I agree that neither the U. S. or Israel can take physical action to support Mubarak. And I agree that ultimately the man on the street will determine Mubarak’s future.
At the same time there are things the U. S. can do to be supportive of our long term ally. At the first sign of trouble you don’t cut and run. Talking of a smooth transition early in the process is disgusting. Talking about being able to work with the Islamic Brotherhood is problematic at any point in the process.
Part of the diplomatic response is intended to make it clear to our allies that we will stand by them. Here’s a thirty year ally, that within days we were perfectly willing to talk of in terms of “transition” and a willingness to eagerly work with his replacement.
That is a jettison of sorts. I’m not the only one to see it that way either. People in Israel are talking about it in these terms. They are concerned to see us turn on Mubarak like this, because they consider themselves to be our ally. If we’ll turn on one so easily, what does that portend for them?
You and I realized there is a difference between the type of ally Israel has been and Egypt has been. People in the region may not see it quite like that, and there’s other allies in the region besides Egypt.
What reason is there for people to side with the U. S. if it is so easily willing to jump ship and cozy up with a replacement? I’m sure Jordan’s king is going to school on this. Others are too.
One thing that our current administration didn’t address, was the plight of the Egyptian. If what is taking place results in a more open society, more rights for the common man and a more responsive government, good. If it results in a theocratic government that oppresses women in particular and the populace at large, very bad.
The Islamic Brotherhood isn’t going to increase the openness of government and improve the rights of women in general and the populace at large either.
Pointing this out could help the Egyptians understand that there might be some things to avoid in this process.
Absolutely.
I think Middle East would be a much better place if the countries there deemphasized religion when it comes to government and politics. When a country insists on being an Islamic state or a Jewish state or even a Christian state, special internal and external tensions and problems seem to follow.