[Steel Wolf]

There is some sympathy here on FR for the insurgents. This is idiocy. They are not “democracy” seekers. They are being run by radical Islamists.

Is that why we're seeing vast numbers of bearded men carrying pictures of their favorite Imam, chanting Death to The Great Satan?

I understand the allure of conspiracy theories, but some events in life aren't Master Plans staged by nefarious enemies. Egyptian security, which has penetrated the MB thoroughly, didn't seem to see this coming. Probably for the obvious reason.

Mubarak has been in power for 30 years. The people clearly hate him. There was a successful revolt in a country nearby. The Egyptian people are now emboldened.

It's not as exciting as 'devious Islamist conspiracy strikes!', but whole scene is likely as straightforward as it looks.

[rmlew]

The Shah of Iran was not overthrown by Kohmeni. Iranian liberals, communists, traditional Muslims, and non-Persians joined together. The Islamists then took over.
In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is already involved in the riots. Mohamed El Baradei's wife is not only Iranian, but kin to a few radical Mullahs. Heads Islamists win, tails Islamists win.