Egypt Burns, US Administration Fiddles

[Garpal Gumnut]

The Democrats in the US still back Mubarak, the plutocrat leader of Egypt, under whose 30 year rule, that country has slid in wealth and prestige in the Arab world.

The following is from Joe Biden, the Vice-Prez.

What a muppet.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Back...itter&sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d421b92d593d07c,0

Asked if he would characterize Mubarak as a dictator Biden responded: “Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things. And he’s been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interest in the region, the Middle East peace efforts; the actions Egypt has taken relative to normalizing relationship with – with Israel. … I would not refer to him as a dictator.”

He also appeared to make one of the famous Biden gaffes, in comments that could be interpreted as questioning the legitimacy of protesters' demands. Monitor Cairo correspondent Kristen Chick, other reporters in the country, and activists have generally characterized the main calls of demonstrators as focused on freedom, democracy, an end to police torture, and a more committed government effort to address the poverty that aflicts millions of Egyptians.

gg

 

[So_Cynical]

I would imagine that there is a good chance that if a genuine election was held in Egypt tomorrow, that a Govt not quite as US friendly may be elected...whatever happened the Muslims would have a big say and that's a situation the Yanks (Israelis) would not be happy with.

So the Status Quo would be the preferred option.

 

[RandR]

I would imagine that there is a good chance that if a genuine election was held in Egypt tomorrow, that a Govt not quite as US friendly may be elected...whatever happened the Muslims would have a big say and that's a situation the Yanks (Israelis) would not be happy with.

So the Status Quo would be the preferred option.

US foreign policy is largely about maintaining obedience, there is no pro democracy agenda and there quite frankly never has been.

The US has a long and bloody history of backing (both financially and in arms) dictatorships across the entire globe, egypt is no different.

The Kifaya have probably been the best hope for egyptian democracy in the last decade.

Im holding hope that US Imperialism will be defeated, and the people of Egypt will emerge with a democratic government ... the likelyhood of this happening is next to nothing.

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

I would imagine that there is a good chance that if a genuine election was held in Egypt tomorrow, that a Govt not quite as US friendly may be elected...whatever happened the Muslims would have a big say and that's a situation the Yanks (Israelis) would not be happy with.

So the Status Quo would be the preferred option.

I remember people saying the same the same thing about Nguyen Van Thieu in Vietnam in '75, he was a dictator who could not hold the commies back, and the more I see Obama's foreign policy, the more it resembles Richard Nixon's.

There cannot be a status quo. The times they are a changin, and the US needs to realise that.

gg

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

In fact George W Bush was quite forceful in leaning publically on Mubarak for his blood thirsty rule, and it was only when Obama and Clinton got in to the White House that they began covering up for him, enraging the Arab Street.

From the NYT.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/world/middleeast/28diplo.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

WASHINGTON ”” It was Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first meeting as secretary of state with President Hosni Mubarak, in March 2009, and the Egyptians had an odd request: Mrs. Clinton should not thank Mr. Mubarak for releasing an opposition leader from prison because he was ill.
In fact, a confidential diplomatic cable signed by the American ambassador to Egypt, Margaret Scobey, advised Mrs. Clinton to avoid even mentioning the name of the man, Ayman Nour, even though his imprisonment in 2005 had been condemned worldwide, not least by the Bush administration.
The cable is among a trove of dispatches made public by the antisecrecy group WikiLeaks that paint a vivid picture of the delicate dealings between the United States and Egypt, its staunchest Arab ally. They show in detail how diplomats repeatedly raised concerns with Egyptian officials about jailed dissidents and bloggers, and kept tabs on reports of torture by the police.
But they also reveal that relations with Mr. Mubarak warmed up because President Obama played down the public “name and shame” approach of the Bush administration. A cable prepared for a visit by Gen. David H. Petraeus in 2009 said the United States, while blunt in private, now avoided “the public confrontations that had become routine over the past several years.”

What grubs.

gg

 

[Aussiejeff]

In fact George W Bush was quite forceful in leaning publically on Mubarak for his blood thirsty rule, and it was only when Obama and Clinton got in to the White House that they began covering up for him, enraging the Arab Street.

From the NYT.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/world/middleeast/28diplo.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper



What grubs.

gg

Remember Saddam? Once puppet & ally of Unca Sam? What happened to his unruly lot? From hugs 'n kisses with Donald "Duck" Rumsfeld one year to Shock & Awe the next??

If I were Mubarak, I'd be heading for the bunker. I predict this is a perfect and timely excuse for the US to declare another morale boosting Holy War... this time on "All-Queerda In Egypt" - since one must blame All-Queerda insurgencies for all the world's ills, eh?

Tossers.... all in the name of corporate Big Oil G.R.E.E.D.

What a beautiful world.

 

[Sean K]

The situation certainly is troubling. I hadn't really realised how important Egypt has been to the US power in the region. If an anti US/Israel group eventually gets in could start a significant power shift in the region and spell major trouble for not just the US but it's buddies also. ie, the UK and us.

 

[So_Cynical]

I just saw a piece on the Egypt troubles on the ABC news channel...there was a beautiful young Egyptian woman (clearly western educated) talking to camera and expressing her views and want of political and social change etc.

This woman was a real stunner with a beautiful full head of long flowing hair...thing is if she gets what she wants, she will be forced to cover up that hair quick smart, actually be lucky if she is not forced into one of those black tents woman are forced to wear in Saudi etc.

 

[nulla nulla]

Wasn't the C.I.A outsourcing their "Interogations" to Egypt? A change of power could expose more in respect of American Foreign Policy than the U.S.A would care for.

 

[Sean K]

I just saw a piece on the Egypt troubles on the ABC news channel...there was a beautiful young Egyptian woman (clearly western educated) talking to camera and expressing her views and want of political and social change etc.

This woman was a real stunner with a beautiful full head of long flowing hair...thing is if she gets what she wants, she will be forced to cover up that hair quick smart, actually be lucky if she is not forced into one of those black tents woman are forced to wear in Saudi etc.

Yep, hearing lots of calls for an 'Democratic' Islamic Middle East. I can't see how they are compatible, although Indonesia and Malaysia seem to be getting closer. Israel should be worried. If Jordan turns they are in real trouble.

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

Yep, hearing lots of calls for an 'Democratic' Islamic Middle East. I can't see how they are compatible, although Indonesia and Malaysia seem to be getting closer. Israel should be worried. If Jordan turns they are in real trouble.

This resembles Southeast Asia in the 60's and 70's, it will be a Domino effect to some degree, but the leaders here have more power at their disposal.

Although People Power always triumphs in the end, thank god.

gg

 

[Sean K]

This resembles Southeast Asia in the 60's and 70's, it will be a Domino effect to some degree, but the leaders here have more power at their disposal.

Although People Power always triumphs in the end, thank god.

gg

A united Arab/Islamic world is slightly concerning. Many would think it's impossible with the history of hatred between Shiite and Sunni, but enemies often get together to fight a common enemy. If Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan join them, eeeek. Add a second front in Korea, eeeeeeeek.

Who knows though, maybe the next government will be pro West...

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

A united Arab/Islamic world is slightly concerning. Many would think it's impossible with the history of hatred between Shiite and Sunni, but enemies often get together to fight a common enemy. If Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan join them, eeeek. Add a second front in Korea, eeeeeeeek.

Who knows though, maybe the next government will be pro West...

I don't agree mate, the Shia and the Shi'ite hate each other more than they hate the Kafirs. I think Hezbollah and the Iranians are one, and the rest are against them particularly ole Faisal in Saudi Arabia as ole Julian from Magnetic Island leaked in his tapes.

They are a bit like Eire and The Protestants in Northern Ireland.

gg

 

[Aussiejeff]

Meanwhile, in Bubble-Land the Chinese authoritarians are heavily censoring all media outlets in a pathetic attempt to prevent their own peasantry from getting any revolutionary ideas from their Egyptian cousins.

LOL. They might have to hit their own Web Kill Switch!

It all bodes well, eh?.....

 

[Agentm]

 

[gav]

Tossers.... all in the name of corporate Big Oil G.R.E.E.D.

Yes and the Middle East was such a peaceful place before the US went in for their oil...

 

[GumbyLearner]

Footage inside the protest

 

[Sean K]

Yes and the Middle East was such a peaceful place before the US went in for their oil...

Good point Gav. I wonder if there has ever been a meaningful period of peace in the Middle East.

Although, could ask the same question of most of the rest of the world also...

 

[Aussiejeff]

Yes and the Middle East was such a peaceful place before the US went in for their oil...

Sure. But internationally, up until WW2 who really cared about the internal ructions that had been going on for centuries before now? They didn't have any significant impact on the Rest Of The World economy?

But now? Since Big Oil stamped their influence & authority all over the place, (especially since GW1) Egypt has now become a central & CRUCIAL oil state. Political stability there is now essential if world oil prices are themselves to remain stable.

A major spike in oil prices right now we just don't need!

FWIW I lived through the early 70's Oil Spike and I can assure you it was not pretty for the auto industry or ANYONE wanting to offload 6 - 8 cylinder vehs that were chewing through their weekly budgets!

Cheers,

aj

 

[Calliope]

Is the Ayatollah's dream coming true?

An echo of the Iranian revolution: On reaching power in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini sought to spread Islamist insurrection to other countries but failed almost everywhere. Three decades had to go by before the self-immolation of a vendor in an obscure Tunisian town could light the conflagration that Khomeini aspired to and Iranian authorities still seek.

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/258457/turmoil-egypt-daniel-pipes

Meanwhile back in America:

As Egypt’s regime totters on the verge of collapse, President Obama is looking less like Ronald Reagan and more like the Gipper’s predecessor, Jimmy Carter. The turmoil in Egypt is markedly similar to the revolution that gripped Iran 33 years ago. Egypt may be to Mr. Obama what Iran was to Mr. Carter.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/30/obama-channeling-jimmy-carter/