Obama Lifts Restrictions on Arms Sales to Egypt

As part of what it described as efforts to “modernize” its military relationship with Egypt, the Obama Administration in the US lifted an executive order Tuesday restricting weapons sales to the Egyptian military and security forces. The decision was welcomed by House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry, (R-TX) who said “We encourage the government of Egypt to continue its democratic process. But Egypt is also a strong regional ally. Maintaining that relationship must be a priority for the U.S. Providing them with the means to protect Egyptians and Americans from the threat of terrorism is the right thing to do.”