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How Obama Can Use Pressure to Bring Peace
(New York Times) Dan Raviv and Yossi Melman - America must now demand more of President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt. In recognition of the billions of dollars America gives to a country now starved of tourism income, the Egyptian leader must be required to help the U.S. achieve its interests in the Middle East. President Obama should be prepared to threaten a sharp reduction in foreign aid, unless Morsi uses his Muslim Brotherhood credentials in a positive way. He should be compelled to talk some sense into Hamas, so that the rockets stop and civilians on both sides can enjoy quiet and safety - and not only for a few months. If Egypt truly wants to retain its role as the leading nation in the Arab world, Morsi will have to earn it. He has to honor his country's peace treaty with Israel and crack down on terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula. He also should act strongly to stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, including Iranian missiles. Working with Washington should be stressed as the only certain path to regional leadership for Egypt. The U.S. should insist that Morsi become the core of an active and creative coalition that promotes peace.