Sunday, January 30, 2011

Obama Regime Cut Funding For Egyptian Democracy Programs (From The Bush Administration)

From Gateway Pundit:

Jan 29, 2011 (yesterday)Good Grief. Obama Cut Funding for Egyptian Democracy Programs Before the Current Crisisfrom Gateway Pundit by Jim HoftGood grief.


Obama failed to support the people of Georgia when Russian tanks plowed across the border.

Obama failed to support the freedom protesters in Iran when the regime was shooting at them from rooftops.

Obama failed to support the Honduran people when a tyrant tried to take their freedom.

Obama also failed to support freedom activists in Egypt.



When Barack Obama went to Cairo to talk about peace, freedom and brotherhood in 2009 he forgot to mention that he had cut funding for democracy and governance programming in Egypt by more than half his first year in office.




 
Democracy protester Mohamed Atef lies on the ground after being shot in the head while demonstrating in the town of Sheikh Zoweid northeast of Cairo, January 27, 2011. (REUTERS/Stringer)




Even leftists agree that the Obama Administration’s efforts have generally been less aggressive than the Bush administration’s.

The Huffington Post reported, via FOX Nation:



President Obama’s historic speech at Cairo University galvanized millions of people across the Arab world with its inspiring message of peace and brotherhood among Muslims. And his stirring endorsement of democracy gave hope to many Egyptians that his words would ring in a new era, helping pressure their own government to hold free and fair elections and to adhere to the rule of law.



But when it comes to backing up the president’s rhetoric since that speech in June 2009, the administration has a decidedly mixed record and has disappointed many Egyptians, foreign policy experts tell The Huffington Post. Though Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has championed human rights around the world and American diplomats have quietly encouraged political and legal reforms in Egypt, when it comes to promoting democracy in the riot-torn country, efforts have generally been less aggressive than the Bush administration’s. On Friday, amidst violent protests, longtime leader Hosni Mubarak announced the resignation of Egypt’s government.



In its first year, the Obama administration cut funding for democracy and governance programming in Egypt by more than half, from $50 million in 2008 to $20 million in 2009 (Congress later appropriated another $5 million). The level of funding for civil society programs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was cut disproportionately, from $32 million to only $7 million. Though funding levels for 2010 are not yet available, they are expected to show an increase to $14 million, says Stephen McInerny, the director of advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy. He notes that the Bush administration slashed economic aid to Egypt in the 2009 budget but kept the funding for democracy and governance programs constant, while Obama cut funding to those programs in an effort to make the cuts more proportional and under pressure from the American embassy in Cairo.



The White House and the State Department did not return emails for comment.



Of course, this surprises no one.



Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsJan 29, 2011 (yesterday)Unrest in the Middle Eastfrom Brookings: Latest From Brookings

2 people liked this

Anti-government tensions are spreading across the Middle East. After a popular uprising toppled Tunisia's government, protests are at their height in Egypt, and are growing in Yemen and Jordan. Brookings experts examine the underlying causes of the turmoil and offer analysis and recommendations for what could happen next.Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsJan 29, 2011 (yesterday)Movie ‘When We Leave’ tackles shameful “honor” violence (video)from Creeping Sharia by creepingA movie on a growing problem in the West, “honor” violence in Islam. From the video description: Umay is a young woman of Turkish descent, fighting for an independent and self-determined life in Germany against the resistance of her family. Her struggle initiates a dynamic, which results in a life-threatening situation. A review from Salon, [...]Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsJan 29, 2011 (yesterday)2012 Campaign Update – 1/29/11from Freedom's Lighthouse by Brian



With departure of Mike Pence, Republican presidential field looking fallow right now



Romney: GOP Hopeful Should Have “Extensive Experience in the Private Sector”



Sarah Palin Encourages Enquirer to Call Her More Often



7 Reasons America Needs Sarah Palin In 2012



Iowa Politics Insider: Santorum picks up two Iowa advisers



Politico: A big warning sign for Romney



Sen. Jim DeMint reportedly open to run for president in 2012



Gingrich ponders ‘realistic possibility’ of 2012 bid













Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsJan 29, 2011 (yesterday)Thwackfrom The Slab by noreply@blogger.com (The Slabber)





Add starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsJan 29, 2011 (yesterday)Letters To The Editor: People Who Read This Newspaperfrom The Onion

4 people liked thisDear The Onion, Here are some people who I think read this newspaper: important businessmen, hip yet aging Gen-Xers, and cute indie girls who wear cardigans and listen to twee music. Rupert Lowe, Austin, TXAdd starLikeShareShare with noteEmailKeep unreadAdd tagsYou have no more items.But wait! We have recommended items waiting for you to read.Sweet! Show me my recommendations

No comments:

Post a Comment