Clinton shows where US stands on Egypt (psst, it's not with the people of Egypt)

[marmar]

Clinton shows where US stands on Egypt
Jan 26th, 2011 | By Joseph Mayton


For almost all observers, activists and on-the-ground demonstrators on Egypt’s streets on Tuesday, American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s comments showed where Washington stands. With the government, not those demanding an end to decades of oppression and justice.

She said in a statement issued by the State Department early Tuesday afternoon Washington time – as police in Egypt were beginning a final push of tear bombs, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of protesters – that “our assessment is that the Egyptian Government is stable and is looking for ways to respond to the legitimate needs and interests of the Egyptian people.”

She began the statement by saying, “with respect to Egypt, which, as your question implied, like many countries in the region, has been experiencing demonstrations. We know that they’ve occurred not only in Cairo but around the country, and we’re monitoring that very closely. We support the fundamental right of expression and assembly for all people, and we urge that all parties exercise restraint and refrain from violence.”

This is more of the same, many democracy advocates and protesters argue. Others say it is a fine line the United States government must take in order to not show overt support for the demonstrators, while maintaining channels with the Egyptian government. Either way, activists condemned the statement, saying Washington is again giving lip service to freedom, democracy and justice. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://bikyamasr.com/wordpress/?p=24670

[Puregonzo1188]

1. Surprise, surprise.

[EFerrari]

2. There is a lot of violence in Suez now, by twitter accounts.

As I can't read the originals, can't verify. Police violence, fires being set by protesters, possible fatalities. :(

[Catherina]

4. Twitter, at least 55 demonstrators wounded in Suez

# 56597787-526a-40ba-9ae1-97df7d2afbf4_normal SmithSofia RT @Jnoubiyeh: UPDATE: Police have unleashed water cannons on protesters in the city of #Suez and have wounded at least 55 demonstrators. #Egypt #Jan25 half a minute ago via web

[Catherina]

3. Egyptian twitter indicates that they Egyptians have taken note of that.

Bad move Hillary. Very bad move. Rec'd

[howaboutme]

5. The USA elites claim to support democracy but only

if it is the status quo. These leaders we support are just as often despotic rulers. Mubarak has been in power since the 1980s. We bribe him billions (that we don't have) to play happy face with Israel. It has always been about the USA elite supporting despots until the USA elites decide to take out the ruler (as in Saddam) and then the people suffer again (both USA and others).