Posted on 02/11/2011 10:07:02 AM PST by Red Badger
WASHINGTON – Caught up in stunning news like the rest of the world, President Barack Obama was in an Oval Office meeting Friday when he learned of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. He watched the celebration on television and prepared to make an afternoon statement.
"It is a historic day for the people of Egypt," declared Vice President Joe Biden during an appearance in Kentucky.
The development came just one day after Mubarak had declared that he was not resigning, despite all signs to the contrary, which enraged the protesting masses and had a dismayed White House scrambling to respond. Obama had issued a statement Thursday evening in Washington in which he challenged Mubarak, without directly naming him, to explain his actions and his plans for democracy.
And then events changed again.
Obama quickly made plans to speak about Egypt at 1:30 p.m. EST from the White House as throngs of activists rejoiced in Cairo.
U.S. lawmakers welcomed Mubarak's resignation.
"I am pleased that President Mubarak has heard and heeded the voice of the Egyptian people, who have called for change," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "It is crucial that Mubarak's departure be an orderly one and that it leads to true democracy for Egypt, including free, fair and open elections."
On Twitter, Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, said the young people of Egypt were leading the country to democracy.
"Their actions are an inspiration to the world," she said.
Biden said that throughout the unrest in Egypt, which led to Mubarak's ouster in under three weeks, Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. government have largely spoken with one voice.
"This unity has been important," Biden said. "And it will be even more important in these delicate and fateful days ahead."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Thanks-——never even heard of it.
I believe there is some truth to that...but there is virtually no oil money in Egypt. Mubarak and his sons made a lot of their money off of contracts.
The state dept page bio says they make oil money.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.