Opinion | Biden sells weapons to Egypt’s Sissi despite promising ‘no more blank checks’

February 19, 2021 ☼ bidentrumpdicatorsegypt

Source: The Washington Post - Link

Since taking office, Mr. Biden has been speaking up strongly in defense of human rights and democracy, including in Myanmar, Russia and China. That’s a welcome and badly needed change from President Donald Trump, who loudly defended tyrants such as Mr. Sissi. But if the new president is to have a meaningful impact, he must connect his words to actions. A good first step would be to consult with the Egypt Human Rights Caucus on linking further military aid and sales to Egypt to the release of political prisoners — starting with Mr. Soltan’s relatives.

Disappointing, but these are early days. We’ll see how this all turns out.