a woman to be President according to the Dems.

[Thorliveshere]

Oh, you are correct.

[reg45]

Islamic countries generally have no respect for female ambassadors or diplomats.

[Grampa Dave]

Some of the recent signs in Cairo showing how the Egyptians feel about Ann Patterson: