The official line from the White House now is that it's "not for our country or our government to determine" Egypt's future.
Maybe not, but our country and our government have certainly played a role in determining Egypt's recent past. The U.S. has given Egypt $1.3 billion a year in military aid since the Camp David Accords established peace with Israel in 1979. That money goes to buy tanks and helicopters and fighter jets.
The U.S. spends another several hundred million dollars a year on economic development, some of it going back the U.S. in purchases of our goods.
Over at Pro Publica, Marian Wang runs the FAQ on America's relationship with Egypt -- her post is a linksfest. You'll be glad you played. Then we'll see you at 9 P.M. Eastern with a full hour of coverage you won't get anywhere else.
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Does this mean we can take Egypt off of our budget for next year? Cuz that's gotta help us a little bit if we stopped sending foreign aid to all these countries. Egypt's a great start. Are there any other countries we can write off? Any other puppet dictators we can pretend from now on we had nothing to do with? Shame we didn't do this to Iraq 20-30 years ago. That got expensive!
I think you meant "relationship with Egypt" rather than "English", Laura. ;)
(Fixed.) That is such a good point.
ZachsMind.
Sure we dip into our pockets and pay 6 billion dollars a year to Israel. So they can continue putting their boot up our backsides & push us into doing their bidding.
Rachel,
I must take my hat off to you & courage of your conviction in letting American public know, see and hear what the people of Egypt are saying.
For thirty years they lived in fear under an inhuman apparatus which was aided & abetted by our political leadearship. Even now with people of Egypt willing to sacrifice their lives for the freedom they deserve and for overthrowing the regime which held them captive, we seem to lack the courage to clearly & loudly support them.
As you stated minutes ago, I'm not sure if people are "fleeing" Egypt. When the US Embassy recommends US citizens to leave since they cannot guarantee their safety, it is a choice one makes to leave or stay without US Embassy assistance if one needs it. Is this fleeing or making a practical choice to leave until the country calms? Probably, no one else heard this but I heard an interview of a US citizen on NPR today telling of the letter of recommendation to leave that she received from the US Embassy. BTW I'm a big fan of yours and first time commenter.
I saw your tv show and thought that you do not have any standing to critique Suleiman as a torturer. Are you not an American? I think that torture is a tool in America's arsenal now. Decry American torture first.
We'll forgive you if you're new here, but Rachel always has "decr[ied] American torture."
Just made this simple message to Mubarak
Funniest picture I've seen in a long time.
I know that Pres. Obama and the administration have to tread a delicate line so as not to overstep or upset or whatever the right word is here. But I don't think their public position is worded strongly enough in favor of the Egyptian people.
From the AP story linked: "'That is not for our country or our government to determine," said Gibbs. "I don't think that people who seek greater freedom are looking for somebody else to pick what and how that change looks like.'"
and Mrs. Clinton calling for "orderly transition"
I believe stronger wording is called for from our administration. How about, "The United States fully support the right of the Egyptian people for self-determination. We have faith and trust in their peaceful efforts and calls for a transition in government."
Pres Obama has said in the past that he wants to improve relations with the Muslim world, well, here's his chance. I believe if we show full faith and support of the Egyptian people, as well as those in Tunisia, as these countries transition to freedom and democracy, our reputation will be immeasurably improved in both the short and long term in the Muslim world.
If ever there were a turning point (or a crossroads, if you prefer), this is it.
an orderly transition has to occur or there truly will be anarchy...and no one wins
yes, I know. My point is that I think the wording from the administration could have been more definite without going over the line. It's more or less a moot point, given Mubarak's speech today. Though this whole thing is far from over.
Diplomatic friends are like facebook friends. Not really friends. Good article.
From tonight's show closer... no one on the Maddow staff knew christwire.org is a parody site????
Eh, given TRMS is essentially the only American news show doing first-rate analysis of the situation in Egypt, I'm pretty sure we can let this one slide. :)
it is true that our government has been instrumental in maintaining the Murbarak government...and it has been detailed in many news reports as to why...the question is how to proceed now...according to one of your reports....one of the reasons that Egypt is important is because there is no peace accord between the Palestinians and Israelies...and where is that process right now...it seems that we find that everything is connected...
i think that President has to promote the ideals...and state a path....towards democracy.....he is taking the proper stance...
but all bets will be off...if the military fires on the people....
Mubarak is one of the dictators to whom the NeoCon/Cheney/Bush tribe rendition-ed people for torture. Now the chickens that Obama adopted upon extending the NeoCon kidnapping-for-torture scheme are coming home to roost: Mubarak knows where all Obama's (and the NeoCons') skeletons are buried...he knows the truth (obviously - it's his signature on the deal) about who was tortured on behalf of the American people in his (Mubarak's) police state. (Mubarak inherited the Carter Peace Deal - I doubt very much that the 2+ billion dollars is more than annual hush-money to/for Mubarak. Of course, though the billions in "foreign aide" is OUR money, tax-payer money, WE never hear about where a penny of it has gone.)
So now Obama is realizing the jam he put himself into when he signed on to 'extraordinary rendition'... cementing even further 'President Bush' as 'Precedent Bush'. You all get it, right? ...that at this very moment, Mubarak is reminding Obama that, if he (Obama) doesn't back his (Mubarak's) play in the coming populace crack-down, he (Mubarak) is going to spill all those juicy torture-beans. My prediction: Mubarak's going to be dead within 6 months. We will see a steady ramping up of 'discussion' of Mubarak's age (82) and health. His death will be blamed on either/both of those or on the work of Mubarak's fellow countrymen who so conspicuously loathe him. The alternative is Obama having to respond to whatever truth about kidnapping-for-torture Mubarak manages to get out there.
Sheba55,
Its not that 'Egypt is important because there is no peace between Israelis and Palestinians", its because of Egypt-Israeli-America troika that there is no peace.
Our policies viz a viz Israel-Palestinian conflict have been simply to let Israel get away with crimes. The current oppressive regime in Israel doesn't want peace. For them annexation of Palestinian land and perpetuating their unquestioned rule over occupied territories is the only objective. Regimes like that of Hosni Mubarak in the Arab world were our allies in going along with Israel.
Thats why we hold Hosni Mubarak dear.
Am not sure this is the place for my comment, but I want to thank you Rachel for opening your show yesterday (1/31) raising a question that few have dared to raise--the American Centric outlook. As if what the Egyptian people (or the Tunisians, or anyone around the world in struggle against the forces of oppression and tyranny) only relates to whatever the American people want, think, et al. and what this people's revolt means for "us." Also loved your little bit with the rowboats at sea, Mr. Thaddeus ? the most far out, and calling for support of Mubarak. But the rowboat crowd is such an extreme, and good for you for bringing the incredible and unfolding event into perspective.
Have to say, I do miss Keith a lot, but it was heartening to watch your program.
Am not sure this is the place for my comment, but I want to thank you Rachel for opening your show yesterday (1/31) raising a question that few have dared to raise--the American Centric outlook. As if what the Egyptian people (or the Tunisians, or anyone around the world in struggle against the forces of oppression and tyranny) only relates to whatever the American people want, think, et al. and what this people's revolt means for "us." Also loved your little bit with the rowboats at sea, Mr. Thaddeus ? the most far out, calling for support of Mubarak. But the rowboat crowd is such an extreme, and good for you for bringing the incredible and unfolding events into perspective.
Have to say, I do miss Keith a lot, but it was heartening to watch your program.
Dear wonderful Rachel, I am becoming upset with you and the way you mention the President of the United States Of America. You refer to him as Mr. Obama. That is an insult to the office of the President. You sound like a hateful Republican. What has the President done to receive such disrespect from you? You have done this on many shows that I have seen latley. I have never heard you say Mr Bush. Maybe you have or have not I don't know. If you continue this disrespect for the President I will not watch your show ever again. Love Sheila
No, it's not an insult. It is one of the normal and perfectly acceptable ways to refer to the POTUS. Always has been. You can refer to a POTUS as President Smith, Mr President or simply as Mr Smith. And plain Smith is all right if you're short of time and speaking/writing casually.
Ok... what word did RM just use in her interview with Michael B to discribe the issue of guns in DC politics, describing it with a word that meant to say... no one will touch it.... THAT was a good one!