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EGYPT: Tribute to U.S. General Draws Fire
munaeem | 13 March, 2007 14:18
Cairo's decision last month to award U.S. General John Abizaid a prestigious medal of honour has angered much of the political opposition.
The government move underscored Cairo's "strategic relationship" with Washington in the face overwhelming public disapproval of U.S. policy in the region.
"Abizaid is despised by the Egyptian people -- probably by all Arabs -- for the role he played in Iraq," Refaat al-Saeed, head of the socialist Tegemmu Party told IPS.
"Honouring him in this way is like honouring (former Israeli prime ministers) Ariel Sharon or Benjamin Netanyah."
During a two-day visit to Cairo in mid-February, Abizaid -- former head of the U.S. Central Command -- was awarded Egypt's first-class medal of merit on the occasion of his retirement.
The medal was presented by defence minister Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi.
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