Updated Title: World Revolution 2011

[CRedskinsRule]

Not much discussion on this, but Jordan's King just fired his Cabinet:
Jordan's king fires Cabinet amid protests - Yahoo! News

Seems like the whole Islamic culture is in the midst of a populist backlash. And it seems like the two opposing sides are democratic forces and extremists. What options does the US have in supporting the rise of democracies? Can we do anything without a backlash from our major supporter, the Saudi's - who have 0 interest in democratic reform? If the extremists get control of Egypt and/or Jordan, how does that affect our goals and withdrawal timelines in Iraq?

This could be a turning point in Mideast culture that either moves us forward for decades to come, or if bungled, we could set back any progress we have made (fleeting as it is) for the same decades.

[firstdown]

Well then maybe Bush was right when he said after the middle east sees what freedom looks like it will spread. That was pretty much his theme in his second term. HMMMMMM

CNN.com - Bush expounds on theme of freedom - Jan 26, 2005

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Well then maybe Bush was right when he said after the middle east sees what freedom looks like it will spread. That was pretty much his theme in his second term. HMMMMMM

CNN.com - Bush expounds on theme of freedom - Jan 26, 2005

I guess Bush was correct back in 2005.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I guess Bush was correct back in 2005.

I hope he was, but this is a very tenuous time for Egypt. As was stated in history, the revolution consumes its own. We need good leadership from this administration to help Egypt travel a peaceful path. Hopefully, we and the world, get it.

FD, will you be quoting Bush if this revolution leads to Egypt being a terrorist bastion, or another Iran? Seems a little early to say "Mission Accomplished" (Bush reference intended)

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

I hope he was, but this is a very tenuous time for Egypt. As was stated in history, the revolution consumes its own. We need good leadership from this administration to help Egypt travel a peaceful path. Hopefully, we and the world, get it.

FD, will you be quoting Bush if this revolution leads to Egypt being a terrorist bastion, or another Iran? Seems a little early to say "Mission Accomplished" (Bush reference intended)

No, of course not. If that happens then its Obama's fault. Lets be real here.

[saden1]

There is no alternative to momentary military stewardship...the ruling party isn't much of a choice and there aren't any alternative opposition party to speak of capable of maintaining order. Should be interesting to see how this all shakes out but I have faith in the Egyptian people.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I guess Bush was correct back in 2005.

Back in 2005, Bush was justifying his actions in Iraq, nothing more and nothing less. However, Bush did encourage Jordan's King Abdullah II to take more steps towards democracy. Although I don't know if he send that same message to Egypt or Saudi Arabia.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Back in 2005, Bush was justifying his actions in Iraq, nothing more and nothing less. However, Bush did encourage Jordan's King Abdullah II to take more steps towards democracy. Although I don't know if he send that same message to Egypt or Saudi Arabia.

Don't twist his words. What he said is what he said and if democracy does spread in the middle east you have to give him some credit.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Don't twist his words. What he said is what he said and if democracy does spread in the middle east you have to give him some credit.

But not necessarily what he said in that article and anything related to Iraq. Once again, I give Bush more credit what he said Jordan's King Abdullah II, in regards to spreading democracy in the Middle East.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Don't twist his words. What he said is what he said and if democracy does spread in the middle east you have to give him some credit.

Are Iraq and Afghanistan democracies? You cannot coerce the birth of a democracy. It has always been spontaneous and the only people that deserve credit are the people who decide to be free.

[firstdown]

Should have known this would come down to a rock tossing event. Not sure when power has ever changed hands in the middle east without a good rock tossing event. I'd like to know where they get all of the rocks. Do they have chain Rocks-R-Us stores in the middle east? Sad to see.

[firstdown]

Is anyone watching this thing going down today and now tonight. I worked late tonight but I've had the news on sense 9:00 watching several ch.

[firstdown]

I'm surprised this thread is so dead with everything thats going on in the ME.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I'm surprised this thread is so dead with everything thats going on in the ME.

I would say that I have been watching this more closely than a lot of politics in recent years, including listening to govt reports through C-SPAN radio, and the live feeds that have been available. But nothing that I start typing here really adds anything to the discussion. It amazes me that these protests in Egypt have gone on without resolution and without sparking anarchy. It's kind of a suspension of disbelief moment, and until we see the other shoe drop (whether it is Mubarak's resignation, or an immense crackdown), I don't know how to put in words the feelings of these moments. You almost expect to see some sort of crowd rage moment that tops the skirmishes on Tues/Wed, or Mubarak flying out on a US C-130 transport into exile.

We can hope that the end results are to the betterment of Egyptian people, but I think no matter what happens, the Mideast will become a much more unstable place in the short term.

Anyone else wonder what kind of moment could send this thing catapulting out of control, to the point where Israel might feel threatened enough to do some rash/stupid reaction?

[FRPLG]

I think anyone who cares enough to know what is going on is probably confused what to think. On one hand it is clear that Mubarak is a goner. And should be. On the other hand the uprising has no form to it. No real leader or organizing force it seems. So the prospect of Mubarak leaving office and Egypt slipping into complete and utter chaos due to the lack of a functioning government is sort of terrifying. Uprising is certainly fine (especially in the name of freedom) but it has to come with some type of unified direction and be led by someone/thing that can take ownership of the changes. This situation has nothing like that. Just a bunch of frustrated people throwing rocks and getting mad. I tend to believe Muburak is right when says he can't step down because the place would turn even worse without him at this point.