‘America is behind the anarchy’ says Egypt media

Published on Wednesday 15 February 2012 02:26

State-run newspapers in Egypt have splashed accusations in their pages of an American plan to spread “anarchy” in the North African country, escalating a dispute that Washington says must be resolved to ensure continuation of $1.3 billion in annual military aid to Cairo.

Based on remarks by a government minister, the headlines marked another low in the crisis triggered by an inquiry into US-based non-governmental organisations that has resulted in criminal charges against 19 Americans who have been banned from leaving the country.

“America is behind the anarchy,” declared the front page of Al Gomhuria newspaper yesterday. “American funding aims to spread anarchy in Egypt,” read the front page of Al Ahram. The papers are two of Egypt’s most widely distributed dailies.

The headlines were based on comments made in October to the investigating judges by Minister of International Co-operation Faiza Abul Naga, which only came to light this week when they were released to the state news agency MENA.

Al Ahram, Al Gomhuria and MENA are all part of a state-run media loyal to the government which has long been a tool for shaping public opinion in favour of the establishment.

In her remarks, Ms Abul Naga linked what she said was a surge in US funding for civil society groups last year to an attempt to steer the course of the post-Hosni Mubarak transition period in “a direction that realised American and Israeli interests”.

“All the indications show that there was a clear desire to abort any chance for Egypt to emerge as a modern democratic state with a strong economy.”

Accusations against the activists include working for organisations not properly registered and receiving foreign funds illegally.