[CremeSaver]

One billion just so they won't invade Israel? Hmm...We should merely give them a warning and save the cash: Invade Israel and die, or don't invade Israel and live. Dang, how I wish I was running the state department.

[hinckley buzzard]

One billion just so they won't invade Israel?

This is a continuing legacy of the Camp David accords, of which the Carterites are so proud. Carter agreed to pay off the Egyptians to the tune of a couple billion actually, each year, for agreeing to sign a peace treaty with Israel. We pay off Israel also, for the same treaty. Crass, and probably not necessary, as Israel and Egypt were within striking distance of an agreement before Camp David even happened.

I think it was just a late blooming of the "nonaligned" movement's rip-off mentality. And Jimmuh bit.

[agere_contra]

Dang, how I wish I was running the state department.

Ditto! Actually - I wish a surly steelworker with a painful ulcer was running the state department. "You wann'us to do whut, Eygpt? Well fragg you!"

[DCMB]

I wish you were, too...:-)

[GoLightly]

I'm sure access to the Suez Canal has a little bit to do w/ it too.