Arab allies of US skittish in wake of Egypt unrest

[pampango]

For other US-backed Arab states, events in Egypt events seen as "tragic"

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/egypt/110131/egypts-wake-arab-leaders-fear-new-world-order

There is little doubt about how Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz views the historic developments unfolding in Egypt. The monarch, who is in Morocco recuperating from back surgery, called Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to express his support on Saturday. And then, speaking to U.S. President Barack Obama on the phone, he declared that there could be “no compromise” on Egypt’s stability and security, the official Saudi news agency reported.

But now, the potential for a recasting of Egyptian domestic politics toward a more democratic and popularly-based government, raises the possibility of a change in Cairo’s role as a fervent standard-bearer for U.S. policies in the region.

“These regimes are aware that they serve U.S. and Israeli interests more than they serve the interests of their own people. This is why the regimes are frightened,” Braizat added. “They have not recognized that they have failed to deliver jobs, and opportunities and above all political freedom.”

Several analysts, however, said they do not foresee a major shift in Egypt’s foreign policy no matter how the current crisis is resolved, and no matter who ends up ruling the country — for one simple reason: The Egyptian military is, and will remain, the ultimate power in Egypt. “And the military is clearly Washington-friendly,” said Saudi columnist Hussein Shobokshi. “You have to differentiate between the regime and the president,” he added. “The military has a lot of say and a lot of control … they would sacrifice the president to preserve the regime.”