"I want to be very clear in calling on the Egyptian authorities to refrain from any violence against peaceful protesters. The people of Egypt have rights that are universal... These are human rights, and the United States will stand up for them everywhere."
- U.S. President Barack Obama, trying to outrun his critics as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak promised a new government - and essentially declared martial law on protesters
"I'm very sorry to say that it was made in the U.S.A. The U.S. must condemn this use of force and, at the proper moment, tell Mubarak to get out."
- Osama el-Ghazi Harb, Egyptian author and protester, holding up a tear gas canister
IMO This is so HUGE.
ReplyDeleteEgypt affects every one and everything in the region.
As soon as Tunisia started falling I knew that Egypt was next.
O now has the chance of a life time.
The times make the man, the man does not make the times. Depends on how O deals with this he could be one of the greatest presidents ever.
Israel knows that all of the past is fading very quickly.
This is of upmost importance for the Palestinian cause.
The whole relationship with Iran could change.
It is so huge.
Saudi Royals must be shaking in their beds. Along with many others.
Change is coming to the whole region now.
This could be as big if not bigger than the fall of the Soviet Union.
It's not just the canister that was made in the US. The whole house of cards was built there and transferred. I fear the inevitable fall will be a bloody and drawn out one for the good people of Tunisia and Egypt. Israel and America will not release their death-grip easily or gracefully. A few million Iraqis could tell them about freedom US-style. I won't hold my breath re Obama seizing the moment, RZ.
ReplyDeleteReal revolutions are bloody.
ReplyDeleteThat is why they are called revolutions.
If the "fix" is in, then it will be over shortly.
OH NO!
I will not hold my breath.
I did inhale a lot during the 60's and 70's.
but I exhaled and gasped when it comes to the Big O. :-)