Egypt to Renew Nuclear Program in Another Setback for the West
http://www.thecommentator.com/article/4258/egypt_to_renew_nuclear_program_in_another_setback_for_the_west
US and European MidEast policy could be in tatters as Egypt aims to renew nuclear program
In reports from the Egypt that have thus far eluded the Western media, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is reporting Friday that senior figures in the Egyptian government are now pledging to restart their once mothballed nuclear programme.
Analysts and diplomats consulted in Europe by The Commentator say that American and European officials have been aware of such rumblings for several weeks, but have not yet worked out a clear policy position. They add, under condition of anonymity, that this is no longer a Left-Right issue, but a policy matter dominated by confusion.
MEMRI quoted Egyptian President Mansour, who came to power as a result of a military coup against the elected Islamist government as saying:
“In light of the challenges we face in the field of energy, I declare the start of a project to establish peaceful nuclear power plants. Al-Dab’a will be the first site to be examined. This is a national project that, over the coming decades, will help meet one of the most important development demands for the next generations – a demand [whose fulfillment] Egypt yearns for and deserves.
“In this context, let me praise the patriotic [commitment] of the Egyptian [citizens] in Al-Dab’a towards realizing this promising project.”
Egypt, especially its military establishment, has long been concerned about Iran’s nuclear programme. Egypt, as the leading power in the Arab world, fears being overwhelmed should Iran develop a military nuclear capability.
The United States and governments in Europe have adopted a wait-and-see stance on developments in Egypt. The US has said it will suspend military aid to Egypt, but critics of American policy describe this as window dressing as the US political establishment prefers a military inspired dictatorship to an elected islamist regime.
Proliferation experts are unsurprised by Egypt’s nuclear ambitions. They say such ambitions are very unwelcome, but sadly logical given the regional context.
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