F-16s to Counter Putin
- After Egypt's revolution against the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, Obama cut off weapons and support.
- The Russians and Putin immediately moved in with weapons to help Egypt fight the Islamists. Egypt also established a free trade zone with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
(Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama has agreed to send Egypt 12 F-16 fighter jets and other weapons that had been held up after the 2013 military takeover that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Mursi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Obama also will support continuing to provide $1.3 billion a year in military assistance to Egypt after a review prompted by the takeover that installed President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said in a statement on Tuesday.
The resumption of aid comes as the administration is being criticized by Israel, members of Congress and partners in the Arab Middle East who say that the U.S. is abandoning longtime allies to secure a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. It also comes as Egypt has agreed to joint an Arab military force to confront growing instability in the Middle East.
The new aid agreement allows for the release of 12 F-16s made by Lockheed Martin Corp., 20 Harpoon missiles from Boeing Co. and kits to assemble 125 M1A1 Abrams tanks from General Dynamics Corp.
Obama allowed a partial delivery of aid, including 10 helicopters, almost a year ago after certifying that Egypt is abiding by its peace treaty with Israel and combating terrorism.
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After Obama stabbed Egypt in the back, Putin and the Russians gave Egypt weapons and support against Islamist terrorism. |
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