Interesting comments re: USA's response to Egypt --

[gateley]

This is very loosely paraphrased - this guy was on with Stephanie Miller this morning. I didn't catch who he was or his name, but he did reference he worked with Reagan.

Why we "like" Mubarak:
- He's been instrumental in talks w/Hamas and Hezbollah
- Has kept the peace with Israel and is a stabilizing presence in the region
- For the most part, a good ally of US.
- Other stuff I can't remember (in and out of the car when he was on this morning)

So this is what is the known, that Mubarak has aided and acted on our behalf over the years.

BUT - If we are to walk our talk, Obama should call for him to step down. He admits that there's always a risk -- things could get worse as in Iraq when the Shah was overthrown, but he also said that Reagan was in the same position regarding Marcos and he said human rights trumps politics so out he went.

He also reminded us that part of what got Al Q stirred up was the USA's insistence on propping up dictators for the 'good of the US'.

His bottom line: Yes, we have an ally, yes there are always risks, but he feels Obama needs to take this risk and do what's best for the people.

And another BUT -- after his interview I heard that more Egyptians are allying with the Muslim Brotherhood who, if put in power, would most likely NOT have a democracy.

What a mess.

Not trying to present an opinion, just relaying what I heard this morning on the radio. Your half-assed reporter. :7

Edit: Shah, not Shaw. :eyes:

[Catherina]

1. Thanks for relaying this. Rec'd n/t

[azurnoir]

2. a couple of questions

first where did you hear that the Muslim Brotherhood was gaining allies in Egypt, was it on Stephanie Millers show was it from a guest or just a comment?

Last I 'heard' ElBaradei was being slated as the new leader and that MB could take a few Parlimentary seats

BTW the Shah was Iranian not Iraqi

[gateley]

3. 1) -- It was just Stephanie Miller and her crew discussing it - nothing

"official" at all, and they just mentioned it almost in passing, no source cited.

2) Last I 'heard' ElBaradei didn't want to become the new leader of the country, but wanted to help the people achieve the change they all want, i.e. Mubarak OUT. Your info may be more recent than mine.

I obviously know the Shah was in Iran, I've just typed Iraq so many times over the past few years it rolled off my fingertips. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll go change it if it's not too late.