The United States and Egypt: An Essay on Policy for the 1990s

Egypt has long been valued for its strategic importance in the Middle East and North Africa, but its relationship with the United States continues to evolve. Egypt is the second largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid and has been a key player in the Middle East peace process. This volume by William B. Quandt first provides an authoritative analysis of the successful U.S.-Egyptian relationship—both past and present—and then examines policy options for the future. Quandt explains that it is important for American policymakers to honestly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the ties that link the United States and Egypt, to think of how best the relationship might evolve, and to try to establish a stronger basis for cooperation, especially in the area of economic assistance and debt repayment. For the sake of its broad interests in the region, the United States must also remain involved in promoting a broadening of the Arab-Israeli peace process.