SEC=UGA Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We have a pretty good relationship with Mubarak and he has helped us out quite a bit in that region. His is somewhat of a dictator, but is a "moderate" voice in the Muslim community. In the past, we have been all for promoting democracy, which is what the Egyptians are clamoring for due to current economic conditions that they are blaming on the current government. The current fear is that the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt could surge to power and leave us with a less friendly country to deal with. Should we tell Mubarak to pack his sh!t and bow to the will of the people or do we just let things go without taking a firm stance as we have done to this point? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 How long did it take Obama to come to the support of the peaceful protests in Iran? How long did it take for him to come to the support of the less than peaceful protesters in Egypt? Why the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 How long did it take Obama to come to the support of the peaceful protests in Iran? How long did it take for him to come to the support of the less than peaceful protesters in Egypt? Why the difference? Why don't you remind us: what was the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furd Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Should we tell Mubarak to pack his sh!t and bow to the will of the people or do we just let things go without taking a firm stance as we have done to this point? As far as foreign policy goes, I don't care if a country has a democracy, theocracy, monarchy or whatever, as long as it acts reasonably with respect to the US and, to a much lesser extent, is not brutal toward its people. Let Egypt sort itself out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 As far as foreign policy goes, I don't care if a country has a democracy, theocracy, monarchy or whatever, as long as it acts reasonably with respect to the US and, to a much lesser extent, is not brutal toward its people. Let Egypt sort itself out. This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrumjuice Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 They have 30+% unemployment. They know how others live, they are tired of being under the iron fist of a dictator. They will get the government they deserve. If the Muslim Brotherhood takes control, then they are SCREWED. I wonder how much money in 'aid' we send them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrumjuice Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Egypt is a few steps short of a disaster. The corrupt, incompetent regime will not survive. Most likely outcome--- the Generals take charge, announce a reform government, start the process of responding to the injustice and despair of the common citizen. Then the situation staggers along for some period. Worst outcome the Generals stand with the same gang that has looted the nation--- probably minus Mubarak. Then there is a possible civil war with the soldiers in many cases siding with the people not their officers. The only organized opposition is the Muslim Brotherhood which could then possibly gain power. Our central US foreign policy concern is the stability of the Peace Treaty with Israel. At the end of the day if required--- we would go to war to prevent the annihilation of the Israelis. This would be a terrible outcome for the entire region. And--- oh by the way---there is the matter of the Suez Canal and the flow of oil to a Europe with an increasingly ant-Israeli political stance. We have few good options. The President and Secretary Clinton are carefully walking the line. Oddly enough--- only the last Administration with President Bush and Secretary Condi Rice has ever taken a strong reform position with Mubarak. This one is important. Egypt is central to peace in the region. Their people have been ill-used by the Mubarak Regime. Watch the enlisted soldiers of the Egyptian Army. If they go with the people--- there will be incredible bloodshed. Barry McCaffrey, General Ret. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I wonder how much money in 'aid' we send them. $1.5 Billion to $2 Billion per year for the last few decades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEC=UGA Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 $1.5 Billion to $2 Billion per year for the last few decades. Does that include the lease on the military bases? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrumjuice Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 $1.5 Billion to $2 Billion per year for the last few decades. Exactly, and these people here parrot we need to raise taxes, BULL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 What are Egyptians without the internet? Gyptians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 What are Egyptians without the internet? Gyptians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 What are Egyptians without the internet? Gyptians. I got ripped off! "Egypt" me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheikYerbuti Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 It's gonna be awesome paying $40 to fill my 11 gallon tank. . .can't wait for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2...-much-improved/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepinmofo Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 It's gonna be awesome paying $40 to fill my 11 gallon tank. . .can't wait for that. Or more... Its coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrumjuice Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 It's gonna be awesome paying $40 to fill my 11 gallon tank. . .can't wait for that. Did Egypt put the ban on drilling in the gulf, alaska, plains? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We have a pretty good relationship with Mubarak and he has helped us out quite a bit in that region. His is somewhat of a dictator, but is a "moderate" voice in the Muslim community. In the past, we have been all for promoting democracy, which is what the Egyptians are clamoring for due to current economic conditions that they are blaming on the current government. The current fear is that the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt could surge to power and leave us with a less friendly country to deal with. We are all for promoting Democracy, when it suites our needs. When we dont have a direct self interest, we turn a blind eye and dont care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 It's gonna be awesome paying $40 to fill my 11 gallon tank. . .can't wait for that. Good. In the long run, our dependence on foreign oil is a bad thing. And the main reason we stay dependent on foreign oil is that it's cheap. As far as the Egyptians go, good for them. I only wish it had happened in Iran. Perhaps oppressive regimes around the world will take note. Obviously there is tremendous risk in what will evolve to fill the void (assuming Mubarak is removed or steps down) but human beings deserve the freedom of self determination. That's something Americans should understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Anyone else think what's going on over there is beautiful? I'm personally encouraged seeing the people rise against the government. Gives me hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepinmofo Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Anyone else think what's going on over there is beautiful? I'm personally encouraged seeing the people rise against the government. Gives me hope. You and me both.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoothead Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We are all for promoting Democracy, when it suites our needs. When we dont have a direct self interest, we turn a blind eye and dont care. Anyone else think what's going on over there is beautiful? I'm personally encouraged seeing the people rise against the government. Gives me hope. Well and that is kind of the rub since I am selfish. I guess it would be beautiful if they all started growing pot and listening to Jenny and Johnny. If their goal is some kind of Islamic fundamental state then not so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Anyone else think what's going on over there is beautiful? I'm personally encouraged seeing the people rise against the government. Gives me hope. I don't know if I would go so far as to call it beautiful, but I see nothing wrong with people rising up and throwing off the shackles of oppression. Liberty finds a way! I don't really share the fear-mongering that I've heard by some so far, that we need to be terrified that Muslims will be in control. Well, yeah... it's a Muslim country. Either way Muslims are going to be in control. It will be interesting to watch and see what kind of life they decide to choose for themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I don't know if I would go so far as to call it beautiful, but I see nothing wrong with people rising up and throwing off the shackles of oppression. Liberty finds a way! I don't really share the fear-mongering that I've heard by some so far, that we need to be terrified that Muslims will be in control. Well, yeah... it's a Muslim country. Either way Muslims are going to be in control. It will be interesting to watch and see what kind of life they decide to choose for themselves. M00slims run Saudi Arabia, their populace have no freedoms like in a democracy, they are run by sharia law, and we are best buddies with them. But we dont want democracy there or regime change there because it suits our self-interest for oil. Democracy is awesome . . . until it isnt in our national self interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheikYerbuti Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Anyone else think what's going on over there is beautiful? The death toll is over 100 and counting. Call me a pinko tree hugging hippie, but I don't think that's beautiful in any way, shape or form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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