ELBaradei just now on CNN.. seems like a reasonable guy.. I dont think anyone should fear him..

[DCBob]

Long interview with Fareed Zakaria. I think this guy could be what Egypt needs right now. The fact they even let him do this interview is significant considering he is technically under arrest.

Highlights..

-- Mubarak must step down today to save Egypt.
-- He said the threat of the Muslim brotherhood taking over is a myth.
-- Willing to be interim President until elections.
-- Egypt will remain ally of US.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/30/egypt.elbaradei/

Edit: added some detail.

[hlthe2b]

1. I don't know of anyone that fears him...

I think there is concern that he would be strong enough to control the military and to contain the Muslim Brotherhood, but not specific to ElBaradei.

[DCBob]

2. I think some are fearing he might not be as friendtly to US as Mubarak.

I dont not see any indication of that in his interview.

[elias49]

4. I don't think the US likes him all that much

they went head to head over the nuke situation in Iran when he headed the IAEA.
Truly I think Elbaradei might be too much of a 'moderate' for the liking of the State Dept.

[hlthe2b]

6. the NEOCONS certainly don't' he called Bush* et al out on their

LIES re Iraq and WMD.

[Maine_Nurse]

8. The fact that he affiliated himself with the MB is what worries many people.

[hlthe2b]

14. He has NOT allied himself with MB... not true.. They have endorsed HIM

Quite the difference, despite what the NEOCONS would have you believe.

[Maine_Nurse]

16. Uhh, yes he has...

It is a loose affiliation, but he is party to it. See Brookings Institute report at http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2011/0128_egypt_riedel.aspx

The fact that he invited the MB to his home for the initial formation meeting of the National Association for Change is enough to make plenty of people worry.

It is really no different than our US politicians getting into bed with various organizations in order to get votes--ElBaradei needs someone capable of bringing large numbers of supporters and MB has, in the past, been considered one of the more moderate Islamic groups that has the ability to deliver those votes/support.

[hlthe2b]

18. Do you really not understand his need to unite a coalition?

First of all Brookings Institute, since the 1990s has taken steps further towards the right in parallel with the increasing influence of right-wing think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation. Kindly don't point to neocon groups to support your thesis.

I do not proclaim to be an expert, but I lived for years in Egypt, and spent time working in other areas of the ME, including S. Arabia. Most Americans lump all Muslim groups and issues together as one big boogey man. While I do not trust MB, Egypt is quite different in terms of their influence than many countries in the ME.


But, to say El Baradei is in bed with MB is simply NOT the case and is Neocon BS. He is trying to form a coalition and is obviously at this very frail juncture not about to put them out. But your insinuation that he is a puppet of the MB is simply not true.

[justiceischeap]

3. I think there are several concerns about ElBaradei

He wouldn't be controlled by Israel & US
He's being recommended by the Muslim Brotherhood

Now, I don't subscribe to the whole "all muslims are bad" camp but the Muslim Brotherhood, from all reports, are a questionable organization. It's shocking that Muslim Brotherhood leaders, on AJE, are pimping this guy. That could happen for one of two reasons, they really do want a democratic Egypt or he's in their pocket...

[DCBob]

5. According to him the Muslim Brotherhood is not a strong influence in Egypt.

But they are important group and need to play a role in the new government. That sounds reasonable.

[hlthe2b]

7. I think MB sees ElBaradei as the most likely choice...

this revolution is not being driven by Muslim factions. It is a populist revolution, across the board. MB is a player, but not THE player and they want to be behind the most likely outcome.

[hulka38]

11. Or it could mean that the MB

simply wants Mubarak the fuck out of there, who they see as a puppet of the U.S. and Israel, and ElBaradei is someone who is difficult for the U.S. and Israel to paint as Saddam-scary to the rest of the World.

[Codeine]

9. He's being played by the Muslim Brotherhood.

I think they've found a show pony to back.

[DCBob]

12. I have not heard anything to suggest anything like that...

The fact he is willing to work with the MB is no reason to think they will control him.

[Codeine]

13. I hope you're right,

but I have no faith in anything positive coming out of empowered radical Islamists in yet another country.

[hlthe2b]

15. MB may think of it that way...

I strongly suspect, given his history of having to deal with these factions throughout the REGION, that he's "got their number."

[msongs]

10. Is he promising "change you can believe in"? we've heard that one before lol nt

[Oilwellian]

17. I don't fear ElBaradei...I've been cheering him for years

Especially when he lead the IAEA and was a thorn in Bush's side.

Dr ElBaradei Receives Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jYtc7vREjs&feature=related

[Scurrilous]

19. K & R

:thumbsup: