It is time to renounce Mubarek. Obama must declare that Mubarek is 'repressive' of the people's needs, not 'representative' of the Egyptian people's needs.
Having made this obvious determination, the US must cease recognition of the Egyptian government and discontinue aid - most visibly in terms of military aid.
Speaking of things 'visible', Obama must create a visual of an American president refuting our 'alliance' with Mubarek. Obama himself must stand at the pulpit of democracy, lest words from another pulpit reign supreme. Obama must visibly and forcefully refute US diplomat Crowley's assertion of yesterday (on Al-Jazeera no less) that our military aid to Egypt is not influenced by the government's violent response and our admonishments are "not an either/or situation". By all means, do not let this visual of the uncomfortable diplomat with mealy-mouth words of equivocation be an enduring memory.
Let's see Obama literally make a stern 'thumbs-down' picture for media of the world to make headline. Make a picture that burns through language and cultural barriers. Make history & refute our foreign policy hypocrisy, or live with the consequences.
This is the lesson of American foreign policy: If America does not pick sides, the Arab street will pick the side that we stand on.
Historically, where America has not spoken clearly in favor of human rights, our equivocating has worked against us. It is far too easy for those opposed to us to point the finger of 'hypocrisy'. As these opponents are often part of the 'Arab street' itself, their Anti-America/Anti-democracy message rings louder than a muted response from the White House.
What 9/11 should have taught us is simple: If people such as the Egyptians lose, then the American people lose. Oppressed people are desperate, they cannot see or respect the 'fine lines' of diplomacy. Where desperation reigns, civility suffers and the brutal hone their message.
It is my opinion that Obama still has credibility in the 'Arab street'. He is the picture of the American president that has literally walked in the shoes of the developing world and the oppressed. The pictures of an American president in non-Western clothing are irrefutable evidence of a man that has not always worn a Western suit. To the Arab Street, only the picture of Obama himself can burn through all the years of watching 'Washington suits' equivocate on matters of human rights abuse by 'ally governments'. Facebook and text messaging access are not enough when bullets fly.
Even the developing world is dominated by graphical media. As such, Obama must appeal to the brotherhood and sisterhood of man with another picture - a thumbs down to human rights abuse. Point the finger before others do.
Mr. President, it's time to draw your line in the sand. Draw a line and state that on this side stands America and human rights (and all the bank accounts held by the Egyptian government insiders). The boiling pot brought on by Egypt's 40 year 'state of emergency' is now America's emergency. Don't let us get burned again.
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P.S. If you want to see what might be complicating things, check out the story on Israel, loosely titled as: "Israel's opinion: Arabs need dictators".
P.S.S. To late for a poll question, but might it be better if the White House release an official picture of Obama showing the soles of his feet to a picture of Mubarek? Or perhaps it could be unofficial and Michelle could post it on Twitter? For sure the official picture of Obama talking to Mubarek could be one of him sitting with his feet on the desk - barefoot and pointing to a pic of Mubarek of course. Might that be noticed on the Arab street?...we're talking iconic portrayal.
Update -------
Of course Hillary Clinton just reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Egyptian government (in Washington's eyes) by asking them to 'reform' rather than 'resign'. Hopeless nitwits.
Update 2 ----
In moments we will hear the future of America regarding the Middle East. Will we repeat the mistakes with Iran? Obama will tell.
I just spoke with "President" Mubarek? Obama just lost. America just lost.
