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On January 25th, nearly 100,000 Egyptians staged the first of ongoing mass protests against government corruption and failing economic policies. The day was national Police Day, and was chosen to honor the life of an Alexandria man who was allegedly beaten to death by Egyptian police. The demonstration, organized on Facebook, was a response to mounting dissatisfaction of Egyptian people, especially jobless youth, who see a dim future under the current government system they call corrupt. It seems that they were also inspired by similar recent protests in Tunisia that ousted the president there.
Within six days of the first protest the Egyptian government shut down all Internet service providers. When the last connection went dark, the country's network became completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Some communication has been reestablished. And in Portland, where the Internet is alive and well, members of the Egyptian community are actively doing their part to protest in solidarity with their friends and families half a world away. About 200 people demonstrated against President Hosni Mubarak's government last Saturday at Pioneer Courthouse Square. More protests may follow. Despite Mubarak's plan, announced Tuesday, to step down in September, many people say they want him out now.
President Obama says Mubark realizes the current situation is not sustainable. The White House reportedly urged him to step down, after several remarks by the president that have appeared to support social change.
The United States will continue to stand up for the rights of the Egyptian people and work with their government in pursuit of a future that is more just, more free, and more hopeful.
Are you a member of the Egyptian community in Oregon? Do you have connections to other parts of the Middle East? How have you been keeping up with the protests in Egypt? What do you think about the United States' relationship with Egypt?
Photo credit: Darkroom Productions / Creative Commons
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What was Bush 1 seeking in Iraq 20 yrs ago?
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SORRY TO GO OFF SUBJECT >. BUT COULD THINK OUTLOUD DO A SHJOW ON GOLDSCHMIDT AND HIS TEEN "LOVER" WHO RECENTLY DIED?? IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS PROGRAM PLEASE POST BELOW.
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My first wife is Egyptian. My second daughter was born there. Over the years I probably spent 3 or 4 yrs there in total. But my last stay was in 1975, so I only know what is going on currently through Egyptain friends living in the states or in Quebec.
Little known fact: that it was the US and British Intel that financed and helped reorganize a moribund Muslim Brotherhood as a counter to Nasser in the mid fifties. It was pretty much dead at that time with hardly any membertship. As an effective counter to Nasser, it only worked to persuade him to co-opt the Islamic movement and give religion a more visible role in his govt.
Now I understand the Muslim Brotherhood maybe one of the emerging groups in the rebellion willing and able to harness the anger and frustration and transform it to a coherent political movement. One Egyptian friend was there over December. It is his view that much of the rage is fueled by the lack of jobs for the educated youth that Mubarak's reforms in education have trained up. (Sound familiar?)
Unlike the army of 25 yrs ago. Egyptian armed forces today are pretty much from the middle class. No more illiterate felaheen that could barely load and fire a rifle in the 1970s. Once this new army take to the streets, things should calm down.
I think the US are trying hard to persuade Mubarak to resign and leave with some dignity rather than being chased out or shot. Meanwhile the embassy staffers must be meeting secretly with the emerging leaders to try and guide the rebellion into channels that are the least destructive to our own interests in the region.
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I think Egypt and The United States should maintain good international relationships for the safety and stability of the region but the US has to realize that what is happening in Egypt right now would only make it a stronger truly democratic country. Does washington ever thinks that the best way to keep Egypt as a strong ally cannot be supporting a president that everybody wants out but is rather by supporting Egyptians who are there to stay?
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Everyone in a position to understand the US's Mideast policies knows that these are all formulated around what israel wants done to its neighbors. This is common knowledge in Washington D.C. That situation is the Third Rail of politics and journalism. Acknowledge it in print and you are toast. As Mrs. Thomas and many others have learned to their great discomfort.
Israel would like to see every Muslim country near it shattered, its economy destroyed and ability to defend against Israel's expansion neutralized. Through AIPAC and similar organizations with enormous influence on policy makers America's Mideast policies all evolve around the question of what Israel's desires.
Mubarak is considered by Israel as a friend. The Geneva Accords that have been bribing Egypt since 1977 to leave Israel alone have cost the US taxpayers so much money the true amounts never appear under the same Federal budget headings. As long as that agreement was in force the US supported Mubarak's regime. It would not have mattered very much to US policy makers what he did in Egypt as long as he kept the Egyptian army at home.
Now everything is upset and a new and unknown political force is taking form in Egypt and elsewhere in the Mideast. As long as the US can work out a new set of relationships that protect Israel, all will be well. If any new Govts there fail to fall into line with the US/Israel strategic vision, there will be blood. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Iran, Syria, etc. can attest to that fact of life.
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Egyptians are mainly protesting for constitutional reforms that guarantee free elections and delegation of power so they can change whatever government in case it abuses power or becomes unrepresentative of the majority. that being said, I have a deep faith inside that Egyptians are not giving up their freedom again to the Muslim brotherhood who has always been one of the systems opponents for a long time but failed to gain enough momentum to mobilize any similar uprise for the whole period Mubarak remained in power.
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I believe the Muslim Brotherhood has traditionally maintained a 20% presence in Egypt's house of representatives. But the other parties are even smaller and have less representation. I do agree that Egyptians are not about to hand over their country to the clergy to run. They have the example of Iran to know how well that works out. The Iranians ended one form of dictatorship (rather mild) and handed power to a much more bloody-minded group who have no intention of letting go.
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PS
To my post above this one. It is the Camp David Accords, I think they are called. Israel receives X amount of dollars each yr and Egypt receives some fraction of X every yr.
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The Youth revolution in Egypt is very normal. What was not normal is that it took about more than 20 years to be started.
I'm from Egypt and I came to US just 3 years ago. So I feel what they are feeling now.
I believe that if US wants to make a good relationship with Egypt or any country, that have to be made with a strong leader who gets his streanth from his people.
By this way, if US supports people freedome to take the control of their country, this will help to support strong relationship with US
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I was born in Egypt, and have been living in Portland for 14 years. Since January 25th, I have been glued to my computer, watching news channels online, checking Facebook and Youtube for updates. And talking to friends and family in Egypt.
As an Egyptian American, I was touched by the positive reaction and support of my American friends. Although, I was discouraged by the American government hesitance to express full support for the protests and the peaceful uprising, in the fear that it will negatively impact the delicate political balance in the Middle East, I believe that the United States and Egypt will always be committed partners.
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So Egypt is revolting...
(Sorry -- the obvious pun was too hard to resist.)
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Some years ago (in the 1960's or 1970's) Gil Scott Heron did a song -- really more of a rap -- The Revolution Will Not be Televised. Well, from what I have seen in the news over the past 7-10 days, the Egyptian Revolution is being televised; indeed, most of a whole episode of The Rachel Maddow Show was dedicated to coverage of the unrest in the land of the Pharaohs.
Here is what I think should happen:
* Hosni Mubarak (President for Life?) should resign. End of Story.
* The United States should discontinue all foreign aid to Egypt, NOW.
* Truly free and open elections should be held to establish a government that actually DOES answer to the people, rather than keeping the people under its thumb.
Do I expect these things to happen? Probably not...I don't honestly think that Mubarak is going to be any more humble than Ferdinand Marcos, Kim Jong Il, or Dick Cheney.
...But one can hope...
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cut off foreign aid and millions will STARVE >>>be RATIONAL Penny
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It is high time the US stopped all foreign aid, including Peace Corps. However, Penny, never fear. As long as most of it goes to Israel the Israel First army of lobbyists in DC will make sure it never stops or even diminishes.
The world will not starve if our aid does end. All it will mean is, those nations addicted to receiving our annual subsidies will have to spend less money on their armed forces and more money on agriculture, food imports and, hopefully, family planning.
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Foreign aid is primarily about two things: 1) bribe money to foreign governments (e.g. Egypt) to toe the line, and, 2) corporate welfare. The lobbyists of IBM, Oracle, General Dynamics, etc., are not about to let someone turn off the tap of foreign aid.
Not sure how many people would starve in Egypt because of an end of assistance from the Agency for International Development. The money doesn't usually reach the street, but there is some trickle down effect. Year after year of billion dollar plus assistance and you still can't drink the water there.
I can't see Egypt moving to some sort of militant, Islamic theocracy. It would be too heavy of a blow to their already imperiled economy because it would jeopardize their assistance from the US, and even more importantly, completely derail their tourism industry.
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Sorry to burst your bubble, DFUND, but my suggestions are based wholly on rational thought, not just "knee-jerk nationalism."
(Gee...DFUND's comments sound a lot like VITALPAC under a new user-name!)
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The Question is what comes NEXT?
Arab countries seem to sink deeper and deeper into Fundamental Theocratic Islamic Governance as the solution to globalization, poverty and poor competitiveness.
Will we see a rabid Islamic Fascist State dedicated to exterminate Israel, kidnap and execute infidels, oppose the West and stymie America? Or a liberal democracy that respects human rights?
Egypt has had thousands of Anti-American protests in the past decade, second only to Iran. And this is despite the billions of dollars in US State Department Aid in food and medical supplies.
The situation parallels Pakistan. We are loathed despite billions in Aid. And suicide bombers crowd to volunteer to attack America. With friends like these who needs enemies?
Will violence follow the instability with Suicide bombers, car bombs, and plane bombs from Egypt? Will war break out with Israel? Lots of young teenagers with hearts full of passion, lack of prudent judgement, dead end future, and dreams of 72 virgins.
Kumbaya. Time Will Tell.
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I think you have it backward. Islamic fundamentalism didn't recur out of thin air. It's resurgence is a reaction to Zionism and the interference of the Brits, French and Americans in that region.
The first "terrorists" were Zionists, NOT Arabs. The Balfour declaration notwithstanding, much that has taken place there since 1919 is directly attributable to the machinations of Britain, the US and to a less extent, France, (Syria, Lebanon). The Brits drew the map of modern Arabia following the dismemberment of the Ottoman empire in 1919 principally because of oil.
I have been a keen student of the region after my initial exposure 1955-58 and marriage into a very well off Christian Egyptian family.
I do not see Egypt installing an Islamic style Govt. I also do not think they will continue to be best buddies with Israel in spite of the US bribes. What will they do?? Tune in tomorrow for the next thrilling chapter of Revolting Arabia.
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I echoe the thoughts of what comes next? There is speculation that Mubarak may step down, handing over control to his right hand man, Suleiman. Which by all acounts but not be much change at all. I think the Egyptian people would realize that. If an overthrow is to occur, who will take the place and step in? There are so many interested involved in the riots and protests, it will be hard to appease them all. Wil the Muslim Brotherhood take over, or a more secular group? Over all we can hope that a democratic election will allow for representation from the people and varying groups/agendas.
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First Tunisia, then Yemen, then Egypt, now Jordan... wonderful! It really does look like the MiddleEast is having it's "Berlin Wall" moment, much to the chagrin of America, Israel, & right-wing neo-conservative interests. No doubt, CIA headquarters has been scrambling like crazy since last week! And no doubt, Egypt is full of CIA "hitmen" right at this moment. Hopefully, it won't matter this time. The people are sick & tired! The people of the Middle East are sick & tired of being lorded over by tyrannical despots who are supported by the U.S. And they know that their "leaders" are backed by the U.S. They know that Egypt is the second largest recipient of U.S. aid in the region - second only to Israel. And they know that nearly ALL that aid goes towards' Egypt’s' military & secret police. People in Egypt are sick & tired of living under a state of martial law that hasn't been lifted since Mubarak took power 30 years ago, after President Sarak was assassinated (by the CIA). Educated people are sick & tired of having to leave their own country just to find work. That alone is a scandal that demands world-wide attention. And how typical the government's reaction has been - to shut down the internet, all cell phone service, & public transportation. As if mass demonstrations have only been taking place within the past few years. How on earth do these govt. officials think people coordinated protests BEFORE the internet?! Obviously, this hasn't stopped the people from gathering in the millions all over the country. Plus, by shutting down the internet & cell phones, you're effectively forcing people out into the streets anyways, HELLO!
Of course, conservative fear-mongers, right-wing zionists, etc. would have the less informed believe that if Mubaraks' regime falls, fanatical Islamists will take over, that the Islamic Brotherhood had orchestrated this entire event, that this populous up-rising will spell doom for Israel & U.S. relations. All bald-faced LIES, obviously. The TRUTH is, the Islamic Brotherhood is a largely secular group that does not believe in total clerical rule nor sheria law. Demonstrations in Egypt & other countries have largely been ad-hoc & without formal drive from large organizations. Infact, very much unlike the tea-party "movement" here, the mass movements in the Middle East have mostly been organic, authentic, & bottom-up without official backing from billionaires.
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At the behest of the U.S., the Egyptian govt. has partnered up with Israel to enforce a continuous apartheid upon Palestine - effectively locking in over 2.3 million Palestinians in a massive "open-air" prison. Plus, Mubarak uses HAMAS as an excuse for not allowing ANY supplies - food, medicine, diapers, etc. - to cross the Egyptian border over to Palestine... a so-called "peace agreement". This is but one of many grievances the people of the Arab world are expressing right now. And it was made clear in the WiKiLeaks cables (to any who hadn't already known) that the "leaders" of these Arab countries - mostly backed by the U.S. - don't represent the people of these countries.
I could only wish that the American govt. would be so reckless as to shut down the internet here. Infact, i wish they'd shut down all cable service & shopping malls too - seems like that's the only thing that'll get people out in the streets in massive numbers! Hell knows WE have our own long list of grievances, plus, we're very long over-due for a healthy revolt, anyways.
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In things like this I am always "waiting for the other shoe to drop". I think of what Kissinger did to the democratically elected leader of Chile, Salvador Allende. And who he brought in to replace him, the Conservative Pinochet.
I gotta admit that I do believe in the American ideals of "Government of The People, by The People, and for The People" through democracy.
And I do not like the idea of US Corporations influencing our government to install, finance, and support Conservative right-wing dictators in other nations.
Conservatives are always promoting the idea that The People cannot be trusted. But the basis for that belief is the fact that people who are oppressed by Conservatives end up complaining and often revolting, justifiedly, just like our 1776 Liberals did. Treat people badly and you cannot trust that they will behave the way you want them too. Try the other way around and you get a different result.
Grr!
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"Conservatives are always promoting the idea that The People cannot be trusted."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Conservatives do not believe the government is the answer to every problem.
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@ Luke T.
"Nothing could be further from the truth. Conservatives do not believe the government is the answer to every problem."
That's what I said, Conservatives don't trust The People to govern themselves. They don't want the power to reside in The People where it belongs.
Conservatives have long demonstrated that they want to be told what to do by the wealthy and powerful who own the Giant Corporations. AKA the Corporate State.
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Biden said Hosni was not a dictator and a good friend to the USA . Obama doesnt know what to do!! Gas will be $5 per gallon, unemployment and inflation at 10% and the world in a mess >>> and guress what >> IT WONT BE BUSH'S FAULT.
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As Pat Buchanan wrote in his latest piece on the Mid East revolt: "America doesn't own the world". Meaning we will not reorder it to suit our and Israel's narrow interests.
Several half-mad Israelis have in recent years promised that they will launch nuclear rockets at every Western capital if the West allows Israel to be destroyed by its neighbors. I assume that includes Washinton D.C. as well. This is what we get for our many decades of protecting and building up this murderous, ever expanding racist state. And we have done so at the expense of our own national interests.
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Want to shut off the internet? We have an App for that...
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My heart is aching, watching Mubarak's thugs and paid plain clothes cops beat people. This is an attempt to discredit the protestors, THE PEOPLE. US aid is going to these thugs. We need to withdrawl all aid to Egypt. Is freedom only for Americans?
My heart is aching watching this.
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Laura, do you honestly believe that the US Govt policy makers actually care what any govt in the mideast does to its own people? We have protected and paid off israel (a racist, Facist state by any definition), Saudi Arabia, and the oil rich Emirates, and any and all dictators everywhere, as long as they served the interests of the United States.
You want to see stonings, head and hand lopping, the systematic degradation of women?? Look no further than Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. All are ignored by the US media and our Govt. Why? Because they all toe the US/Israel line and allow us access to their mineral wealth (if any).
Read Pat Buchanon's latest opinion piece on the Mid east for a well considered view of our policies and their consequences.
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God loves the arabs, He gave them all the oil.
We are insulated from the violence of the streets of the Middle East which only touch us with radical islamic bombs attacking American citizens.
But instability leads to economic crisis. Gasoline at $3.50 /gallon will be a distant dream this summer as prices climb to $4.50 or even $5.00.
How will you deal with gasoline at $6, $7, $9 or even $10 per gallon?
We will see inflation affecting food, products, services and even postage and shipping. Yes, fuel surcharges will even effect internet businesses who rely on FedEX and UPS. IT would be better to have gradual price increases instead of price shocks.
Better dust off the old bicycle, grow an extra plot of vegetables, start canning, and learn the bus routes.
The Economic effects of these arab revolutions will be far more broader and deeper than anyone can imagine. The world is changing.
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God loves the arabs, He gave them all the oil. -- jacob — Wed Feb. 2nd 9:14a.m.
No, not all the oil -- Venezuela has pretty large oil reserves, as does Mexico, not to mention the oil fields in Alaska, home to the half-governor who could "see Russia from her front porch."
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Actually, the real oil producers, Saudi, Kuwait, UAE are pretty stable. Iraq and Iran aren't stable, but haven't been for years. The recently unstable countries, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Jordan are not major economic players. I can't see long term issues with the Suez Canal. The region also needs their oil money as much as we need their oil. They are quite aware that inflated oil prices, while they might provide some short-term gains, can have long-term disastrous results by hamstringing the international economy.
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Soggy,
You forgot, in the past month, this is the THIRD national arab upheaval: Sudan, Tunisia, and now Egypt. Up at bat may be Yemen, Jordan, Libya, Iran and ?????????
This is spreading faster than wildfire. This is unprecedented historical change.
Will Saudi Arabia be spared?...that is the trillion dollar question. Will Pakistan be spared?.......that is the existential (nuclear) question.
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Not a chance of mass uprising in Saudi Arabia. The places you have all mentioned have huge issues with poverty. If a Saudi wants a job, they can get one (that is what the Saudization movement is all about). The problem is that most of the male youth aren't motivated enough to work, let alone, start a revolution.
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Soggy, I wish I could believe you.
King Abdullah is an ailing 86 year old and succession in a monarchy can be rocky. He could die any day.
Saudi is in the heart of these current revolutions, with adjacent neighbors of Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea, Iraq, and nearby enemies of Iran and Syria.
Plus there is a loose cannon named Ossama bin Ladin who vows to overthrow the current government.
Add the Youth Bulge, numerous impoverished migrant slave labor, Shariah law, wide spread cable tv, internet, and Facebook, crazy militant islamists, and a Iron Fisted State Security......and this sounds a look like Mubarak in Egypt or Ben Ali in Tunisia or the Shah in Iran.
If Saudi falls, expect gasoline at $10 /gallon overnight.
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Since I travel to work exclusively in Saudi Arabia, I actually prefer the high oil prices (keeps the opportunities ever available)
The Saudi government does have the advantage in that they can portray almost all of their internal opposition as terrorism, since it has been historically (last 15 years), directly associated with Al Qaeda. They are as active as almost any government in addressing any threats that they discover, and they don’t have to be concerned with things like civil rights (avoid getting caught in a hostage situation there, they aren’t known for negotiating).
At the same time, the Saudi’s have been very aggressively funding internal infrastructure projects of all kinds. There is this amazingly huge women’s university currently being constructed just north of Riyadh. The Saudis have also done a better job than some of their neighbors, such as Dubai, in not overspending during some of the market peaks, leaving them much better able to handle the downturns.
Saudi Arabia is also not as oppressive when it comes to the police, at least in comparison to Egypt. Saudi’s have a tendency (I hate to stereotype, but...) to enjoy a certain sense of entitlement. They don’t fear the police, more of a feeling of disdain for them. The mutaween, the religious police, have had a reduced presence over the years.
The most educated and potentially valuable segment of the Saudi society is the female youth. Who, unfortunately, are also completely marginalized.
You can never say never, but I really don’t see this type of instability igniting there.
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I would think that cutting the US from the internet would be easy, there are very few entry access points.
And remember that Bush/Cheney installed re-routers at those points for spying purposes.
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So Mubarak gives his speech and then sends in plainclothes Conservative Provocateurs to start riots.
I wonder how bloody the Conservatives will be allowed to get in their quest to prevent freedom and democracy in Egypt?.
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What do people think of the comments made by some of our US elected officials regarding possible "free and fair" elections in Egypt? Many politicians here rail against domestic US policies they consider undemocratic, and support foreign policies that purport to promote democracy in selected nations. Have others noticed that many of these same US officials are not speaking up for democracy in the Egyptian case and are openly expressing concern about who the Egyptian electorate would vote in? Some are even saying the US needs to act to guard against an election result in Egypt that would be unfavorable to the US. I think this hypocracy needs some attention.
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I am glad Mubarek did not step down immediately even though that is what many want. But you have to think it through. It is better he stay so that rationality and reason may be restored to the mob, enabling them to make thoughtful choices of where they want to go next.
If Mubarek stepped down today, he would leave a vacuum that would be bitterly fought over, with a result that may not be the best hope for democracy in that belabored country.
To see the wisdom of Mubarek's decision, one need only look at Tunisia where riots continue despite the departure of their President. A power struggle is now taking place in the streets and in the official government spaces.
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Typical Conservative, calling the oppressed people who are protesting for their freedom, "the Mob".
Why not call the Conservatives who are attacking the protesting Egyptian people with whips and batons, "the non-rational and unreasonable Mob"?
Thirty years of oppressive Conservatism caused the protests and now you call the protestors "the Mob"?
30 years of un- reasonable and un-rational Conservatism has brought the Egyptians to the point of peaceful protest and you blame the victims?
Sheesh!
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Egypt's internet is back up:
http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/02/egypt-returns-to-the-internet.shtml
--Bill
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Thanks for this link! We'd missed that important bit of info...
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Everyone is saying that the movement is leaderless. This makes me wonder if this is something that Mubarak has caused by eliminating possible strong leaders in labor and other groups.
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ABSOLUTELY ... he was preparing his son to take over presidency and making him the ONLY alternative.
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I was really interested to hear your speakers mention the difference in the way the Egyptian revolt has been covered on American T.V. vs. Al Jezeera. I personally noticed that everytime I turned on the radio the uprising was being covered and yet no information was given as to why it was important or what it looked like on the streets. Have you found this disparity between American and Near Eastern coverage to be present in print news, like the NY Times or the Oregonian?
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I have watched Al Jezeera English for a few years. Best coverage of the middle east. I wish dish, direct tv or comcast carried them, but too much hysteria regarding Al Jezeera for that to happen any time soon.
CNN's coverage, while extensive, has also involved them trying to figure out what is going, while they are on air. Some of their guests have rather directly "educated" their hosts to the point it can be somewhat uncomfortable to watch..
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Hi,
I am one of the show speakers. I was contrasting the difference between Egyptian media and Al-Jazeera, not US media vs Al-Jaeera. Egyptian media, which is run by Mubarak's government, was showing a very biased pro-Mubarak image that is not representing what is happening on the ground. The US shows I watched on CNN were very reasonable.
Thanks
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I wonder who was standing there counting the knocks on the head the CNN dude allegedly took yesterday? He said it was ten. A lady standing nearby said it was only 8. The fellows doing the knocking told MSNBC it was 7; two were mere pushes to his chest, and didn't count at all in their reckoning.
Another little chap, not seen by TV cameras, a midget, was thought to have both kicked and struck the CNN dude on the knee caps with tiny fists of fury, thinking apparently he was hitting Bruce Lee, or Mubarak's grandson.
Can't any of the mobsters and reporters get this stuff straight? Sheesh!
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SHOULD obowma loan mubarack our crowd control sound cannons??? its a civilized way to put an end to the demonstrations.
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And so, DFUND, we see that you would have fought on the side of the Conservative King George and against the American colonists who were protesting and eventually won our 1776 revolution for freedom and liberty.
Obama should take the side of Freedom, not continued Conservatism.
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Tunisia was certainly the catalyst for the Egyptian revolution. Egypt's economic woes (unemployment and deminished purchasing power) created the potential for the Revolution. Left wing news outlets in the US and Europe (democracynow and The Gaurdian) are reporting the role of recent (2005 and on) neoliberal reforms in Egypt which helped to create the economic predicament. Moderate media outlets (like OPB) need to spend more time discussing these reforms and their effect on the Egyptian economy to decipher what role they played in the revolution.
Thanks for your time
Dan -
Comments are now closed.
Revolution! Revolution! Revolution!
The First Overthrow in Tunisia was a Surprise.
The Next Overthrow in Egypt or Yemen will Titillate.
And the Third Overthrow in Saudi or Pakistan will launch a Revolution that will infect a Sclerotic arab World.
Any other aging, imperious arab dictators in power for over 20 years using an Iron Fist policy? And using Islamic terrorism as an excuse to receive more aid and sympathy.
The Domino Theory may be proved right, but 50 years late and a half world away.
This is what the Bush Administration sought 10 years ago. And what arab governments have been denying and for 50 years. Peace in the Middle East is not just about Israel and the Palestinians. It is about arab governments suppressing their own people, keeping them impoverished and blaming America, Westerners and the jews for all their own failings.
It is time for Revolutions.
Denial is not just a river in Egypt.