"We are witnessing history unfold. It's a moment of transformation that is taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change. We want all Egyptians to know that America will continue to do everything we can to support an orderly transition to Democracy in Egypt."
- U.S. President Barack Obama, belatedly hopping on Egypt’s revolution amid rumors that President Hosni Mubarak will resign and transfer power to Vice President Omar Suleiman.
The latest reports allege that Mubarak will, in fact, not step down, only remove the state of emergency, announce a series of constitutional amendments - and deny his intention to kill and injure protesters over the last weeks. He’s even claiming that he will prosecute those responsible for recent violence. He also won’t accept orders from “outside,” despite the reality that Mubarak is propped up by America, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Update: With Mubarak decorating his white-washing with repeated references to "change," is that what Obama meant? Tahrir Square is already chanting "Leave" and "Please, go."
Obama's response: "Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world."
I just heard Suleiman's speech to the Egyptian people.
ReplyDeleteIMO He basically said --go home ---or else---.
Terrible strategy, terrible decision. To plug up the energy in Tahrir Square and reverse the mood into rage is suicidal. The White House sits in silence.
ReplyDeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteLooks to me like it will be up to the military.
Its task has just begun too. Protesters already say they respect the army but will continue a limited occupation of Tahrir until their constitutional demands are met in full. Cliche but truthful that today was only the beginning of the end for Egypt's liberation. This revolution still has a few acts.
ReplyDelete