FOXNews.com: Washington split on Egypt aid, raising more questions on who the US backs

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Washington split on Egypt aid, raising more questions on who the US backs Aug 18th 2013, 14:17 Washington appeared no closer Sunday to agreeing on whether to cut off U.S. aid to Egypt, raising further questions about which side the United States is taking amid the escalating and deadly political protests in the Middle East country. The disagreement divides political parties as well as the White House, the House and Senate, roughly five weeks after the Egyptian military overthrew President Mohammed Morsi, an Islamist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood Party. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.,  told "Fox News Sunday" that foreign aid essentially goes to "dictators and despots," which doesn't help the United States "win the hearts and minds of the people." The U.S. gives Egypt about $1.5 billion annually, second only to the roughly $3 billion given each year to Israel. One of the biggest issues is whether Morsi was removed in a military coup, which would mean U.S. aid would automatically be suspended. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told Fox News the U.S. should continue to supply aid, but only on a "conditional" basis, which included the military's release of political prisoners and restoring the rule of law. Hundreds of Morsi supporters were killed last week when the military cracked down on protests. "I don't see how we can give them aid in light of what has happened," New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte told NBC's "Meet the Press." "I do support suspending aid to Egypt at this time." She was joined on the show by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., who said: "I do think we can send a strong signal by suspending aid." President Obama on Thursday condemned the violence and said the country is on "a more dangerous path." He also canceled joint military maneuvers between U.S. and Egyptian troops that are scheduled for next month. "While we want to sustain our relationship with Egypt, our traditional cooperation cannot continue as usual," the president said.

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