For those who want the US to get more directly involved in Egypt:

[rucky]

I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but when you play it out, there may be unintended consequences of our involvement. Something to consider: It's not like the US has the best track record of "preserving and promoting Democracy" in other nations. Our involvement could taint what seems to be an effective homegrown movement. Accusations of the US trying to influence outcomes, could take away from the legitimacy.

Once we abandon diplomacy and explicitly take sides, and after Mubarak's defiant message, I'm not sure Obama's influence will affect outcomes. In fact, it could risk complicating things even further. It could even empower more radical factions who will try to fill the vacuum with anti-American rhetoric, if it's believed that the Egypt is being manipulated for American interests. Words of encouragement would be nice, but are we prepared to back them up with direct involvement if the violence escalates? To what extent? How would we sort it out after there's a change in power? Would we involve ourselves in assuring "free and fair elections"? Again, we don't have the best track record with that. And how would we handle Israel?

Maybe it's time that we take more of a Star Trek "Prime Directive" approach in world affairs. We can be on the side of peace and human rights without having to involve ourselves and influence outcomes everywhere around the world. When we do, it never seems to work out as planned.

[bluestateguy]

1. My mind is just more attuned to what is going on here at home

They're going to have to hash out their issues over there. We have problems of our own here in the US.

[bemildred]

2. It is a bad idea. It is a really bad idea. nt

[Enrique]

3. we are VERY involved there

we just don't know how. The public statements are just part of what we're doing.

[rucky]

6. oh yeah... there's tons going on behind the scenes.

I guess we'll have to wait for the Wiki cables

[Countdown_3_2_1]

4. with two unwinnable wars going on, we're a bit spread thin.

Egypt is an ALLY. The US does not invade allies.
Yes, Mubarrak is a dictator. But govts always support the status quo.
You don't have to like it, but thems the facts.

[rucky]

5. One thing Obama does very well...

is play the middle. Drives me nuts when he does it in domestic affairs.

But in this case, I think he's playing it damn near perfectly.

[RZM]

7. There won't be any substantive US involvement no matter what happens

Just diplomatic nudging. Whether or not that will affect outcomes, I don't know. I imagine the US will be about as engaged as other Western governments and in the end that won't really amount to a whole lot.

[riverwalker]

8. you have it backwards

it's our "involvement" in ME affairs that have created these monsters. Time to disentangle ourselves from the region. Let them decide who and what governments they want.

[rucky]

9. That's what I'm saying. n/t

[kestrel91316]

10. Getting involved in an internal powere struggle in Egypt would be

a terrible mistake. Haven't we learned by now??