Let me begin by saying that I think our government should not become too involved with the revolution in Egypt, because US involvement could spark anti-US sentiment, given our track record in the region, increasing the possibility of an anti-US takeover of the coming new government. But I say dictator Hosni Mubarak must abdicate. Early in the demonstration he released common criminals into the crowd, hoping to blame demonstrators for their crimes. Yesterday the pro-Mubarak demonstrators were clearly well organized, hired thugs, much like the paid Republicans bussed in to attack civil servants during the Florida recount in 2000. The pro-Mubarak mob was armed, attacked the demonstrators, and made a special effort to attack journalists to keep the world from learning the truth. That made it clear that Mubarak’s statements that he would reform were lies.
World leaders are stepping up the pressure.
David Cameron has joined with other European leaders to step up the pressure on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to end his 30-year rule and give up the reins of power.
In a joint statement, Mr Cameron and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Spain said the process of transition to a new, broad-based government "must start now".
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said it is chartering a second aircraft to bring home Britons stranded in the Egyptian capital Cairo.
Following Wednesday’s violent clashes between supporters of the beleaguered president and demonstrators demanding change, the European leaders said the right to peaceful protest must be respected.
"We are watching with utmost concern the deteriorating situation in Egypt," they said in their statement. "The Egyptian people must be able to exercise freely their right to peaceful assembly, and enjoy the full protection of the security forces. Attacks against journalists are completely unacceptable.
"We condemn all those who use or encourage violence, which will only aggravate the political crisis in Egypt. Only a quick and orderly transition to a broad-based government will make it possible to overcome the challenges Egypt is now facing. That transition process must start now."
Their statement echoed calls by the White House which has been demanding that America’s old ally – who has said he will not stand for election again in September – should begin the process of political transition immediately… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <The Press Association>
MSNBC has some excellent coverage last night:
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While I admit that it’s not my business, I feel honor bound to declare solidarity with the revolutionaries. Mubarak, step down!
4 Responses to “Mubarak, Step Down!”
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Richard Engel and William Jennings are heroes. Amazing watching live coverage. Strangely, the NBC stations just went about their regular programming. MSNBC rocks!
It reminded me of the first Gulf War with the CNN reporters holed up in a hotel and reporting on the shock-and-awe bombing. Amazing reporting.
Marva, I agree. I looked at CNN, and they were not in the middle of things. I looked at Fox and they were doing some infomercial.
If the Iraqi’s had half the balls as the Egyptians I doubt we would have had an excuse (lie based) to go to war there, This is an Egyptian problem and one they should solve for themselves. The nutless Iraqi’s were conquered by their fear of Hussein if they would have stood against him it would probably have remained a secular state and become a true democracy. Of course we’ll never know now that it is a suburb of Iran.
Mark, there’s a difference. Egypt’s army does not appear willing to massacre Egyptian protesters. During Gulf War I, GHW Bush asked the people of Iraq to revolt and promised aid. Many did, especially in in the Shiite south around Basra. Bush and the Republicans reneged and hung the rebels out to dry. Saddam’s army massacred them.