HOW DID THE EGYPTIAN LOBBY’S AGENDA DEVELOP IN WASHINGTON AFTER THE JANUARY 2011 REVOLUTION?

Abstract

Egypt has always been important to the United States, and relations between the two countries have gone through significant turning points. Sometimes, there was great tension in ties, and at other historical moments, they were governed by common understandings and interests. However, Egypt's importance to the United States has never changed.

The January Revolution[1] marked a monumental shift in Egypti - U.S.  relations, characterized by a long period of political stability during President Mubarak's era. Mubarak's fall profoundly impacted Egypt and its active parties, setting the stage for a protracted political struggle between the old regime and the revolutionary forces.

The issue of American aid, which has not stopped since 1979, after the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, appeared on the agenda of the Military Council lobby in Washington. Which is estimated at 1.4 billion US dollars annually[2]. Egypt ranks third in the Middle East and North Africa region, after Israel and Jordan, regarding 2024 aid funds.

Despite Egypt's political turmoil during the January Revolution and the turmoil in the American position towards the revolution in Egypt, the Military Council used all its tools and contracts with political pressure companies to reassure the American side about the democratic path in Egypt.

In subsequent periods, the Egyptian Lobby maintained strong relations with the Republican and Democratic sides in the White House, and its activities were influenced by the transition of power in the United States between Republicans and Democrats.

The priorities of the Egyptian lobby in Washington were similar at moments to those of the US State Department. Still, the constant obstacle was the problem of political freedoms and human rights. However, these differences did not affect the continuation of joint relations. According to the statements of many members of Congress, Egypt's political stability, its fight against terrorism in Sinai, and preserving Israel's security take precedence over everything.[3]