BREAKING NEWS: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will not seek re-election

[brooklynite]

Source: CNN

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will not seek re-election, a senior Obama administration official tells CNN.

Read more: cnn.com

[tekisui]

1. The people of Egypt don't want to wait until September for him to go.

I don't think he (or Obama) gets it.

[FrenchieCat]

3. It is up to the people of Egypt as to what they want to wait for or not.....

I don't think it is for Obama to "get".....

Peaceful transfer of power is part of the democratic process.....
Chaos is not. There are no strong opposition parties in Egypt,
and so an ordely transition is needed......whatever that may look like,
the Egyptian people should get to decide; not you, and not our President.

[tekisui]

6. Mubarak will stay until the US no longer supports him. Period.

[FrenchieCat]

9. I give the Egyptian people more credit on their determination than you on this.......

obviously.

[defendandprotect]

11. Who knows what our government is up to there ... ? Obama is trying to buy time for Mubarak ...

[decidedlyso]

43. More to it then that. Obama is trying to buy time for Israel.

[defendandprotect]

57. As US/Israel have been dominating Egypt and keeping Mubarak in power ...

US is also keeping right wing hawks in power in Israel --

dominating there -- pushing the warmongering and warmaking -- and

keeping the peace loving Israelis buried --


US has kept this bastard in office for 30 years!

[decidedlyso]

65. Agreed.

[tekisui]

15. Obama disagrees with you:

U.S. envoy tells Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step aside

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/sc-dc-0203-us-egypt-web-20110201,0,981825.story


Finally did the right thing! Thank you, Mr. President!

[FrenchieCat]

24. That doesn't negate that it will be up to the Egyptians on exactly what happens,

and how it proceeds.

[defendandprotect]

61. Obama has not publickly said "MUBARAK SHOULD STEP DOWN" ....

That looks like an interpretation of what was said --

also confused by Obama floating at the same time the idea that Mubarak

should just "not run again"!!

It's very simple what Obama needs to do and as far as I can see, he's still avoid it.

[global1]

7. Baby Steps.......

I'm thinking that to get Mubarek to concede not to run was a major undertaking - but he has now made the decision. The next decision to step down well before the Sept election will be easier for him to make now that he realizes that he's gone anyway.

[decidedlyso]

29. Unless, of course, this simply a tactic. Let the protesters recede, get

security more organized, and then forget about conceding. Hopefully, the Egyptians are smarter then that. He needs to go NOW!

[global1]

56. The Protesters Will Not Back Down......

if anything they will dig in more and push more for his departure. I just listened to Mubarek. I'm almost thinking that he knows his decision will incite a more violent reaction. I think that's what he wants. I would say look for the Egyptian military to take control in the next few days and remove him from office. I think it will be a peaceful removal - but I think it will happen in the next few days.

[defendandprotect]

62. Supposedly they are prepared with TENTS and FOOD to do what they've said they'd do....

STAY until Mubarak GOES -- !!

[wisteria]

17. What does it gain them if he goes quickly? n/t

[tekisui]

18. A return to stability. A feeling of victory. A quicker start to transition to democracy.

A lot.

[wisteria]

30. LOL, stability? I don't think so. Who is to lead? Do you think things like this happen overnight.

And, a victory? Maybe, but if they are leaderless, this victory might be shortlived.

[bread_and_roses]

55. The people seem to be doing quite well without a "leader" (n/t)

[defendandprotect]

67. Exactly .... the Egyptians are intelligent and wise people --

[decidedlyso]

32. Closure. Exactly.

[defendandprotect]

64. Also, giving a Dictator 8 months to remain ruling the country wouldn't be too wise!!

[defendandprotect]

69. Also note, Mubarak wants his murderous/torturing VP Suliman to deal with the political groups???!!!!

A guy who also worked to aid the US in torture/rendition programs!!

:puke:

[decidedlyso]

70. The dude is almost a CIA operative.

[decidedlyso]

27. Correct. But you probably already know why the white house

wants to wait until September. Has nothing to do with "peaceful transformation process". lol It has to do with money and power, and "ducks in a row", although not necessarily in that order. We have a major problem on our hands in a whole panorama of subjects.

[defendandprotect]

71. +1 --

[egressingsparrowdrop]

47. Actually, I've seen several protesters say this is an acceptable compromise.

This is the victory they wanted.

Here's one, in the thick of it, passionate and clearly articulate and likely representative of many who will share her attitudes.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x549398
She clearly says a guarantee that Mubarek will be gone in the next election is a good enough compromise.

Going now, or in September...either way he's gone.

[defendandprotect]

72. Nonsense -- they understand that Mubarak would pollute anything that far in future ....

and the Egyptian crowds have made clear they intend to stay until Mubarak

steps down --

TENTS and FOOD for tonight --

[Blue Meany]

2. If he doesn't step down he might not live to seek re-election n/t

[FrenchieCat]

4. So you are advocating Violence? Because I don't think I've heard that

coming from the Egyptians.

[tekisui]

8. They didn't advocate that, but there are many in Egypt who are.

They are saying they want him to hang. If the US doesn't give him the nudge he needs, more violence will be inevitable.
The people are not going to wait until September.

[Blue Meany]

12. Uh. of I said it was likely to snow tommorrow would you say I was

advocating precipitation? In revolutions, leaders are sometimes killed, especially when they don't voluntarily give up power.

[tekisui]

16. Don't worry, she is about to change her position,

to reflect Obama's.

[snagglepuss]

5. Might be what the US wants but it clearly won't satisfy Egyptians. With this

level of mobilization and desire for change, Egyptian, as far as I can tell, won't back down unless the bastard is gone.

[wisteria]

20. Some people seen to be wishing for a void in leadership and a grab for power.

I am hoping and praying we do not end up with Egypt becoming our enemy and the Muslim Brotherhood taking over.

[defendandprotect]

73. The political groups have been standing back and say Egyptians must decide for themselves ...

[egressingsparrowdrop]

48. Where did you get that idea? I've seen several speaking to the camera before this announcement

saying that knowing he will not be in the next election will be a good enough compromise.

[decidedlyso]

53. I haven't seen that at all and am watching the play by play continuously. I

think any protester who agrees with that position is somewhat suspect.

[egressingsparrowdrop]

54. Well, you're not seeing enough of what protesters have said then...

Suspect? Really. You think this girl is "somewhat suspect"?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x549398

She clearly is fine with a guarantee that Mubarek will be gone. When the hell wouldn't they be?

[decidedlyso]

60. What? The girl indicated she would be satisfied with the election of

the next Egyptian President by the people. She made no mention of not having Mubarak step down now. Nice try.

[egressingsparrowdrop]

74. You are flying blind. She said they need a transition period. I've transcribed her words for you....

Interviewer: "Is there a compromise that people would accept...something that Mubarek might do?"

Girl: "The only compromise people would accept is that if there's a guarantee that the next President of Egypt will be chosen by the people"

I: "But you would accept, like, a transition period if he promises that?"

G: "It needs a transition period. There's no way this would happen without a transition period."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtLJpzUp2Z8

That's pretty clear. I know it's not what you want to hear, sorry.

[defendandprotect]

76. El Baradei could be a "transition period" ... and obviously the interviewer is pushing

for the responses he wants to hear and get on the record --

Interesting -- !! Thanks for bringing it to our attention -- !

[egressingsparrowdrop]

84. You saw bias in that interviewer? It was a natural question.

He would have been a bad journalist to have not asked the question. And he didn't seem to be "pushing" her. She was a strong woman, and said what was on her mind.

If a "compromise" was not acceptable to her, she would have said it I suspect.

[defendandprotect]

89. It's not that the question was asked -- it's that the question was pushed ...

and an effort made to get her to say something she obviously wasn't intending

to say --

And, in the end she made clear -- "a transition period" will be in order but she

mentioned nothing to do with Mubarak being involved in that transition!

Obama hs also called specifically for Mubarak to NOT be involved in a transition period.

If a " compromise" was acceptable to her -- she would have siad it, I suspect!

[decidedlyso]

79. A transition period could also mean a the period between Mubarek

leaving now and the next President, chosen by the people taking over. And that transition period could be the appointment of a unitary president to serve for a time, like that guy in Iraq did. You are seeing in this what you want to see--as am I. I don't trust Mubarek at all; you apparently do, or maybe have an agenda. Also, the girl said they were not going to leave if they do not get what they want. I wonder if she's left now that Mubarek has promised not to run again. I'll bet she hasn't--

[egressingsparrowdrop]

86. Sure, she didn't come out and say "keep Mubarek during the transition period"

but she never said he had to go immediately either.

she said a transition period was needed, and USUALLY a transition period means the current system/organization/regime transitions to a new one.

The interviewer asked this exceptional girl if she would accept a transition period if HE (Mubarek) promised he would not run in the election. That further implies that Mubarek would be present during the transition period.

The point is, I suppose, this girl did not say he has to go now, period. Her priority is that an election happens in which Egyptians choose their President.

[decidedlyso]

87. In the interest of clarity: 1: I either don't believe the girl wants

to let Mubarak stay during a transition period. 2. However, if she does, then I think she is dead wrong. We have to agree to disagree here. I think Mubarak has to go now, or there is too much chance of getting his clone with US marching orders in September. Having said this, I feel you have argued your point well and courteously.

[defendandprotect]

90. You're straining to believe in the things she 'DIDN'T' say now ... ??

She also didn't say that the interviewer was pushy?

Does that mean that she thought he was?

:rofl:

[egressingsparrowdrop]

94. huh?

You made no sense there.

I said the interviewer asked the questions I would expect a journalist to ask.

You were the one who feels, in your opinion, that the interviewer was being pushy. I don't know what you expect an interviewer to ask. I guess he shouldn't ask questions about what she believes the protesters want/would settle for.

He should have just said to her "How's it all going? Tell me anything you want, I'll just sit here and hold the mic" I suppose??

:rofl:

Her meaning was clear. Sorry you don't like it, but don't be dishonest about it now. Stick to the "she's just one person....ALL THE REST WANT MUBAREK GONE NOW!" line.

[defendandprotect]

75. Seems to be attempts rising ....

in a kind of CIA way/? to soften what the people want -- and to soften Al Jazeera

coverage/comments? Suddenly, rather soft coverage by Al Jazeera commentators?

Meanwhile, last I heard from the Egyptians was that they planned to stay until

Mubarak left -- and that they had TENTS and FOOD for tonight!

[decidedlyso]

82. The US is putting pressure everywhere and probably has

people stationed as necessary to promote the program. Real insidious. I pray they stay until Mubarak goes. Obama should be outfront on this, but he is not. Does he think the Egyptians will not know that he has put another puppet in place. Do you know any skywriters?

[defendandprotect]

91. Completely agree with you ....

Additionally, my own feelings/fears are that some CIA and CIA Mockingbird influence

is being put in play now --

Hope to hell I'm wrong!

[defendandprotect]

10. Egyptians are staying until Mubarak goes ... TENTS and FOOD ready for tonight ... !!!

They also want a new Constitution -- every one treated equally and without

discrimination -- no discrimination re women -- no discrimination between Muslim

or Christians --

And I'm sure as hell certain they are going to want to end domination by US --

and Israel!!

[dipsydoodle]

38. Al Jazeera explained earlier today

the Egyptians are actually doing the protest in the Square in visible shifts - one bunch leaves as another bunch arrives in a pre arranged orderly fashion.

[defendandprotect]

77. Interesting ... but evidently many are planning to stay the night ... TENTS/FOOD available ...

[earthside]

13. So an envoy from Obama shows up ...

... and then Mubarak makes this weenie 'concession' to not run again for president?

If I were an Egyptian living on $2 a day, I wouldn't be very happy ... this sequence of events would probably make me more angry at the U.S.'s paternalism.

Hosni is going to have to leave soon -- and the sooner Pres. Obama gets on board with the PEOPLE of Egypt, the sooner the U.S. can start to restore its reputation in the country.

[wisteria]

21. If President Mubark goes quickly, will this Egyptian living on 2.00 aday be any better off

than waiting for elections in September? Who speaks for all these people?

[decidedlyso]

36. They will have CLOSURE. This not seven people standing out in front

of a Krogers protesting high food prices. If the protesters back off to allow Mubarak until September, then by September all security will be changed by the new VP, who is basically a CIA link, and Mubarak will say, oh, well, I changed my mind.

[defendandprotect]

78. Would Egyptians be any better off if US hadn't supported this dictatorship for 30 years?

Time for the US to state clearly that Mubarak should go now --

and not give him any further opportunity for ddestruction!

[Delphinus]

14. Well, that's a start ...

but he needs to go NOW.

[wisteria]

22. Why and to make room for whom? n/t

[Fuddnik]

19. Hosni baby, I don't think you're quite getting this.

[wisteria]

23. If he goes quickly, who is to take his place? n/t

[defendandprotect]

80. El Baradei was to be the "interim" representative ... evidently US Ambassador met

with him today -- saying US wanted an orderly transition --

Doubt the Egyptians want anything less! Would you?

[SharonAnn]

46. Yes, interesting, isn't it? He's already toast. Amazing that he doesn't know it.

[Jacobin]

25. I wonder what Machiavelli would advise Mubarak

Devil's advocate thought, or what he might be thinking. Wait them out. There is little or no transportation operating, so no food being brought in. Banks not operating on a regular schedule. Very few people are working so not much money being earned for food. I've read that fuel is almost gone from gas stations.

With no food, 79 million people slowly start starving or begin rioting in anger, violence escalates, reactionary members of the population whose heart is not in this begin to weaken and yearn for food, stability....He then promises not to run in next election...crowds disperse.....he of course will then do an about face and run in the next election and crack down harder on the population, with the behind the scenes support of the west who seek "stability" (i.e. repression) of Egyptians as more palatable than Egyptians taking charge of their own country.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I suppose this is what is going through the dictator's mind.

Its not over yet. I hope he does the right thing and flees the country. I'm with the people of Egypt. But, I worry. He's not concerned with Egypt and its people, only his power.

[wisteria]

34. You may be wrong about his concern for his country. The people enjoyed his time in power for

nearly 30 years. He was not always hated. I think it would be wrong of him to abandon Egypt and flee. Who would lead? The Muslim Brotherhood?

[decidedlyso]

39. What are you talking about? He has been a dictator for 30

years. I wouldn't be surprised if he had something to do with the hit on Sadat.

[decidedlyso]

37. And the suitcases of gold he needs to get out of the country.

[Toon Me Out]

26. doh!

He's smelling the coffee.

[dipsydoodle]

28. Misleading LBN ? There is something wrong here

On UK TV news its actually :

Egypt unrest: US urged Mubarak not to seek re-election
01 February 11 20:30

US President Barack Obama has told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak not to stand for re-election nor to put forward his son, the BBC has learned.

The message was carried by former US Ambassador to Egypt Frank Wisner, and stopped short of asking Mr Mubarak to step down immediately.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-us-canada-12340885

That was at 8.30pm GMT.

Murbarak has yet to speak on the subject.

[GliderGuider]

31. "a senior Obama administration official tells CNN"

Mubarak has been pushed out the window but hasn't agreed to fall just yet.

[dipsydoodle]

35. The sad thing is

that the news the BBC carried in this case makes the US Administration look even worse. They seem determined to bury themselves in the eyes of the Egyptian people with such half baked interference.

[decidedlyso]

42. It is incredible. Do you think Israel is calling the shots?

[dipsydoodle]

44. I've no idea

I just don't know of anyone so determined to bang nails in their own coffin. Maybe Obama only employs idiots to write what he says. :shrug:

[decidedlyso]

49. Someone or something else is calling the shots, like pretty much

everything else. The most logical explanation is the US and Israel need time to get the proper candidate in place, so that major change won't take place in Israel's and our cosmetic copasetic relationships with Egypt.

[GliderGuider]

58. I don't know, my take is a little different

I think that both Israel and the US were caught flat-footed by a situation that blew up virtually overnight, one that has no good solution - at least from the US perspective.

Realpolitik says to keep the lid on at all costs and replace Mubarak with a picked successor. The people won't sit still for that, they already rejected Suleiman. There is no obvious successor on the opposition side who is acceptable to the West except maybe for elBaradei. Suggesting that the regime screw the lid back down with force would do unacceptable damage to the America international illusion of being supporters of democracy. The Israelis wouldn't give two shits about the use of force, Bibi has already said as much.

From the American point of view the best alternative (and one that's probably acceptable to the Israelis as well) is for Mubarak to stay until the next election. that would give time for political maneuvering to bring an acceptable candidate to the fore. This may not be (will not be, should not be) acceptable to the Egyptians who are the ones who actually count in all this.

The US has no good options here. I hope realpolitik takes a real shit-kicking in all this.

[decidedlyso]

63. I don' think our takes are that much different. I absolutely do not

think the Egyptians should allow Mubarak to stay on until September no matter what the Americans or the Israelis want.

[GliderGuider]

66. No argument from me on that score. He has to go, now. nt

[skip fox]

33. the link

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/01/egypt.protests/index.html?hpt=T1

[dipsydoodle]

41. CNN are guessing.

.

[skip fox]

50. Then listen to Mubarek's speech:

http://www.cnn.com/

[dipsydoodle]

83. That was an hour later

was there something you couldn't quite grasp about "guessing" or just pre-empting.

Your Huffington link post dates Mubarak's speech.

[skip fox]

52. Or try Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

[bikebloke]

40. Didn't he already say that a few days ago?

[fascisthunter]

45. hahahahha... what an arrogant piece of dung...Mubarak, you are DONE!

get it through that narcissistic sick head of yours.

[defendandprotect]

81. Al Jazeera seems to be have one or two reporters trying to FRIGHTEN the crowd....

Remember this is now being show in the square!!

Since the speech keeps asking people -- pushing people -- to reflect on and suggest

that the people are changing their minds -- that it would be OK for Mubarak to stay

for 8 more months! Odd, imo.

Never have I heard him ask if Mubarak is hearing the reaction to his speech --

"LEAVE, LEAVE, LEAVE" -- and is changing his mind!

[Dappleganger]

51. He is indignant.

Blames the protests on the people being used by political powers.

FUCK him. He needs to stand down now.

[Scottybeamer70]

59. February until September

I'm thinkin' that's going to just infuriate the people even more.
What part of NOW does he not get? Of course it does give enough
time for the US and Israel to get a new puppet in place. I mean,
this one lasted 30 years.....what's not to like? grrrrrrrrrrrr

[decidedlyso]

68. I hope the Egyptians know what the US is trying to do.

[defendandprotect]

93. I'd guess they probably know better than we do -- Americans, that is...!!

[dipsydoodle]

85. I be surprised if he makes past this coming Friday.

The past week has taught Egyptians the way in which foreign interference affects them. I doubt they'll forgive easily.

[decidedlyso]

88. I hope you are right. This doesn't just affect Egypt.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

92. No shit!

:think: