Picture courtesy of the Canada Free Press

Once again, the United States and Russia are competing for influence in the Middle East.

In a Cold War-like dynamic, Russia has swooped into Egypt, filling the void that the U.S. has left.

Marking the highest level visit to Egypt by a Russian delegation in years, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigui began talks with Egyptian officials in mid-November over possible arms deals and defense cooperation – which are rumored to be worth as much as $2 billion. 

In October, the U.S. cut military and economic aid to Egypt in response to the crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood.  Now, Russia is brokering a weapons deal with Egyptian defense officials.

Coincidence? We think not. 

Don’t let the headlines fool you, however.  The U.S. didn’t cut all aid to Egypt – rather, a relatively small portion of the $1.55 billion it gives to Egypt annually – by withholding  tanks, fighter aircraft, and missiles, as well as $260 million in economic cash aid. 

(Here is a breakdown of the aid the United States gives to Egypt.)

The U.S. has been criticized for sending a mixed message. The small cuts in aid were largely symbolic – by no means did the cuts constitute a crippling sanction intended to force a peaceful, democratic process, nor was the warning serious enough to take Egyptian officials aback. 

Egypt has remained a vital interest for the United States because of its peace treaty with Israel and access to the Suez Canal – both of which the U.S. has risked by cutting aid. 

As with Syria, Russian officials have expressed that they do not believe in intervening in Egyptian Affairs.  Here lies their advantage: it’s just business. 

Should the U.S. proceed with “hands off” to keep its influence?