The 1952 ‘revolution’ was really a military takeover – and the well-respected army remains key to the country’s future The resolution of the conflict in Egypt between a popular uprising and an entrenched president currently depends on decisions and actions to be taken by the army. What does that mean? It is not a question to which British history and political tradition provide much of an answer, even if the Duke of Wellington was not a bad prime minister. The political role of the army in the Middle East has deep historical roots. When the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II set about reforming and rebuilding his empire’s power and prestige nearly 200 years ago, one of the main planks of his programme was to build a modern conscript army on the European model, even though he had to slaughter the old model army, the janissaries, before he could begin. His viceroy in Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha , putting together the pieces after the withdrawal of Napoleon who had largely destroyed the old order, followed the same course. He sent military students to Europe, and invited training missions to Egypt. The rest of his modernisation programme, also based on learning from Europe, was largely subordinate to his goal of building a modern army. Muhammad Ali became the founder of the modern Egyptian state, and his dynasty remained at least nominally in power in Egypt until King Farouk, by then scarcely more than a puppet of the British, was expelled by the “revolution” of 1952 . But that revolution, though popular in the sense that it had the support of the people, was not a true revolution. It was a military takeover. The monarchy had been marginalised and was overthrown. The army had not. On the contrary, it remained the backbone of the state under the three men who have ruled Egypt for the past 57 years, President Nasser , President Sadat and President Mubarak . All were military men, steeped in military culture and pride. President Nasser’s prestige outshone all rivals, not only in Egypt but throughout the Arab world. President Sadat, though lacking Nasser’s charisma, restored Egypt’s self-respect by his partial victory over the Israeli occupying forces in 1973. President Mubarak, as air force commander, shared in that partial victory, even if he had still less charisma; his nickname when I met him in 1980 was the name of a well-known brand of cheese “La vache qui rit”. In other successor states of the Ottoman empire the army also played an important role. In Turkey one of the few generals who emerged from defeat with his military reputation burnished became the father of the new nation, taking the name Ataturk. The Turkish army remained for half a century the guardian of the new nation and in particular of its secular and democratic character. Only in the last decade or two has that role been challenged. In Jordan the army had a different role, as the guardian of the monarchy and its protector, in particular, against internal challenge from the Palestinians. Against this background, I doubt if most Egyptians find it strange that their fate should be in the hands of the army. The army is respected, even reverenced, in sharp contrast to politicians or – worst of all – the police. This may mean, of course, that the popular revolution will be hijacked by a military takeover. But not necessarily. The Egyptian army, like other armies particularly in the Middle East, is secretive. Their dependence on the US army for much-prized modern equipment ( US military aid in 2009 was $1.3bn compared with civil aid of $250m) must mean that the Americans are something of an exception. But I doubt whether the Americans know much about the political attitudes and ambitions of the officer class. Leaked reports from the US embassy in Cairo show that the embassy were well aware of the widespread bitterness about rising prices, government corruption and even “disdain for the Mubarak government’s perceived pro-US and Israel posture”. But a mention by an unnamed Egyptian member of parliament in April 2007 of a post-Mubarak military coup as “the best of all the bad options available” is described as the only occasion on which the embassy heard speculation about a possible coup. In 2009 the embassy reported that the minister of defence Field Marshal Tantawi consistently resists change “but he retains President Mubarak’s support, and so he and the top brass will most likely stay in position until Mubarak leaves the scene”, and in another report that he “keeps the armed forces appearing reasonably sharp and the officers satisfied with their perks and privileges.” No doubt these reports were sound as far as they went, but they do not tell us what we want to know today. If the army is something of a closed society, that does not necessarily mean that it does not know what the people want, or is against giving it to them. If tomorrow an unknown general or colonel or flight lieutenant (remember Jerry Rawlings of Ghana ?) tells us that he has stepped in to restore order following the overthrow of the tyrant Mubarak and that he will restore freedom and democracy, after an essential cooling-off period of course, we must not be surprised, and must prepare to judge him by his actions. That will be the moment when external players, including not only America but ourselves, may have a part in keeping him to his word. It won’t be easy. Egypt Protest Middle East Oliver Miles guardian.co.uk
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Demonstrators in Cairo calling for Hosni Mubarak’s removal are resorting to bottles, boxes, bits of foam and anything else they can find to protect themselves from rocks and other objects thrown by regime supporters
Continue reading …The Brotherhood’s aim is to take over the Egyptian state through the democratic process – and then bring an end to democracy Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is playing a canny political game – and its objective – let no one doubt this – is to take power. Opinion polls over the past decade have awarded the Brotherhood the support of between 30% and 60% of the populace, and it is the best organised and most powerful political party in the country. But while many of its supporters are taking part in the street demonstrations sweeping Egypt’s cities, the organisation has kept a deliberately low profile. The Brotherhood has not published its calculations, but one may assume they include a desire to avoid the mass arrest by the security services of its leadership cadres and a clash with the army, whose general staff – like Iran’s in 1978-79 – fear and detest the Islamists. The Brotherhood also presumably wants to avoid deterring the secular middle class from participating in the popular upsurge, a participation that gives the popular revolt cachet abroad as well as at home (and in the greater Arab world). A display of Islamist leadership at the head of the crowds would alienate much of that middle class. So the Brotherhood has kept virtually out of sight. But it has endorsed Mohamed ElBaradei as its choice to head a transitional regime. He is not exactly a household name in Egypt – he has lived abroad for the past three decades. As the head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), a position he left in November 2009, he was frequently critical of the United States and Israel and was seen by some as an appeaser of Iran. No doubt his behaviour appealed to Egypt’s Islamists. But ElBaradei is western-educated and appears to be a secularist, and he is likely to be shunted aside by the religious fanatics once they feel confident enough to emerge from the shadows. ElBaradei will then have filled the role of the Mensheviks, who paved the way for the eventual Bolshevik takeover of Russia in 1917. For now, the Brotherhood will be satisfied with toppling the hated Mubarak regime, which, following the Gamal Abdel Nasser (1954-1970) and Anwar Sadat (1970-1981) regimes, has serially imprisoned and tortured the Brotherhood’s cadres for decades. Above all, the organisation no doubt wants the prospective interim regime to organise and oversee free and fair general elections, say in six months’ time. But once the campaigning for these elections gets under way, we will see the country awash with Muslim Brotherhood activists and placards, broadcasts and sermons; perhaps even a measure of intimidation and violence. The Brotherhood’s aim is to take over the state through the democratic process, and is likely, as one of its first acts, to annul Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel. It is possible that the movement will follow the model of Turkey’s Islamists and try to follow democratic norms and adopt a stance of neutrality between Iran and the west. But it is more likely, given Egypt’s position and history, and its own history, that the Brotherhood will follow the model of Iran and the Gaza Hamas. Both have employed extreme violence to crush their potential and real rivals to maintain power. The Brotherhood is anything if not patient. It has looked to take over, and “purify”, Egypt since the movement’s foundation by Hassan al-Banna in 1928. Given the power of its enemies and the state’s institutions, the movement’s leadership has traditionally advocated a non-violent route to power (it was usually the movement’s more impatient breakaways, like the Jama’a al Islamiyya, who murdered Sadat in 1981, who went in for blatant violence). But observers in the west should not delude themselves. This is not a movement for which democracy has any appeal, worth or value. Its leaders see democratic processes merely as means to an end, an end that includes an end to democracy. Israel Islam Egypt Middle East Benny Morris guardian.co.uk
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The popular show 'Glee' has caused a stir with lesbian fantasies, gay kissing, teen pregnancy and racy photos of the actors – the new season is sure to display more immorality-promoting content. As 'Gleeks' everywhere eagerly anticipate the return of their show, they should be reminded that it isn't just innocent, happy show tunes that this 'groundbreaking' show promotes. Fox's hit musical/comedy has garnered acclaim from TV critics everywhere, having received in its first season, 19 Emmy nominations, one in every comedy category , and four Golden Globe nominations, including taking home the Golden Globe for Best TV Series – Comedy or Musical. Video below the fold . 2011 is shaping up to be another praise-worthy year for 'Glee' – the comedy/musical has once again taken the Golden Globe for Best TV Series for its category and gym teacher Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) and gay protagonist Kurt (Chris Colfer) walked away with Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, respectively. It has attracted as many as 12.3 million viewers on its second season premiere and is one of the highest grossing sales on iTunes, with 'Glee' cast songs receiving more than 13 million digital single sales to date. UK Guardian writer Sam Wollaston thanked the Almighty for 'Glee's' February return saying, '…praise the Lord its back, at last there's something joyous on television for a man in a mid-winter midlife crisis to look forward to.' Rob Owen of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that 'Glee' is 'delightful enough to qualify as a fall favorite.' Entertainment Weekly writer Ken Tucker was so confident in the success of 'Glee' that he wrote that the show 'blasts past any defenses you might put up against it.' The media love 'Glee,' calling the show a 'quirky, sweet, humorous, nonpartisan funfest,' and a ' truly groundbreaking new comedy .' But despite its quick wit and impressive following, 'Glee' has a disgusting track record of underage drinking, one night stands, anti-conservative jabs, teen pregnancy, and smutty performances. Sexually Confused High School Students are the Norm Bisexual teen girls making out in revealing cheerleading outfits referencing sex acts is just another typical scene viewers will see on 'Glee.' In April 2010, two of the show's popular cheerleaders, Santana and Brittany, were shown cuddling and kissing on a bed, professing their love to one another. Santana (played by Naya Rivera), lying on top of Brittany (Heather Morris) in their skimpy cheerleading outfits, welcomed the kissing and referred to a lesbian sex act when she said, 'It's a nice break from all that scissoring.' These actors are portraying high school students, all of 16 or 17 years old. When emotionally unstable and famously gay hero Kurt (Chris Colfer) received an unexpected kiss from a beefy high school bully, the media was unsurprisingly, apathetic . On the November 9, 2010, episode titled 'Never Been Kissed,' typical high school bully character Karofsky, in an emotional tirade, planted a kiss Kurt in a disturbing locker-room scene. Kurt's emerging sexuality has been a major theme throughout the two seasons of 'Glee' thus far. In one emotionally charged episode, Kurt is forced to confront his inappropriate feelings for straight, handsome football quarter back Finn (Cory Monteith), the fellow Glee club member he loves. In 'Theatricality,' Finn's mom decided that the two of them are moving in with Kurt and his father and Kurt used the opportunity to encourage the arrangement for Kurt and Finn to share a room. The tension builds Kurt decided to redecorate their shared room while Finn was away. Finn came back and addressed their relationship and the room's effeminate new design. 'You don't think I see the way you stare at me? How flirty you get? You think I don't know why you were so excited we were moving in?' Finn said. Kurt replied by telling Finn that they can redecorate and Finn, obviously offended by the feminine d
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Click here to view this media In news that will surprise no one, Senate Dems voted unanimously to defeat the GOP attempt to repeal the health care bill. This one will be decided in the courts: Senate Democrats remained united on Wednesday in killing a Republican effort to repeal the health care bill signed into law last March. As expected, no Democrats voted against a procedural motion that effectively defeated a GOP amendment — sponsored by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and tacked on to an unrelated aviation bill — to repeal the health legislation. All Republicans voted together in favor of the McConnell-sponsored amendment. The vote was 47-51. The House passed the repeal measure last month. But the defeat of the equivalent legislation in the Senate means that the ultimate fate of the health care bill will likely not be settled until the Supreme Court hears an expected constitutional challenge to the law — particularly its mandate that most Americans buy insurance. The high court would likely hear the case in its next term, which begins in October of 2011, although some would like to see the matter addressed sooner. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., urged the court today to expedite the ruling. As John Thune and Orrin Hatch told Greta Van Susteren last night, Republicans aren’t giving up or going away on this. Indeed, they intend to try a piecemeal approach of a death by a thousand cuts. They also clearly are pinning most of their hopes on a Supreme Court decision.
Continue reading …ABC Sets Up Sting Operation to Find Racism in AZ Immigration Law, Hires Actor to Play Bigot
February 3, 2011 No Comment
ABC and reporter John Quinones on Thursday stretched the bounds of journalism, hiring an actor to play a racist security guard as a way of testing how the people of Arizona would react to the state's “anti-immigration law.” Previewing the network's ” What Would You Do? ” segment for Friday's 20/20, Quinones explained the undercover concept: “So, I go undercover, pretending to be someone who is about to be arrested and deported, simply by the way I look.” The piece featured a cartoonish “security guard” harassing Mexican actors in Tucson, Arizona. Presumably, ABC chose a security guard because impersonating a police officer is illegal. The actor walked into a restaurant and spewed, ” I'm just looking to make sure these guys are legal citizens. And if they're not legal citizens, they shouldn't be here. They should be deported. They look Mexican .” Of course, having this man pretend to be a security guard really makes no sense. (A security guard is going to deport people?) Secondly, for journalists that often attack conservative sting operations, it's rather odd to see ABC manipulate such a scenario. The Radio, Television and Digital News Association ethics guide states: “Use surreptitious newsgathering techniques, including hidden cameras or microphones, only if there is no other way to obtain stories of significant public importance and only if the technique is explained to the audience.” Was this the only way ABC could do such a story? Previewing the segment, Quinones misstated what Arizona's law actually is. He asserted, “So, we took our cameras down to Arizona, where a controversial, new law would give police the authority to question and perhaps deport anyone who, in their eyes, appears to be in the U.S. illegally .” This is false. Byron York of the Washington Examiner explained in an April 26, 2010 column: Critics have focused on the term “reasonable suspicion” to suggest that the law would give police the power to pick anyone out of a crowd for any reason and force them to prove they are in the U.S. legally. Some foresee mass civil rights violations targeting Hispanics. What fewer people have noticed is the phrase “lawful contact,” which defines what must be going on before police even think about checking immigration status. “That means the officer is already engaged in some detention of an individual because he's violated some other law,” says Kris Kobach, a University of Missouri Kansas City Law School professor who helped draft the measure. “The most likely context where this law would come into play is a traffic stop.” After playing clips of the “security guard” arguing with patrons as he harassed Mexicans, Quinones lectured, “And what we kept hearing over and over from folks was that they all knew about the anti-immigration law. What they didn't realize until we staged our scenario was how it might affect innocent people, Latinos, George who are in this country legally.” Notice the use of “anti-immigration” rather than anti-illegal immigration. A previous “What Would You Do?” segment featured “ugly Americans” in Paris. In January of 2009 , overweight and wearing George W. Bush t-shirts, these actors showcased obnoxious behavior in Europe. Quinones smeared, “They're the ugly Americans. And for more than a century, they've been fixtures in American literature and film.” A transcript of the February 3 segment, which aired at 7:44am EST, follows: 7:30am tease ROBIN ROBERTS: Also this morning, imagine being threatened with deportation, even though you haven't committed a crime and it's all because of how you look. John Quinones goes undercover to Arizona's controversial immigration law. GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: His ultimate, “What would you do?” 7:44 GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: We're going to turn now to our undercover report from the front lines of the border wars. Arizona's immigration law passed last year. It stirred up a lot of controversy. So, John Quinones went to Tucson to put people's attitudes to an unusual test. And as I said earlier, this is sort of an ultimate, “What would you do?” JOHN QUINONES: Yes. We took it all the way to Arizona. You know, what does, George, an illegal immigrant look like? What does he sound like? So, we took our cameras down to Arizona, where a controversial, new law would give police the authority to question and perhaps deport anyone who, in their eyes, appears to be in the U.S. illegally. So, I go undercover, pretending to be someone who is about to be arrested and deported, simply by the way I look. [Video of protests.] These people are protesting for and against Arizona's new immigration law. We travel 70 miles north, to Tucson, Arizona and install our hidden cameras at this popular restaurant. BK. Carne Asada and Hot Dogs. This security guard is an actor hired by What Would You Do? And so are the people he's harassing. WHITE “SECURITY GUARD”: Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt. If I could see some identification. You don't belong here. QUINONES: How will patrons react to the guard asking for identification from a Latino man, a Latino family or even me? WHITE “SECURITY GUARD”: I just want to see some ID and make sure everything's okay. Everybody's like, “Oooh!” It's no big deal. I'm just looking to make sure these guys are legal citizens. And if they're not legal citizens, they shouldn't be here. They should be deported. They look Mexican. QUINONES: The wheels in this woman's head are turning. But, wait until you hear her plan. WHITE WOMAN: He just called for a ride. He's going to try and get him deported because he doesn't have any papers. You gotta get those two guys out of here. WHITE “SECURITY GUARD”: All I'm doing is I'm just looking out for everyone's safety. WHITE WOMAN: You're racial profiling. You totally racial profiled! WHITE “SECURITY GUARD”: Looks like a duck, smells like a duck. WHITE WOMAN: Looks like [bleeped] is [bleeped]. QUINONES: She then unveils her incredible plot to help me escape. WHITE WOMAN: You guys have to get out of here. Do they need to go out the back door, do you think? Where's your car? Where's your car? Where's your car? I can drive over there and meet you right there. QUINONES: Did she really say what we think she said? WHITE WOMAN: You run out that door. And I'll bring your car right over there. QUINONES: I'm a reporter. I'm with ABC News. I'm John Quinones. WHITE WOMAN: Oh. I know who you are. QUINONES: You jumped right in. You were going to take us in your car. WHITE WOMAN: I was actually going to get your car and bring it around and meet you over there. QUINONES: Why get involved? WHITE WOMAN: Maybe you have family, mothers, children. And I would feel bad if you got separated from them and shipped across the other direction. QUINONES: It's amazing how people responded. And what we kept hearing over and over from folks was that they all knew about the anti-immigration law. What they didn't realize until we staged our scenario was how it might affect innocent people, Latinos, George who are in this country legally. STEPHANOPOULOS: Boy, it looks like a fascinating report. Okay, thanks, John. You can see it tomorrow night on Primetime. What Would You Do?”at 9/8 central. — Scott Whitlock is a news analyst for the Media Research Center. Click here to follow him on Twitter .
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Al Jazeera’s Joanna Gasiorowska reports on a tough first day at the Qatar Masters in Doha. Strong winds made it a testing day for Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer as they commenced their battle for the world number one spot, while Retief Goosen headed the leaderboard on his 42nd birthday.
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Middle East correspondents from the Guardian, Der Spiegel and Le Monde report from around the region on reaction to protests in Egypt In an effort to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the seismic events in Egypt and the shockwaves they are sending through the region, the Guardian has teamed up with leading European newspapers Der Spiegel and Le Monde . In the coming days we will be exploring ways to share our reporting from the region, so that you can read dispatches from their highly respected correspondents alongside reports from our own team on the ground. Kicking off this collaboration here are a series of audio reports from correspondents for the three papers in Cairo, Sana’a, Tunis and Beirut. Egypt: Volkhard Windfuhr, from Der Spiegel, reports from Cairo Windfuhr, who has lived in Egypt since the 1950s and been chairman of the Cairo foreign press association since 1994, confirms there has been a change of attitude from the army today, although reports that there are rumours of a split in the military’s leadership. Yemen: Tom Finn reports Thousands of anti-government demonstrators gathered in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a to take part in a “day of rage” against the ruling regime. Finn says protesters had planned to protest in Sana’a’s Tahrir Square, but the pro-government supporters got there first. Tunisia: Mathieu von Rohr, from Der Spiegel, reports People in Tunisia, where mass demonstrations saw the ex-president Ben Ali flee last month , feel “very proud” that Egyptians have risen up in protest against Mubarak, von Rohr reports. Der Spiegel’s foreign affairs correspondent says the mood in Tunisia has become more tense in the last couple of days, with clashes in the streets between police and protesters. Lebanon: Ghaith Abdul-Ahad reports Abdul-Ahad says “all is quite now” in Lebanon after the clashes of last week. There is huge interest in the Egyptian protests from people in the country, however he says Lebanon is “so sectarian” that any potential protests in the country are unlikely to be united. Jordan: Martin Chulov reports There’s a “tense calm” in Oman, Chulov says, where “all eyes” have been on Egypt. There is a lot of support for the protesters in Egypt, and talk about how protests may follow on on the streets of Jordan – where demonstrations are planned for Friday 4 February. So far the demonstrations have been carefully planned, but people are watching to see if tomorrow’s protests are have more spontaneous elements, Chulov reports. Egypt Middle East Lebanon Jordan Tunisia Yemen United Arab Emirates Hosni Mubarak Ghaith Abdul-Ahad Martin Chulov Adam Gabbatt guardian.co.uk
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Bored of balanced coverage from the lamestream, so-called news media? What you can learn about the Middle East protests from US rightwing commentators ‘Tunisia is our Archduke Ferdinand moment’ Says Glenn Beck, Fox News host: This is not just happenstance. This is not just poor people mad at rich people. This is coordinated. Tunisia was the beginning. I think there is chance Tunisia was our Archduke Ferdinand moment that I’ve been telling you about, warning that it would start in some place that wouldn’t look like anything – and most of us wouldn’t understand it. He was the guy assassinated in Sarajevo. Month later Austria and Hungary declared war against Serbia and the rest is called World War One Beck, the apocalyptically-minded TV host, has the most complete theory on Egypt: the protests there are part of what he calls the “coming insurrection”. He illustrates how it will happen in the clip below using blackboards featuring maps of Europe and the Middle East. He marks friends with a yellow smiley face (Israel), “Frenemies” (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.) with blue faces and enemies (Iran) with red. Through the use of stick-on fires to illustrate riots he announces to his American viewers: “I’m going to show you how all this cascades over to us”. Key to all it all is that Europe, as his map shows, is already in flames because of some of our recent street protests. Beck never explains the connection between the Greek government’s austerity programme, tuition fees demonstrations in the UK and radical Islam (which no one on the ground in Egypt says is behind the protests there). Do I need to? Because I can’t. To cut to the chase, a new caliphate will emerge in the Middle East and push further east until China, as Beck puts it, says “Knock it off guys” and takes over India, reaching some way into Pakistan. The caliphate will then push north, which is when it will absorb the UK: What happens to the overwhelming radical population of the UK, of radical Islamicists. What happens? Do they just sit around on their hands or do they see an opportunity? When you take the Marxists and you combine them with the radical in Islam the whole world begins to implode So there you have it, an “Archduke Ferdinand moment” which will split Europe, the Middle East and Asia into Chinese and radical Islamic zones. In the full Beck, he also introduces Bill Ayers (who Sarah Palin had in mind when she accused Barack Obama of “palling around with terrorists”), Hizbullah and Code Pink, a feminist antiwar group. But that’s enough for now. ‘It has spread, as we predicted it would’ Says a Glenn Beck radio show co-host: Even when the French riots were going on, this was before Greece. The rioting in France – Paris was on fire virtually every night – we said this is coming to other countries That’s right. The origins of Egypt’s protest lie not in Mubarak’s dictatorship, a languid economy and lack of opportunity for young people but the 2005 unrest in Paris’s banlieues. Does Greece have something to do with it too? Here is Beck – this time on the radio – expanding on his theme of what the Egypt protests mean for Europe: The Muslim radicals in Europe and England rise up. You’ve got the communists and the Muslim radicals, they are not one and the same, they are not coordinating or anything else. But once they start to work together – whether it is coordinated or not, and I don’t believe it would be – once they start to work together in concert Europe is done. It is done. Where is the police force that is going to be able to police the entire world like that. Russia? The United States? How are you going to quell the Middle East? Watch the two of them below: ‘It tracks with this administration’s views on the economy’ Says David Asman, Fox host : President Mubarak sent a message by camel to President Obama today … Mubarak was telling Obama to mind his own business, that he will leave on his own terms, not on terms or timetables dictated by the White House The administration’s inability to have any sway there is what happens when you desert your allies and try to apply Robert’s rules of order to the raw power plays of the Middle East. We saw the same thing happen with the Carter administration’s mishandling of Iran in 1979 and we are shocked that this administration thinks the same lofty ideals will have better luck in Egypt. It is a fairyland, it is an academic view of the world that frankly tracks very closely with this administration’s views on the economy. Take healthcare, for example … To a man with a hammer every problem is a nail, as the saying goes. To a man with a problem with Obama’s healthcare reform, every problem looks like it has something to do with healthcare reform. (via Media Matters for America ) ‘Use our military power’ The strangest thing I’ve seen on the internet for a while: footage of JFK unconvincingly voiced-over by someone who cannot do a JFK impression. Recently the fires of discontent in the Middle East have been inflamed by the aid and comfort that have been given to America’s enemies by our 44th president The 44th president and Joseph Biden [should] be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanours. At that point the speaker of the house, John Boehner, will become the 45th president of our nation. I’m asking john Boehner to use our military power to quell the uprising that is currently threatening the government of Hosni Mubarak I have no idea whether this is serious or satire. None at all. ‘Obama is on the side of radical Islam’ Michael Savage, who calls Obama the “socialist-in-chief”, talks over the US president’s recent statement calling for a transition to democracy in Egypt. Obama: … people want the same things that we all want. A better life for ourselves and our children … Savage: What the heck does that mean? This is the rhetoric you would have heard from the Black Panthers And here is a key quote: Grievances? Here is the community organiser now using community organisational mentality for a nation of Egypt, which is flooded with the Muslim Brotherhood. This is astounding. We are listening to the biggest mistake is US diplomatic history. This fool. This pinheaded fool running this country either doesn’t know his history or is on the side of radical Islam. There’s no two ways about it ‘What the Bible has already said’ Joseph Farah of WorldNetDaily: Iran’s quest serves a second purpose of eliminating all of Israel’s supposed Islamic allies and replacing them with like-minded radical government heads that will renounce their alliance with the US and harden hatred toward Israel. Of course, this scenario only strengthens what the Bible has already said – that the enemies of Israel will one day attack them, thereby giving occasion for God to destroy their enemies From about 4 mins, we get a Biblical reading of contemporary Middle Eastern politics ‘Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the US government’ Frank Gaffney, neoconservative: There are questionable people who are sympathetic to the program of the stealth jihadists who have influence with the United States government. Some I think are actually working for it, but for sure people who are persuaded that the folks that they need to work with to reach out to the Muslim-American community, for example, who incessantly turn to Muslim Brotherhood organisations for that purpose, are a very real problem (Via Think Progress / Gawker ) ‘We will have a world war on our hands’ Bill O’Reilly forsees a domino effect where, aided by al-Jazeera, the Muslim Brotherhood takes charge in Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt and Jordan and gives al-Qaida free reign. ‘Al-Jazeera is British intel’ Another take on al-Jazeera: Alex Jones talks Egypt with author and host of GCN’s World Crisis Radio, Webster Tarpley. I have no idea what is going on here, there is an Anglo-American imperialist plot, they say, aided by al-Jazeera, to overthrow Mubarak. China and Russia might get involved somewhere down the line. Here is one exchange: Jones: People are opening saying what al-Jazeera is: British intel Tarpley: Yeah, that’s for sure To clear things up (joke!) at around the 3 mins mark Pink Floyd’s Money comes in to provide a sonic backdrop to the Jones-Tarpley chat. ‘The US should not fear Egypt regime change’ This may not fit the narrative but the US right is not speaking with one voice on Egypt. There are those (mainly above) who fear the consequences if Mubarak was to fall, but others who support the possibility that Egypt may transition to democracy. The quote heading this section comes from an article for Forbes by Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute (also home to Paul Wolfowitz) while a Bush administration official, Elliott Abrams, claims in the Washington Post that the Egypt protests are a vindication of his former boss. And then there are more non-partisan positions, such as Glenn Beck’s Egypt protest theories show he’s finally lost the plot . Egypt United States Simon Jeffery guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Cable dated:2008-03-16T16:43:00 S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 CAIRO 000524 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR S AND NEA/FO WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP DOD FOR OSD E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/16/28 TAGS: PARM, PREL, PGOV, MASS, MARR, PTER, IS, EG, XF SUBJECT: SCENESETTER FOR MINDEF TANTAWI’S VISIT TO THE U.S. MARCH 24-28 REF: A. CAIRO 452 B. CAIRO 488 C. CAIRO 507 CAIRO 00000524 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Francis Ricciardone for reasons 1.4 (a)(b)&(d). 1. (S) Summary: Defense Minister Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi will travel to Washington, Tampa, and Chicago March 24-28. He will meet senior officials in Washington and at USCENTCOM HQ in Tampa, and view U.S. civil defense arrangements in Chicago. Mrs. Tantawi and as many as five senior generals will accompany him. Tantawi will seek assurances that the USG will not condition or reduce military assistance to Egypt in the future. He will emphasize Egypt’s continuing value to the United States as an indispensable ally in the region, and he will press to return BRIGHT STAR to a full field training exercise. The eighty-year-old veteran of five wars with Israel is committed to preventing another one ever. But he is also frozen in the Camp David paradigm and uncomfortable with our shift to the post-9/11 GWOT. Recognizing that he is reluctant to change, we nonetheless should urge Minister Tantawi towards a broader and more flexible partnership based on shared strategic objectives, including border security, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and civil defense. End Summary. 2. (S) Border Control: Egyptian effectiveness in preventing arms smuggling into Gaza is essential to stopping Palestinian rocket fire into Israel. When the Secretary pushed hard on smuggling in October 2007, the Egyptians finally got serious and agreed to open an FMF case that will deploy counter-tunnel technology to the Rafah border. The case also includes extensive training. The initial shipment of equipment is expected in June. Training will begin this spring in the US, due to Egyptian sensitivity towards having foreigners stationed at their borders. The Egyptians are also building a concrete barrier wall on the Egyptian side to avoid a repeat of the January incursion, in which thousands of Gazans poured into Rafah. 3. (C) The Egyptians insist that they are committed to do all they can to stop smuggling into Gaza. They acknowledge the threat that Hamas poses to their own security and to the peace process. They claim to have discovered more than 200 tunnels since November 2005. Tantawi will argue that Egypt is doing everything within its power but is not the only source of weapons in Gaza. He believes that Israeli politicians are blaming Egypt for domestic political reasons and resents the impact on Egyptian military assistance. He will also urge that the USG exert influence on Israel to ease humanitarian conditions in Gaza. EGIS Chief Omar Soliman has the lead on negotiations with Hamas but Tantawi will also likely urge that Rafah be opened to ease humanitarian pressures in Gaza. 4. (S) With Tantawi we should acknowledge that the counter-tunneling technology that we will introduce this summer will contribute to interdiction efforts but does not represent a complete solution. Indeed the Army Corps of Engineers experts who designed the system have told us that the Gaza border represents a “worst case scenario” for interdiction. In a March 6 meeting with NEA A/S Welch, Tantawi hinted that the Egyptians have adopted additional measures at the border. We are still interested in a trilateral meeting with the Egyptians and Israelis (ultimately perhaps to include the PA) to share intelligence and tactics. So far the Israelis have demurred. We should broaden the discussion to maritime interdiction efforts and also addressing the weapons trail, which starts in Yemen and Sudan. 5. (S) Civil Defense: The Red Sea ferry accident in February 2006 embarrassed the Mubarak government and cost more than 1000 lives. Tantawi will bring to Washington his mandate from President Mubarak to integrate the military into crisis response management. On this he needs and will be grateful for our help — a small but important advance against the MOD’s staunch resistance to engagement with us in shifting their priorities and transforming their forces. ASD for Homeland Defense McHale has suggested including Egyptian representatives in U.S.-based civil emergency exercises CAIRO 00000524 002.2 OF 002 planned for spring and fall 2008, and inviting GOE officials to a civil defense symposium at the Army War College this fall. 6. (S) Peacekeeping: Egypt has contributed to all UN and AU peacekeeping efforts in Africa, and is sending 1300-1400 troops for the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Egypt has also offered UNAMID two additional mechanized infantry battalions; the UN has accepted one. Despite our repeated requests, the Egyptians declined to contribute helicopters; they simply do not have the logistical and operational capability to operate in Darfur’s challenging environment. We recommend that the helo request not be raised again. 7. (S) Reform: In the cabinet, where he still wields significant influence, Tantawi has opposed both economic and political reforms that he perceives as eroding central government power. He is supremely concerned with national unity, and has opposed policy initiatives he views as encouraging political or religious cleavages within Egyptian society. In a speech on March 9, Tantawi said one of the military’s roles is to protect constitutional legitimacy and internal stability, signaling his willingness to use the military to control the Muslim Brotherhood in the run-up to the April 9 municipal council elections. On economic reform, Tantawi believes that Egypt’s economic reform plan fosters social instability by lessening GOE controls over prices and production. Tantawi rejects any conditioning on Egyptian FMF on human rights or any other grounds. Before this year he thought that FMF was inviolable and regarded ESF as a layer of protection against possible cuts to FMF. He will argue that any conditions on military assistance are counter-productive. He will also state that the military is not behind human rights problems in Egypt and that U.S. Congressional human rights conditionally is mis-targeted. 8. (S) Washington interlocutors should be prepared to meet an aged and change-resistant Tantawi. Charming and courtly, he is, nonetheless mired in a post-Camp David military paradigm that has served his cohort’s narrow interests for the last three decades. He and Mubarak are focused on regime stability and maintaining the status quo through the end of their time. They simply do not have the energy, inclination or world view to do anything differently. Nonetheless, for the benefit of Tantawi’s omnipresent aides, we should focus discussions on the future and how to operate as strategic partners as we face the challenges of that future together. RICCIARDONE Egypt Hosni Mubarak The US embassy cables US foreign policy Middle East guardian.co.uk
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