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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17037-2003Aug3.html
Egypt's Grip on Civil Liberties
(Washington Post) William Fisher - No one expects Egypt - or any other Middle Eastern country - to move from authoritarian state to democracy overnight. But the U.S. has had substantial aid programs there for more than 25 years. Is it not time for this country to impose the principle of "tough love" on Egypt and the kindred authoritarian regimes we support? Do we not have the right - indeed, the obligation - to demand that overseas beneficiaries of our largess begin to meet at least the most fundamental criteria of civil society - beginning with a lot more respect for individual civil liberties?