Reports continue to emerge of US officials engaged in discussions on a possible succession in Egypt, with Vice President Omar Suleiman tapped to replace Hosni Mubarak’s multi-decade rule and impose certain “reforms” on the system.
But despite hopes among protesters that the end is near for Mubarak and threats of even more violent crackdowns against them, protesters continue to mass in large numbers across Egypt, determined to see their revolution through to the end and reluctant to leave the details to the international community, which is now largely resigned to Mubarak’s ouster.
But with Mubarak’s ouster pretty much a done deal, a lot of attention is also going to who might replace him, assuming the forthcoming “interim” government allows free elections.
And while Mohamed ElBaradei positioned himself as a major player early on, Arab League chief Amr Moussa’s arrival to eager cheers from protesters suggests that he may be the front-runner. Moussa’s history as a member of the Mubarak regime, albeit a bit more plain-spoken than most, may make him more palatable for Western officials who are terrified that free elections in Egypt might lead to a less slavishly pro-US regime.
I thought President Obama said the U.S. is not in the business of choosing other country's leaders. So then why is the U.S. involved in any discussions about succession in Egypt? (The question is Rhetorical.) I believe those keeping power in Egypt do not understand anything about discussion in the first place. The Egyptian people in the square may as well start marching on Mubarak's palace, and physically throw him out
Egypt's Pharaoh doesn't get it. Uncle Tom Obama and his team of clueless courtiers does not get it. The Egyptian people seem to be saying "we're done with your corruption and suppression so GET OUT!"
Of course "tearm Obama" can'ts be a having none of that. There's military/industrial interests to protect. Well and crimes against humanity that MUST remain forever unmentioned.
Give the Egyptian people open, fair, and above reproach elections. Let the Egyptian people decide what and/or whom they want for their next 'Pharaoh'. The US needs to stay the hell out of it.
So would "succession talks" really be US diplo-code for 'keeping the status quo without making it seem we're keeping the status quo'?
@robert shule
“I thought President Obama said the U.S. is not in the business of choosing other country’s leaders.”
Actually, and I’m surprised you haven’t figured this out by now, when Obama spouts some feel good rhetoric, that’s your cue that he’s trying to hoodwink you, and that the truth is probably the exact opposite. The notion that the US will stand back and let the Egyptians determine their own course is outrageously, laughably nonsensical.
There’s an old joke — perfectly apt in the time of Obama:
Guy tells his friend, “I have figured out how to tell when that politician is lying.” Friend asks, “How?” Guy replies, “Watch him carefully, and whenever you see his lips move,…”
I shorthand this to: “Lips.”