I don't agree with this statement. Obama has totally messed up Egypt but it is not because he doesn't understand it. He is carrying out his policy based on a very clear goal: Install the Muslim Brotherhood as rulers of Egypt (and, incidentally, Syria and probably Libya as well).
Understanding Egypt isn't part of his equation. Whether he understands Egypt or he doesn't understand Egypt matters not one whit. A goal is a goal.
Give Obama some credit. He has been instrumental in throwing out two major anti-MB players in the ME (Libya and Egypt). He managed to get the Muslim Brotherhood installed for a year in Egypt and he is working on Syria. Libya will take a little more work. But he is making steady progress toward his goal. Egypt is a setback of course but his actions demonstrate clearly that a Muslim Brotherhood dominated Egypt is still the goal. So he is not giving up on Egypt.
It should be noted that none of this is in the best interest of the U.S. But then again, serving the U.S. interest is also not part of the Obama - Middle East Equation.
And the MB is funded by Saudis. Guess who wins this one.