In the past few days, we have all seen American media coverage of the current political state, or lack thereof, in Egypt. However, the media might be making the situation seem a little misguided or confusing to people unfamiliar with the situation. To shed some light on the subject, it is important to explore four crucial parts: the United States’ diplomatic history with Egypt, the manner in which now-ousted President Mohammed Morsi was elected, the importance and significance of the Obama administration’s reaction to these events and what is to come of the ever-evolving situation known as the “Arab Spring.”
First, it is important to understand the United States’ previous relationship with Egypt. In 1956, the United States, in fear of the growing relationship of Egypt and the Soviet Union, aided Egypt in forcing out British and French military presence. Then, in 1973, the Arab-Israeli Conflict emerged. The development of peace between Israel and Egypt required U.S. diplomacy.
In 1978, the Camp David Accords were signed by Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Both Israel and Egypt have remained two of the United States’ greatest non-NATO allies. With this stance, Egypt has received approximately $19 billion in aid from the United States. In fiscal year 2014, it will be the third-largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, behind Israel and Afghanistan. The Egyptian relationship is key to the United States’ War on Terror because Egypt serves as a key to the Middle East. Egypt has the largest military in the African continent and the second largest military presence in the Middle East, second only to Israel.
The current state in Egypt walks a fine line between political uprising and military coup. However, how you define it can only be determined by the side on which you stand. According to western media outlets, it would seem that a legitimate government was overthrown – that is not really the case. President Mohammed Morsi stands accused of corruption in the form of espionage for other militias.
The complaints of the people are not just related to military affairs. The economy in Egypt tanked within weeks under the control of Morsi. The cost of daily essentials nearly tripled in Egyptian cities. It is often blamed that Morsi’s Islamic beliefs are inciting this corruption, but it is his own terroristic motivations, not his claimed religion that are sending the people into panic. An Egyptian woman [posted on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/imz.khattab/posts/10152972236410114), “We are not revolting against legitimacy! … Do not let your media fool you, we’re doing it because we want a civilized life in a civilized country.”
How the Obama administration handles the coming days might be its defining moments. President Obama [has released statements](http://www.voanews.com/content/statement-of-president-barack-obama-on-egypt/1694785.html) on the situation in Egypt, but what they mean is still a little unclear. It is important to note that Obama has yet to refer to the situation in Egypt as a “coup.” To do so would increase the already high tensions of American–Egyptian relations. Obama also stated Egypt must restore a democratically-elected leader. He did not refer directly to Morsi at any point. This might mean the Obama administration is hopeful that Morsi is not be in power, but Egypt will not fall to more corruption.
The outcome of Egypt is still up in the air, and only time will tell. The main points at stake are the lives of innocent civilians who only want democracy restored in their country and the relations with a vital American ally. The Obama administration will not be making the same mistake — carrying a lack of political position — as it did with Syria. We can be certain that the outcome of this revolution will expand to other African and Middle Eastern countries. It is crucial that we, as informed Americans, realize that not all democratically-appointed regimes are what they seem. If Morsi is out for good, the next questions — and their answers — lie with whomever will take his place.
