The great mediator: Can Obama get it right?

[PhillySane]

CNN-
The increasingly urgent push for reform comes as the Egyptian government pushed back on what it called "vague" statements from the Obama administration about the pace of transition.

One Egyptian government official told CNN the United States has shown support for its "road map" for transitioning to democracy by the end of Mubarak's term in September, but said Obama's call for an "orderly transition" are at odds with his call for an immediate one.

The Egyptian official said conversations with Washington suggest the United States understands this process, but public statements from Obama, Clinton, and U.S. government spokesmen have sent mixed messages.

"We understand the need to be vague and play to the street, but this is hardly the time," the official said.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/02/04/egypt.us.response/index.html?hpt=T1


The problem is, you can't be the great mediator all the time. This is what Obama is now touting himself as these days. With Republicans, big business and now the political crisis in Egypt. Sometimes, there is only one side to choose. Unfortunately, he wants it both ways. That's just not always possible.

In this case though, lives are at stake. Democracy is at stake. A major shift in mid-east politics hangs in the balance. Not an easy one, I'll give him that. Wouldn't wish that job on anyone.

Personally, I think he should just say it. Urge Mubarak to step down now. Say it specifically. Once, and only once he is gone, can any orderly transition take place.

[golddigger]

1. He'll do exactly what the MIC tells him to do.

[msongs]

2. his track record against republicans versus his beligerance towards Mubarak? lol nt

[tabatha]

3. I would take CNN's opinion with a grain of salt.

[mix]

4. No. He has zero options except to cling to the untenable policies of the past. nt

[PhillySane]

10. But he doesn't have that option any longer

The 2009 Iranian revolt, Tunisia, now Egypt. If we do not make an attempt to support the people's side, we will get the 79 Iranian result again.
Why do they hate us? Remember that famous headline after 911?

[JoePhilly]

5. Did we learn nothing from the Hubris and Bluster of GW Bush???

It is not the place of our President to tell the Egyptian President to go, particularly as a way to tell the Egyptian people how we think this should end up.

The outcome here is not up to us, it is up to them.

[mix]

7. In a perfect world perhaps,

but the geopolitical reality is that the US is deeply enmeshed in Egyptian and ME politics/economies. This is a client state that the US will not allow to either become Islamist, which is highly unlikely, or secularly independent. Never, if it can help it. The US will only accept the class and system that Mubarak represents, with or without him; thus Omar Sulieman.

The Obama administration is not likely to shift course on 30 years of American policy in Egypt--support for the pharaonic regime and its anti-democratic essence.

[PhillySane]

8. I believe that if we leave it up to Mubarak

it won't go well for anyone there, least of all the Egyptian people. We can't drag him out by the ears, no. But we do have influence. I say, exert that influence as much as possible. Give the opposition as much of a chance as they deserve.

[JoePhilly]

9. The best way to exert that influence is through our connections to the military

not on TV.

If we can persuade the military to be "with the people", there is no need for hubris.

[jody]

6. Mediator or arbitrator? Our Constitution establishes the president as head of the executive branch

with arbitrator authority.

That same Constitution establishes Congress as a democratic mediation authority.

Why should Obama spend his time trying to mediate when our Constitution established the presidency as an arbitrator?

[BeFree]

11. Obama basher here

Who thinks Obama is doing a good job.... so far.

Sec. Clinton spoke firmly against the violence. Then the violence slowed a good bit. The administration is having a good effect.

[PhillySane]

14. The violence continues today

and it is even possible you will see more if the army moves into the square as they are threatening to do right now.

http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/2/4/democracy_now_special_two_hour_show_on_saturday

[ProSense]

12. Here

Those with deep knowledge of the situation believe President Obama has gotten it right.

[PhillySane]

13. Deep knowledge of what situation?

http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/2/4/democracy_now_special_two_hour_show_on_saturday