KUDOS FOR OUTSTANDING REPORTING ON POLITICAL AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 095285 SIPDIS NOFORN OFFICIAL INFORMAL SIPDIS FOR AMBASSADOR RICCIARDONE FROM A/S WELCH E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2017 TAGS: AMGT EG SUBJECT: KUDOS FOR OUTSTANDING REPORTING ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES Classified By: NEA A/S David Welch for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) Frank, (SBU) I want to commend you and your mission for its superb reporting on the political and economic issues that have shaped our bilateral relationship with Egypt in the past six months. The quantity and quality of front-channel reporting have allowed Department principals and Washington analysts to gain critical insight into top Administration priorities, including political and economic reform inside Egypt and regional issues such as Iraq, Iran, Sudan, and the Palestinian Authority. (C/NF) On the domestic front, your mission's close and continuing coverage of the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood -- particularly Cairo 1128 -- and the political dynamic in the lead-up to the constitutional amendment referendum -- particularly Cairo 245 -- provided context and clarity to a shadowy organization and a murky process, respectively. Cairo 974, providing your assessment of the looming presidential succession, remains a key reference point for debate on the issue. Embassy Cairo's excellent reporting on human rights and religious freedoms is essential to our ability to raise these sensitive topics at the highest levels of the Egyptian government. Cairo 1427, analyzing the legal impediments sometimes faced by prospective Christian converts, was exemplary in this regard. (C/NF) While the pressures facing Egyptian bloggers captivated many Americans, your mission provided us with the "story behind the story" on this emergent trend; Cairo 198 and Cairo 1487 were particularly appreciated. We will continue to benefit from your detailed coverage of the plight of Ayman Nour as well as your regular meetings with his wife Gamila. (C/NF) On the economic front, your mission's steady stream of reporting on the challenges to and opportunities for economic reform have afforded Washington a realistic picture of the way forward on broader bilateral economic engagement with Egypt. Cairo 394, which detailed the gap between GOE words and actions on recent economic reform, was especially useful. (C/NF) Egypt has taken steps to further increase its diplomatic profile in the region and your mission has followed these developments closely. Cairo 90 provided an excellent and timely portrait of Egypt's reaction to the President's January 10 policy speech. I also appreciate your mission's determination to judge for itself the GOE's claims on Gaza. Cairo 626, reporting an Embassy delegation's visit to the Rafah border crossing, provided policymakers and analysts alike with a detailed, candid assessment of this complex terrain. Hats off to your entire mission for excellent reporting during such a sensitive time in the bilateral relationship. Sincerely, David RICE