As anti-Israeli sentiment cools off in Jordan, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is reportedly considering an upgrade in Palestinian recognition if the Palestinian Authority backs off a plan to seek statehood at the United Nations.
Netanyahu expressed his willingness to accept a plan that would upgrade Palestinian status during talks the past few days with the European Union's foreign policy director Catherine Ashton, according to a report today in Haaretz.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has a been discussing a new comprehensive roadmap to negotiations and statehood with European and American officials that would avoid a unilateral declaration of statehood at the UN, according to the London based Arabic daily Al Hayat.
The plan calls for the PA and Israel to resume negotiations for a minimum of six months, followed by a halt to hostilities and the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Netanyahu will address the UN General Assembly next Friday, the same day the Palestinians will make their pitch for statehood.
In a sign of a return towards normalcy, Israel's Ambassador Daniel Nevo returned to Amman today a day after a so-called million-man march fizzled into a protest of several hundred anti-Israeli demonstrators.
All but one member of the diplomatic staff was evacuated Wednesday from the Israeli embassy in Amman amid fears of a violent protest similar to the mob over the weekend that ransacked the Israeli mission in Cairo.
Jordanian police protected the Isreali embassy as the protesters app arched, demanding that Jordan scrap its historic peace treaty with Israel.
Agitators sought to take their cue from the protesters in Cairo, using the fiery remarks by Major Gen. Uzi Dayan to provoke demonstrations in Jordan. Dayan called for Jordan to invade and take over the West Bank and Gaza to keep the Palestinians from declaring statehood at the UN.
Dayan's idea was met with disdain from the government in Amman.
Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Israel Clears Out Embassy in Jordan Fearing Repeat of Egypt
The Israeli government is taking no chances of a repeat of the weekend ransacking of its embassy in Cairo, pulling back its ambassador and most staff from its diplomatic mission in Jordan ahead a planned million-man march in support of the United Nations recogreposed proposed Palestinian statehood.
Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Daniel Nevo and his staff left its complex in Amman in a convoy overnight. The diplomats hope to return Sunday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. Nevo and his staff routinely return to Israel for the sabbath.
The anti-Israeli sentiment in Egypt and Jordan is particularly troubling because they are the only Arab counties that have peace treaties with Israel.
President Obama had to intervene diplomatically on behalf of Israel to save the lives of trapped security personal in the Israeli embassy in Cairo.
Now the U.S. embassy in Jordan is also under increased protection by Jordanian police after Wikileaks diplomatic cables suggested a secret plan to turn Jordan into a homeland for Palestinians. There was a small protest outside the U.S. embassy in Amman yesterday in which demonstrators burned the American flag and demanded that the American diplomats be expelled from Jordan.
The region is swiftly becoming a powder keg amid the Palestinian Authority's plan to seek statehood at the UN.
The U.S. has vowed to veto any move for statehood on the UN Security Council and is lobbying other countries to do also oppose the move. Israel, however, increasingly becoming isolated and faces widespread support globally for Palestinian statehood.
Nonetheless, the U.S. is still hoping the statehood issue is abandoned, fearing a veto could trigger even more anti-American demonstrations in the Muslim world.
"We continue to see any kind of effort by the Palestinians in New York as counterproductive and not in the interest of achieving a two-state solution, which is our goal," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
"Our argument conveyed to countries around the world is that this is a counterproductive measure by the Palestinians, and because of that, it doesn’t get anybody any closer to a comprehensive peace settlement, and that’s why we’ve got to remain focused on getting them back to the negotiating table," Toner added.
The world's leading Islamic democracy, Turkey, which has diplomatic and trade relations with Tel Aviv, is also ripped at the Israeli government for failing to apologize for its soldiers killing nine Turkish civilians on a ship that was part of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza last year.
A UN-appointed panel found the Israeli commandos faced "organized and violent resistance from a group of passengers," but was still heavy handed in its response that led to the massacre on aboard the ship. "It seems to us to have been too heavy a response too quickly. It was an excessive reaction to the situation," the panel's report stated.
An internal Israeli probe cleared its military of any wrongdoing.
Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Daniel Nevo and his staff left its complex in Amman in a convoy overnight. The diplomats hope to return Sunday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. Nevo and his staff routinely return to Israel for the sabbath.
The anti-Israeli sentiment in Egypt and Jordan is particularly troubling because they are the only Arab counties that have peace treaties with Israel.
President Obama had to intervene diplomatically on behalf of Israel to save the lives of trapped security personal in the Israeli embassy in Cairo.
Now the U.S. embassy in Jordan is also under increased protection by Jordanian police after Wikileaks diplomatic cables suggested a secret plan to turn Jordan into a homeland for Palestinians. There was a small protest outside the U.S. embassy in Amman yesterday in which demonstrators burned the American flag and demanded that the American diplomats be expelled from Jordan.
The region is swiftly becoming a powder keg amid the Palestinian Authority's plan to seek statehood at the UN.
The U.S. has vowed to veto any move for statehood on the UN Security Council and is lobbying other countries to do also oppose the move. Israel, however, increasingly becoming isolated and faces widespread support globally for Palestinian statehood.
Nonetheless, the U.S. is still hoping the statehood issue is abandoned, fearing a veto could trigger even more anti-American demonstrations in the Muslim world.
"We continue to see any kind of effort by the Palestinians in New York as counterproductive and not in the interest of achieving a two-state solution, which is our goal," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
"Our argument conveyed to countries around the world is that this is a counterproductive measure by the Palestinians, and because of that, it doesn’t get anybody any closer to a comprehensive peace settlement, and that’s why we’ve got to remain focused on getting them back to the negotiating table," Toner added.
The world's leading Islamic democracy, Turkey, which has diplomatic and trade relations with Tel Aviv, is also ripped at the Israeli government for failing to apologize for its soldiers killing nine Turkish civilians on a ship that was part of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza last year.
A UN-appointed panel found the Israeli commandos faced "organized and violent resistance from a group of passengers," but was still heavy handed in its response that led to the massacre on aboard the ship. "It seems to us to have been too heavy a response too quickly. It was an excessive reaction to the situation," the panel's report stated.
An internal Israeli probe cleared its military of any wrongdoing.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Panetta Played Key Role in Saving Israeli Lives In Egypt
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was the Obama administration's point man who successfully pressed Egypt's interim military government to rescue six trapped guards at the Israeli embassy in Cairo, the Israeli government disclosed.
When Israeli government officials failed to get the Egyptians to take action, it was Panetta who stepped in and took action, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry.
Panetta telephoned Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Chairman Gen. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, warning him to get the Israelis out safely or face recriminations from a nation that bankrolls and invests in Egypt.
"There's no time to waste," Panetta told Tantawi, warning that if the Israelis did not get of the embassy safely it "would have very severe consequences," according to Haaretz.
Egyptian commandos went into the embassy a short time later and safely rescued the Israelis.
President Obama himself became engaged shortly after the violence broke out Friday, calling on Egypt to take steps to curb the threat to the Israel's sovereign embassy property. Obama spoke to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
The demonstration at the Israeli embassy that turned violent and destructive is seen by many of the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring as a threat to democratic reforms because it represents a dangerous diversion from the need to move forward with elections and institution-building.
"There are (Egyptian) objectors, who are appealing not against policy, but against Israel," Netanyahu said.
For his part, Netanyahu worked the phones, speaking with Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Murad Muwafi, after failing to get in touch with Tantawi.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, meanwhile, was in contact with Panetta and Dennis Ross, Middle East adviser on the White House National Security Council.
Barak had asked Panetta and Ross to push the Egyptian military "to protect the embassy from the demonstrators who broke into it," according to a statement from Barak's office.
The Israelis believe it is essential for the Cairo embassy to re-open quiuckly and stand as the symbol of Arab-Israeli relations.
"The Middle East is undergoing a historical earthquake and we have to operate calmly, responsibly," Netanyahu said today.
"Israel will continue to adhere to the peace treaty with Egypt. We are working together with the Egyptian government to quickly return our ambassador to Cairo," Netanyahu added.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke this weekend with her Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, as she and other U.S. officials maintain constant contact with their Egyptian and Israeli counterparts, the State Department said.
"She welcomed the statements made by both Egyptian and Israeli officials that both remain committed to the peace between the two nations, and reiterated her view that Egyptian-Israeli peace is a cornerstone to regional stability," a State Department statement said.
"Additionally, Secretary Clinton offered her condolences to the loved ones of an Egyptian solider who passed away Friday night from wounds he sustained during last month’s violence in Sinai," the statement added.
When Israeli government officials failed to get the Egyptians to take action, it was Panetta who stepped in and took action, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry.
Panetta telephoned Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Chairman Gen. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, warning him to get the Israelis out safely or face recriminations from a nation that bankrolls and invests in Egypt.
"There's no time to waste," Panetta told Tantawi, warning that if the Israelis did not get of the embassy safely it "would have very severe consequences," according to Haaretz.
Egyptian commandos went into the embassy a short time later and safely rescued the Israelis.
President Obama himself became engaged shortly after the violence broke out Friday, calling on Egypt to take steps to curb the threat to the Israel's sovereign embassy property. Obama spoke to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
The demonstration at the Israeli embassy that turned violent and destructive is seen by many of the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring as a threat to democratic reforms because it represents a dangerous diversion from the need to move forward with elections and institution-building.
"There are (Egyptian) objectors, who are appealing not against policy, but against Israel," Netanyahu said.
For his part, Netanyahu worked the phones, speaking with Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Murad Muwafi, after failing to get in touch with Tantawi.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, meanwhile, was in contact with Panetta and Dennis Ross, Middle East adviser on the White House National Security Council.
Barak had asked Panetta and Ross to push the Egyptian military "to protect the embassy from the demonstrators who broke into it," according to a statement from Barak's office.
The Israelis believe it is essential for the Cairo embassy to re-open quiuckly and stand as the symbol of Arab-Israeli relations.
"The Middle East is undergoing a historical earthquake and we have to operate calmly, responsibly," Netanyahu said today.
"Israel will continue to adhere to the peace treaty with Egypt. We are working together with the Egyptian government to quickly return our ambassador to Cairo," Netanyahu added.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke this weekend with her Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, as she and other U.S. officials maintain constant contact with their Egyptian and Israeli counterparts, the State Department said.
"She welcomed the statements made by both Egyptian and Israeli officials that both remain committed to the peace between the two nations, and reiterated her view that Egyptian-Israeli peace is a cornerstone to regional stability," a State Department statement said.
"Additionally, Secretary Clinton offered her condolences to the loved ones of an Egyptian solider who passed away Friday night from wounds he sustained during last month’s violence in Sinai," the statement added.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Egypt's Pro-Democracy Protagonists Reject Move to Overrun Israeli Embassy
Some of the leading protagonists of the Arab Spring pro-democracy revolution took to Twitter overnight to denounce an Egyptian mob ransacking the Israeli embassy in Cairo.
Mahmoud Salam, Amr ElGabry and Gigi Ibrahim, among others, all questioned the mob's decision to storm into the Israeli mission, forcing out staff and ransacking the building.
"Those breaking into Israel Embassy do not represent me, they represent stupidity... and others,” Tweeted the Pan-Arab progressive intellectual @AmrElGabry.
The outspoken and widely followed Salam, better known by his @Sandmonkey handle, fired back when he came under fire for criticizing the mob action.
"Oh, so if u don't agree with attacking the Israeli embassy, u r a soft zionist sympathizer now? Lovely! Go (expletive deleted) yourselves," Salam shot back with his @Sandmonkey Twitter account.
"The deeper we get into the revolution the more apparent it becomes who believes in the revolution & who is simply riding the wave,” lamented Ibrahim, who goes by handle @Gsquare86.
"Result: while anti-Israel Egyptians may feel good, the country looks bad internationally. Stronger response early cld have defused things,” added the anonymous @arabist.
The BBC's Jerusalem correspondent Paul Danahar suggested Israel needs to do its part by behaving like a better neighbor, given the new reality in the Middle East.
"Embassy attack by protestors shows Israel must change way engages with neighbors post Arab spring cos now arab street has voice & muscle,” he Tweeted in his @pdanahar account.
Mahmoud Salam, Amr ElGabry and Gigi Ibrahim, among others, all questioned the mob's decision to storm into the Israeli mission, forcing out staff and ransacking the building.
"Those breaking into Israel Embassy do not represent me, they represent stupidity... and others,” Tweeted the Pan-Arab progressive intellectual @AmrElGabry.
The outspoken and widely followed Salam, better known by his @Sandmonkey handle, fired back when he came under fire for criticizing the mob action.
"Oh, so if u don't agree with attacking the Israeli embassy, u r a soft zionist sympathizer now? Lovely! Go (expletive deleted) yourselves," Salam shot back with his @Sandmonkey Twitter account.
"The deeper we get into the revolution the more apparent it becomes who believes in the revolution & who is simply riding the wave,” lamented Ibrahim, who goes by handle @Gsquare86.
"Result: while anti-Israel Egyptians may feel good, the country looks bad internationally. Stronger response early cld have defused things,” added the anonymous @arabist.
The BBC's Jerusalem correspondent Paul Danahar suggested Israel needs to do its part by behaving like a better neighbor, given the new reality in the Middle East.
"Embassy attack by protestors shows Israel must change way engages with neighbors post Arab spring cos now arab street has voice & muscle,” he Tweeted in his @pdanahar account.
At U.S. Urging, Egyptian Commandos Free Trapped Israelis at Embassy
Egyptian commandos freed six Israeli security guards stranded at their mob-occupied embassy in Cairo overnight in a gutsy image-saving raid that drew applause from a grateful Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
The trapped embassy guards were in a super-secure room at the mission that the mob could not break down, and Israeli officials watched the commando mission in a war room in Jerusalem as it unfolded, according to an inside source cited by YNetNews.
The stranded Israelis were whisked off to the Cairo airport, where they boarded an Israeli military plane.
"The mob attack on the Israeli embassy in Egypt is a serious incident, but could have been worse had the rioters managed to get through the last door and hurt our people," Netanyahu said.
The Obama administration quietly but firmly pressed the interim military government in Egypt to take action to ensure every Israeli was able to flee the embassy safely.
"I'm glad we managed to prevent a disaster and would like to thank U.S. President Obama for his help. I would also like to congratulate all the intelligence officials who helped in the rescue for their excellent work," Netanyahu said.
"The fact that the Egyptian authorities acted with determination and rescued our people should be noted and we extend them our thanks," Netanyahu added. "However, Egypt must not ignore the severe injury to the fabric of peace with Israel and such a blatant violation of international norms. We will hold consultations later on."
The Israeli ambassador to Egypt, his family and 80 staff earlier safely returned to Israel after about 30 angry protesters breached a cement wall with sledge hammers and stormed the Israeli embassy.
Israeli ambassador Yitzhak Levanon and his entourage left Cairo for Israel early this morning on a military aircraft, Haaretz reported.
The mob managed to get into part of the Israeli embassy, where they dumped hundreds of documents and an Israeli flag out of the windows of the building.
The protesters set fire to two police vehicles outside the embassy and clashed with authorities who were unable to stop the ransacking of the embassy.
Yaakov Dvir, Israel's consul for state affairs and deputy ambassador, will remain in Egypt to maintain an Israeli presence, Reuters reported.
The trapped embassy guards were in a super-secure room at the mission that the mob could not break down, and Israeli officials watched the commando mission in a war room in Jerusalem as it unfolded, according to an inside source cited by YNetNews.
The stranded Israelis were whisked off to the Cairo airport, where they boarded an Israeli military plane.
"The mob attack on the Israeli embassy in Egypt is a serious incident, but could have been worse had the rioters managed to get through the last door and hurt our people," Netanyahu said.
The Obama administration quietly but firmly pressed the interim military government in Egypt to take action to ensure every Israeli was able to flee the embassy safely.
"I'm glad we managed to prevent a disaster and would like to thank U.S. President Obama for his help. I would also like to congratulate all the intelligence officials who helped in the rescue for their excellent work," Netanyahu said.
"The fact that the Egyptian authorities acted with determination and rescued our people should be noted and we extend them our thanks," Netanyahu added. "However, Egypt must not ignore the severe injury to the fabric of peace with Israel and such a blatant violation of international norms. We will hold consultations later on."
The Israeli ambassador to Egypt, his family and 80 staff earlier safely returned to Israel after about 30 angry protesters breached a cement wall with sledge hammers and stormed the Israeli embassy.
Israeli ambassador Yitzhak Levanon and his entourage left Cairo for Israel early this morning on a military aircraft, Haaretz reported.
The mob managed to get into part of the Israeli embassy, where they dumped hundreds of documents and an Israeli flag out of the windows of the building.
The protesters set fire to two police vehicles outside the embassy and clashed with authorities who were unable to stop the ransacking of the embassy.
Yaakov Dvir, Israel's consul for state affairs and deputy ambassador, will remain in Egypt to maintain an Israeli presence, Reuters reported.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Egyptian Mob Storm and Loot Israeli Embassy
Angry Egyptian demonstrators ransacked the Israeli embassy in Cairo, looting anything they could grab including files and torching Cairo police cars that were sent there to protect the building, CNN reported.
Israeli diplomats had long cleared out, fearing such an attack after Israeli Defense Forces killed five Eqyptian soldiers last month when Sinai gunmen launched an attack on Isreali settlers.
President Obama spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu today expressing his "great concern about the situation at the Embassy, and the security of the Israelis serving there," a White House statement said.
"(Obama) reviewed the steps that the U.S. is taking at all levels to help resolve the situation without further violence, and to call on the Government of Egypt to honor its international obligations to safeguard the security of the Israeli Embassy," the statement said.
In the West Bank, Jewish hardliners this week attacked mosques in two separate Palestinian villages. The Israeli and U.S. governments condemned those attacks as provocative incidents meant to trigger more violence in that powder-keg of a region.
The U.S also called on Turkish and Israeli officials to tone down the fiery rhetoric between those two erstwhile allies over a humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza. Turkey expelled Israel's ambassador and vowed to send Turkish warships along with the next flotilla to protect the humanitarian mission.
Israel and Turkey have long been silent partners, but that relationship has deteriorated since Israeli commandos last year boarded a Turkish ship carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, killing nine civilian passengers.
Netanyahu has refused to apologize for the massacre on the Turkish ship.
Israeli diplomats had long cleared out, fearing such an attack after Israeli Defense Forces killed five Eqyptian soldiers last month when Sinai gunmen launched an attack on Isreali settlers.
President Obama spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu today expressing his "great concern about the situation at the Embassy, and the security of the Israelis serving there," a White House statement said.
"(Obama) reviewed the steps that the U.S. is taking at all levels to help resolve the situation without further violence, and to call on the Government of Egypt to honor its international obligations to safeguard the security of the Israeli Embassy," the statement said.
In the West Bank, Jewish hardliners this week attacked mosques in two separate Palestinian villages. The Israeli and U.S. governments condemned those attacks as provocative incidents meant to trigger more violence in that powder-keg of a region.
The U.S also called on Turkish and Israeli officials to tone down the fiery rhetoric between those two erstwhile allies over a humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza. Turkey expelled Israel's ambassador and vowed to send Turkish warships along with the next flotilla to protect the humanitarian mission.
Israel and Turkey have long been silent partners, but that relationship has deteriorated since Israeli commandos last year boarded a Turkish ship carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, killing nine civilian passengers.
Netanyahu has refused to apologize for the massacre on the Turkish ship.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Brawl Breaks Out In Courtroom At Mubarak Trial in Cairo
Call it frustration, anger, resentment or fear. The emerging democracy in Egypt has it all.
Fights reportedly broke out yesterday in the courtroom and in the streets of Cairo during the third appearance of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, who is on trial for allegedly ordering secret police to fire on unarmed pro-democracy protesters during Egypt's Arab Spring revolution.
Defense lawyers clashed inside the courtroom with detractors of the defrocked Egyptian leader. Police had to break up the brawl, according to multiple reports.
During a moment of order, the first witness testified that Mubarak did not order the killing of protesters at Tahrir Square.
So far there is no video of the brawl. Judges banned cameras from the courtroom to protect the identity of witnesses at the trial.
Outside the courthouse pro- and anti-Mubarak demonstrators mixed it up, as well.
Clearly democracy demands patience.
Fights reportedly broke out yesterday in the courtroom and in the streets of Cairo during the third appearance of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, who is on trial for allegedly ordering secret police to fire on unarmed pro-democracy protesters during Egypt's Arab Spring revolution.
Defense lawyers clashed inside the courtroom with detractors of the defrocked Egyptian leader. Police had to break up the brawl, according to multiple reports.
During a moment of order, the first witness testified that Mubarak did not order the killing of protesters at Tahrir Square.
So far there is no video of the brawl. Judges banned cameras from the courtroom to protect the identity of witnesses at the trial.
Outside the courthouse pro- and anti-Mubarak demonstrators mixed it up, as well.
Clearly democracy demands patience.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Bedridden Mubarak Stands Public Trial
The Arab Spring moved to a Cairo courtroom overnight where deposed dictator Hosni Mubarak was wheeled in on a hospital bed into a cage with two of his sons to stand trial on charges of killing pro-democracy protesters and widespread corruption.
If convicted, the ailing ex-leader could get the death penalty for allegedly ordering the death of more than 800 demonstrations during the uprising earlier this year. Mubarak's sons Alaa and Gamal, and former Interior Minister Habib el-Adli, joined the ex-leader in the cage.
Prone in his bed, Mubarak pleaded not guilty.
The sometimes difficult-to-follow court procedings that aired on Egyptian state tv came as hundreds of protesters clashed outside the police headquarters where the trial is being conducted.
Mubarek, 83, is suffering from a heart condition, but it did not keep the provisional military government from putting him on trial in front of the whole country and world. The generals wanted to the country to see they are conductiung the promised trial, hoping the public display would demonstrate that the promised transition in Egypt is underway.
If convicted, the ailing ex-leader could get the death penalty for allegedly ordering the death of more than 800 demonstrations during the uprising earlier this year. Mubarak's sons Alaa and Gamal, and former Interior Minister Habib el-Adli, joined the ex-leader in the cage.
Prone in his bed, Mubarak pleaded not guilty.
The sometimes difficult-to-follow court procedings that aired on Egyptian state tv came as hundreds of protesters clashed outside the police headquarters where the trial is being conducted.
Mubarek, 83, is suffering from a heart condition, but it did not keep the provisional military government from putting him on trial in front of the whole country and world. The generals wanted to the country to see they are conductiung the promised trial, hoping the public display would demonstrate that the promised transition in Egypt is underway.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pawlenty Goes Chicken Hawk Two Weeks After Being Chicken
GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty accused President Obama of failing in his words, "to carry out an effective and coherent strategy in response" to the uprisings in the Middle East and Northern Africa, known as the "Arab Spring."
Apparently seeking to carry the neocon mantle in the Republican field, Pawlenty accused the President of treating Israel "as a problem, rather than as an ally."
The attacks on the Obama administration's foreign policy came during an address today before the Council on Foreign Relations.
It was tough talk for the former Minnesota governor, who just two weeks ago in the first New Hampshire GOP presidential debate embraced an isolationist foreign policy position, calling for fewer interventions abroad. What a difference a couple of weeks makes.
Pawlenty also refused to mix it up with Mitt Romney over what he had called "ObamaneyCare" -- a too-cute attack that sought to link the health care reforms implemented in Massachusetts by then-Gov. Romney and last year by Obama.
Obama admittedly was late to siding with the revolutionaries in Egypt and Libya, but he has more than made up with his commitment to doing all he can to prop up the pro-democracy freedom movement.
The President, meanwhile, is in Iowa today discussing incentives for creating new manufacturing jobs, the Holy Grail of the U.S. economy. He is at an ALCOA plant in eastern Iowa that makes components for jumbo jets.
And the President isn't the only big-name politician in the state. Maybe wouild-be GOP presidential candidate Sarah Palin is there too Palin, about 150 miles from Obama, to attend the premiere of "The Undefeated," a sappy documentary about her time as governor of Alaska and her ascent to the GOP's vice presidential nominee in 2008.
Apparently seeking to carry the neocon mantle in the Republican field, Pawlenty accused the President of treating Israel "as a problem, rather than as an ally."
The attacks on the Obama administration's foreign policy came during an address today before the Council on Foreign Relations.
It was tough talk for the former Minnesota governor, who just two weeks ago in the first New Hampshire GOP presidential debate embraced an isolationist foreign policy position, calling for fewer interventions abroad. What a difference a couple of weeks makes.
Pawlenty also refused to mix it up with Mitt Romney over what he had called "ObamaneyCare" -- a too-cute attack that sought to link the health care reforms implemented in Massachusetts by then-Gov. Romney and last year by Obama.
Obama admittedly was late to siding with the revolutionaries in Egypt and Libya, but he has more than made up with his commitment to doing all he can to prop up the pro-democracy freedom movement.
The President, meanwhile, is in Iowa today discussing incentives for creating new manufacturing jobs, the Holy Grail of the U.S. economy. He is at an ALCOA plant in eastern Iowa that makes components for jumbo jets.
And the President isn't the only big-name politician in the state. Maybe wouild-be GOP presidential candidate Sarah Palin is there too Palin, about 150 miles from Obama, to attend the premiere of "The Undefeated," a sappy documentary about her time as governor of Alaska and her ascent to the GOP's vice presidential nominee in 2008.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Israeli Diplomacy and The Arab Spring: It's Complicated
In recent days there has been some crucial behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the Israeli government and the emerging leaders of Egypt as well as an envoy carrying a message on behalf of the revolutionaries bent on overturning Moammar Gadhafi in Libya.
The missions are important to providing some much-needed confidence to Israelis who feel threatened by the uncertainty of the Pan-Arab freedom movement, known as The Arab Spring.
There are still fears in Israel that the pro-democracy revolutions will be hijacked by Islamic extremists, leaving the Jewish State to face more Iranian-style governments run by religious radicals.
At the forefront of the flurry of diplomatic flurry, the Israeli Defense Ministry's political-security section representative Amos Gilad traveled yesterday to Cairo to negotiate the release of Hamas prisoners in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who is being held by Hamas.
Shalit's release could reportedly come as early as today, though the Israeli government and Hamas is playing down the trade and its timing.
Gilad was also re-assured by senior Egyptian officials that the security measures being taken by Egypt at the newly re-opened Rafah border crossing are strict and effective. The New York Times reports that Palestinians are indeed finding it difficult to cross from Gaza to Egypt at Rafah.
On another front, the U.S. is pressing Egypt to start allowing natural gas to flow through a pipeline that serves Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The pipeline was damaged during the Egyptian revolution, but was repaired two weeks ago and stands idle.
"It would help rebuild confidence if the gas flows soon," a U.S. source who lobbies on behalf Israel said a short while ago.
Turning to Libya, French writer Bernard Henri Levy told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 90-minute meeting in Jerusalem today that the rebel Transitional National Council intends to open diplomatic ties with Israel.
"The main point was that the future Libyan regime would be moderate and anti-terrorist and will be concerned with justice for the Palestinians and security for Israel," Levy told Agence French Presse. "The future regime will maintain normal relations with other democratic countries, including Israel."
The missions are important to providing some much-needed confidence to Israelis who feel threatened by the uncertainty of the Pan-Arab freedom movement, known as The Arab Spring.
There are still fears in Israel that the pro-democracy revolutions will be hijacked by Islamic extremists, leaving the Jewish State to face more Iranian-style governments run by religious radicals.
At the forefront of the flurry of diplomatic flurry, the Israeli Defense Ministry's political-security section representative Amos Gilad traveled yesterday to Cairo to negotiate the release of Hamas prisoners in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who is being held by Hamas.
Shalit's release could reportedly come as early as today, though the Israeli government and Hamas is playing down the trade and its timing.
Gilad was also re-assured by senior Egyptian officials that the security measures being taken by Egypt at the newly re-opened Rafah border crossing are strict and effective. The New York Times reports that Palestinians are indeed finding it difficult to cross from Gaza to Egypt at Rafah.
On another front, the U.S. is pressing Egypt to start allowing natural gas to flow through a pipeline that serves Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The pipeline was damaged during the Egyptian revolution, but was repaired two weeks ago and stands idle.
"It would help rebuild confidence if the gas flows soon," a U.S. source who lobbies on behalf Israel said a short while ago.
Turning to Libya, French writer Bernard Henri Levy told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 90-minute meeting in Jerusalem today that the rebel Transitional National Council intends to open diplomatic ties with Israel.
"The main point was that the future Libyan regime would be moderate and anti-terrorist and will be concerned with justice for the Palestinians and security for Israel," Levy told Agence French Presse. "The future regime will maintain normal relations with other democratic countries, including Israel."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Egyptian Military Remains Loyal to the Revolution
Egyptian activists are very optimistic today that the house arrest of Hosni Mubarak and his sons Alaa and Gamal is a sign that the military government has not abandoned the will of the people who have peacefully moved Egypt towards democratic reform.
"Good Bright Morning," Tweeted Egyptian Medhat Etman. "Hope it's not a day dream Mubarak's family interrogated... Now look to Egypts future. Stop talking and start working.”
It looked grim for the Egyptian pro-democracy movement at the end of last week, when hundreds of soldiers stormed demonstrators gathered in historic Tahrir Square to call for the prosecution of the deposed Mubarak on corruption charges.
Frustrated that Mubarak and his family were living comfortably in Sharm-el-Sheikh, protesters in Tahrir also demanded the resignation of military leader, Field Marshal Mohamad Hussein Tantawi.
"Tantawi is Mubarak and Mubarak is Tantawi," the protesters chanted.
Tantawi apparently heard them, but not before at least open protester was killed by the security forces at Tahrir over the weekend, while dozens of others were beaten with batons.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces let the protesters know Mubarak's arrest was in response to their demands, especially amid rumors that he had fled the country.
"Out of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces belief in the importance of maintaining communication with the Egyptian people and the youth of the revolution, we stress news of the departure of former president Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia is not true, as he is under house arrest along with his family," the military leaders said in a statement.
"Good Bright Morning," Tweeted Egyptian Medhat Etman. "Hope it's not a day dream Mubarak's family interrogated... Now look to Egypts future. Stop talking and start working.”
It looked grim for the Egyptian pro-democracy movement at the end of last week, when hundreds of soldiers stormed demonstrators gathered in historic Tahrir Square to call for the prosecution of the deposed Mubarak on corruption charges.
Frustrated that Mubarak and his family were living comfortably in Sharm-el-Sheikh, protesters in Tahrir also demanded the resignation of military leader, Field Marshal Mohamad Hussein Tantawi.
"Tantawi is Mubarak and Mubarak is Tantawi," the protesters chanted.
Tantawi apparently heard them, but not before at least open protester was killed by the security forces at Tahrir over the weekend, while dozens of others were beaten with batons.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces let the protesters know Mubarak's arrest was in response to their demands, especially amid rumors that he had fled the country.
"Out of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces belief in the importance of maintaining communication with the Egyptian people and the youth of the revolution, we stress news of the departure of former president Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia is not true, as he is under house arrest along with his family," the military leaders said in a statement.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Syrian Protesters Massacred; Egyptian Demonstrators Beaten
It was not a good day for freedom-seeking Arabs.
Conditions continue to deteriorate in Syria for pro-democracy demonstrators who faced a government bent on using deadly force today to silence the opposition. Relations between Egyptian protesters and the military leadership also turned violent today.
In the southern Syrian city of Daraa, where protesters first took to the streets threee weeks ago, security forces shot and killed at least 22 people and wounded hundreds more. Four others were killed in the western city of Hims, The Los Angeles Times reported.
"More than 10 people have been martyred so far. The security forces attacked Al-Omari mosque and Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abbasid mosque in that station area," an eyewitness told Australian radio. "They first dispersed the demonstrators using an internationally prohibited gas. It was not tear gas. They used an internationally prohibited gas in these attacks. The security forces fired live ammunition at the people to disperse them."
The U.S. condemned the violence in Syria and called on the government of Bashar al-Assad to end the crackdown. Pro-democracy protesters hnave not been appeased by Assad's token reforms.
In Egypt, dozens of demonstrators were beaten with batons in Tahrir Square when security forces moved in on the largest protest since Hosni Mubarak was toppled.
The Egyptian people have become frustrated with the heavy-handedness of the formerly sympathetic military government, The New York Times reports. Many Engyptians also want Mubarak to be charged with crimes against his people.
"This means that the army is getting into a direct confrontation with the people, over Mubarak of all people. This could break the country,” Tweeted activist Mahmoud Salem, who is better known by his Twitter handle, @Sandmonkey.
Conditions continue to deteriorate in Syria for pro-democracy demonstrators who faced a government bent on using deadly force today to silence the opposition. Relations between Egyptian protesters and the military leadership also turned violent today.
In the southern Syrian city of Daraa, where protesters first took to the streets threee weeks ago, security forces shot and killed at least 22 people and wounded hundreds more. Four others were killed in the western city of Hims, The Los Angeles Times reported.
"More than 10 people have been martyred so far. The security forces attacked Al-Omari mosque and Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abbasid mosque in that station area," an eyewitness told Australian radio. "They first dispersed the demonstrators using an internationally prohibited gas. It was not tear gas. They used an internationally prohibited gas in these attacks. The security forces fired live ammunition at the people to disperse them."
The U.S. condemned the violence in Syria and called on the government of Bashar al-Assad to end the crackdown. Pro-democracy protesters hnave not been appeased by Assad's token reforms.
In Egypt, dozens of demonstrators were beaten with batons in Tahrir Square when security forces moved in on the largest protest since Hosni Mubarak was toppled.
The Egyptian people have become frustrated with the heavy-handedness of the formerly sympathetic military government, The New York Times reports. Many Engyptians also want Mubarak to be charged with crimes against his people.
"This means that the army is getting into a direct confrontation with the people, over Mubarak of all people. This could break the country,” Tweeted activist Mahmoud Salem, who is better known by his Twitter handle, @Sandmonkey.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Loud And Clear: Obama Says Gadhafi Must Go
President Obama said publicly today what he has been been telling world leaders for days:
"You have seen with great clarity that he has lost legitimacy with his people," Obama said at a joint White House news conference with visiting Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
"Let me just be very unambiguous about this. Col. Gadhafi needs to step down from power and leave," Obama told reporters.
"What I have instructed the Department of Defense, as well as our State Department and all those who are involved in international affairs, to examine is a full range of options," Obama said.
"I don't want us hamstrung, I want us to be making our decisions based on what's going to be best for the Libyan people in consultation with the international community," the President added.
Obama appears first and foremost to be concerned with an increasing likelihood of a refugee crisis along the Tunisian border.
"I have, therefore, approved the military aircraft to help move Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border to get back home to Egypt. I've authorized USAID to charter additional civilian aircraft to help people from other countries to find their way home. And we're supporting the efforts of international organizations," Obama said.
Ramstein Air Base in Germany was one potential staging base for an airlift, the AP reported.
Protesters, according to The Washington Post, plan to gather after prayers Friday in Tripoli, the Libyan capital and Gadhafi's base of power.
"You have seen with great clarity that he has lost legitimacy with his people," Obama said at a joint White House news conference with visiting Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
"Let me just be very unambiguous about this. Col. Gadhafi needs to step down from power and leave," Obama told reporters.
"What I have instructed the Department of Defense, as well as our State Department and all those who are involved in international affairs, to examine is a full range of options," Obama said.
"I don't want us hamstrung, I want us to be making our decisions based on what's going to be best for the Libyan people in consultation with the international community," the President added.
Obama appears first and foremost to be concerned with an increasing likelihood of a refugee crisis along the Tunisian border.
"I have, therefore, approved the military aircraft to help move Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border to get back home to Egypt. I've authorized USAID to charter additional civilian aircraft to help people from other countries to find their way home. And we're supporting the efforts of international organizations," Obama said.
Ramstein Air Base in Germany was one potential staging base for an airlift, the AP reported.
Protesters, according to The Washington Post, plan to gather after prayers Friday in Tripoli, the Libyan capital and Gadhafi's base of power.
Monday, February 21, 2011
U.S. to New Egypt: Lift Emergency Law
The West began showing its love for the Egyptian Revolution today with a polite reminder from the U.S. that assistance comes with a price: Emergency law needs to be lifted and planning for elections must move forward.
British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns both touched down in Cairo for separate meetings with top officials, and offers to help with the transition to democracy (EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is also scheduled to arrive today in Egypt for consultations).
Burns, who is joined in Egypt by White House aide David Lipton, said their mission is to "understand better how we can connect our resources to Egypt's priorities and to be as helpful as we can in this process."
"Along the way, we'll continue to encourage concrete steps to build confidence and to sustain the momentum of the transition, ranging from the constitutional amendments that are being considered, through careful preparations for elections, to the further release of political detainees, to the lifting of the emergency law," Burns said in remarks after an initial meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
Cameron, the first world leader to visit post-Mubarak Egypt, met Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who heads the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which is running the provisional government. Cameron also had scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns both touched down in Cairo for separate meetings with top officials, and offers to help with the transition to democracy (EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is also scheduled to arrive today in Egypt for consultations).
Burns, who is joined in Egypt by White House aide David Lipton, said their mission is to "understand better how we can connect our resources to Egypt's priorities and to be as helpful as we can in this process."
"Along the way, we'll continue to encourage concrete steps to build confidence and to sustain the momentum of the transition, ranging from the constitutional amendments that are being considered, through careful preparations for elections, to the further release of political detainees, to the lifting of the emergency law," Burns said in remarks after an initial meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
Cameron, the first world leader to visit post-Mubarak Egypt, met Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who heads the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which is running the provisional government. Cameron also had scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
Friday, February 18, 2011
U.S. Antes Up $150M for Egypt Democracy, Economy
We are expecting to hear more details about the $150 million in new U.S. aid for Egypt announced Thursday by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The money is expected to be used for Egypt's political transition and battered economy.
Clinton is Under Secretary of State William Burns and Senior White House Economic Advisor David Lipton to Egypt next week to “consult with Egyptian counterparts about how we can most effectively deploy our assistance," she said.
The cost of building democratic institutions, like political parties, will be hefty.
"The message is, give Egyptians the ability to eat bread while they focus on the democratic future," Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told David Ignatius of The Washington Post.
Gheit, who is old school when it comes to handouts from the U.S., believes Washington should either write off Egypt's $350 million annual debt or provide $1 billion in emergency economic aid.
Clinton is Under Secretary of State William Burns and Senior White House Economic Advisor David Lipton to Egypt next week to “consult with Egyptian counterparts about how we can most effectively deploy our assistance," she said.
The cost of building democratic institutions, like political parties, will be hefty.
"The message is, give Egyptians the ability to eat bread while they focus on the democratic future," Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told David Ignatius of The Washington Post.
Gheit, who is old school when it comes to handouts from the U.S., believes Washington should either write off Egypt's $350 million annual debt or provide $1 billion in emergency economic aid.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Gibbs Welcomed Departing Egypt Narrative
Robert Gibbs could not have written a better exit script than the one Egypt gave him.
Pro-democracy protesters filled the streets of Cairo and Alexandria just as President Obama delivered his State of the Union address, the last major message event that Gibbs would execute as spokesman for the President.
For more than two weeks the demonstrators remained in the streets, stepping all over the White House strategy to break out themes from the State of the Union address. Gibbs, like the spokesmen and women ahead of him, had to become an overnight expert on an issue du jour, this time Egyptian democracy.
Right on cue, or so it seemed, the curtain came down on the first act of Egypt's political metamorphosis: Hosni Mubarak stepped down on the same day that Gibbs presided over his final daily briefing. Mubarak's exit even delayed the start of Gibbs' curtain call in the briefing room (Obama needed to deliver his own statement first Friday).
"I didn't have to spend the time talking about myself," Gibbs chuckled this week, admitting he liked the way his closing script wrote itself.
Pro-democracy protesters filled the streets of Cairo and Alexandria just as President Obama delivered his State of the Union address, the last major message event that Gibbs would execute as spokesman for the President.
For more than two weeks the demonstrators remained in the streets, stepping all over the White House strategy to break out themes from the State of the Union address. Gibbs, like the spokesmen and women ahead of him, had to become an overnight expert on an issue du jour, this time Egyptian democracy.
Right on cue, or so it seemed, the curtain came down on the first act of Egypt's political metamorphosis: Hosni Mubarak stepped down on the same day that Gibbs presided over his final daily briefing. Mubarak's exit even delayed the start of Gibbs' curtain call in the briefing room (Obama needed to deliver his own statement first Friday).
"I didn't have to spend the time talking about myself," Gibbs chuckled this week, admitting he liked the way his closing script wrote itself.
The Iran Model: No Sale for Egypt
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad really is a lousy salesman.
Even given a golden opportunity to humiliate the chorus of high-minded scholars who warn Egypt will become the next Iran if its pro-democracy movement is hijacked by Islamic extremists, Ahmadinejad whiffed.
A few days ago Ahmadinejad hailed the Egyptian revolution as a victory for the people of the Middle East. Today Iranian secret police are tracking down peace protesters, just as Hosni Mubarak's regime did in the early days of the January 25 pro-democracy movement.
The irony was not lost on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who called the current street protests in Tehran "a testament to the courage of the Iranian people and an indictment of the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime, a regime which over the last three weeks has constantly hailed what went on in Egypt."
"And now, when given the opportunity to afford their people the same rights as they called for on behalf of the Egyptian people, once again illustrate their true nature," Clinton observed.
Think about the absurd juxtaposition: As triumphant Egyptian pro-democracy demonstrators return to their every day lives from their made-for-tv revolution, the few images they see aired on AlJazeera tell a story of repression and hypocrisy in Iran.
This is the Iranian model everyone is so afraid of?
The action taken against Iranian street demonstrators by the government in Tehran is exactly the kind of tyrannical behavior the Tahrir Square protesters were fed up with. It is not surprising Washington wants the smartest minds in all quarters of Egyptian life to be reminded the Iranian model has never been a viable option for post-Mubarak Egypt.
"We have sent a strong message to our allies in the region, saying let’s look at Egypt’s example as opposed to Iran’s example. I find it ironic that you’ve got the Iranian regime pretending to celebrate what happened in Egypt when, in fact, they have acted in direct contrast to what happened in Egypt by gunning down and beating people who were trying to express themselves peacefully in Iran," President Obama told reporters Tuesday.
"Real change in these societies is not going to happen because of terrorism; it’s not going to happen because you go around killing innocents -- it’s going to happen because people come together and apply moral force to a situation. That’s what garners international support. That’s what garners internal support. That’s how you bring about lasting change," Obama added.
Even given a golden opportunity to humiliate the chorus of high-minded scholars who warn Egypt will become the next Iran if its pro-democracy movement is hijacked by Islamic extremists, Ahmadinejad whiffed.
A few days ago Ahmadinejad hailed the Egyptian revolution as a victory for the people of the Middle East. Today Iranian secret police are tracking down peace protesters, just as Hosni Mubarak's regime did in the early days of the January 25 pro-democracy movement.
The irony was not lost on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who called the current street protests in Tehran "a testament to the courage of the Iranian people and an indictment of the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime, a regime which over the last three weeks has constantly hailed what went on in Egypt."
"And now, when given the opportunity to afford their people the same rights as they called for on behalf of the Egyptian people, once again illustrate their true nature," Clinton observed.
Think about the absurd juxtaposition: As triumphant Egyptian pro-democracy demonstrators return to their every day lives from their made-for-tv revolution, the few images they see aired on AlJazeera tell a story of repression and hypocrisy in Iran.
This is the Iranian model everyone is so afraid of?
The action taken against Iranian street demonstrators by the government in Tehran is exactly the kind of tyrannical behavior the Tahrir Square protesters were fed up with. It is not surprising Washington wants the smartest minds in all quarters of Egyptian life to be reminded the Iranian model has never been a viable option for post-Mubarak Egypt.
"We have sent a strong message to our allies in the region, saying let’s look at Egypt’s example as opposed to Iran’s example. I find it ironic that you’ve got the Iranian regime pretending to celebrate what happened in Egypt when, in fact, they have acted in direct contrast to what happened in Egypt by gunning down and beating people who were trying to express themselves peacefully in Iran," President Obama told reporters Tuesday.
"Real change in these societies is not going to happen because of terrorism; it’s not going to happen because you go around killing innocents -- it’s going to happen because people come together and apply moral force to a situation. That’s what garners international support. That’s what garners internal support. That’s how you bring about lasting change," Obama added.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Egypt Tries To Calm Israeli Fears
Updated at 4:15 p.m. est
Assuring Israel that nothing has changed since the historic 1979 Camp David Accords was the first public act of engaging in foreign policy by the military government in Egypt.
“The Arab Republic of Egypt is committed to all regional and international obligations and treaties,” a senior military officer said in a statement read this morning on state-owned television.
UPDATE: President Obama welcomed the statement in conversations today with the leaders of Britain, Jordan and Turkey.
"The President welcomed the historic change that has been made by the Egyptian people, and reaffirmed his admiration for their efforts. He also welcomed the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces’ announcement today that it is committed to a democratic civilian transition, and will stand by Egypt’s international obligations," the White House said in a statement.
"The President emphasized his conviction that democracy will bring more – not less – stability to the region. He also stressed the U.S. commitment to provide the support that is necessary and requested by the Egyptian people to pursue a credible and orderly transition to democracy, including by working with international partners to provide financial support," the statement added.
Egypt's initial statement was meant to ease concerns aired publicly by the leaders of Israel, the oldest Democracy in the Middle East, as well as its backers in the United States, who quickly took to the airwaves and issued press releases adorned with fears that Egyptian democracy was a blight on the Jewish state next door.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly warned that one of the scenarios under the Egyptian Revolution could be the emergence of another Iran-like Islamic state, welcomed the statement from the military government.
"The longstanding peace treaty between Israel and Egypt has greatly contributed to both countries and is the cornerstone for peace and stability in the entire Middle East," the Israeli leader said in a written statement.
Assuring Israel that nothing has changed since the historic 1979 Camp David Accords was the first public act of engaging in foreign policy by the military government in Egypt.
“The Arab Republic of Egypt is committed to all regional and international obligations and treaties,” a senior military officer said in a statement read this morning on state-owned television.
UPDATE: President Obama welcomed the statement in conversations today with the leaders of Britain, Jordan and Turkey.
"The President welcomed the historic change that has been made by the Egyptian people, and reaffirmed his admiration for their efforts. He also welcomed the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces’ announcement today that it is committed to a democratic civilian transition, and will stand by Egypt’s international obligations," the White House said in a statement.
"The President emphasized his conviction that democracy will bring more – not less – stability to the region. He also stressed the U.S. commitment to provide the support that is necessary and requested by the Egyptian people to pursue a credible and orderly transition to democracy, including by working with international partners to provide financial support," the statement added.
Egypt's initial statement was meant to ease concerns aired publicly by the leaders of Israel, the oldest Democracy in the Middle East, as well as its backers in the United States, who quickly took to the airwaves and issued press releases adorned with fears that Egyptian democracy was a blight on the Jewish state next door.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly warned that one of the scenarios under the Egyptian Revolution could be the emergence of another Iran-like Islamic state, welcomed the statement from the military government.
"The longstanding peace treaty between Israel and Egypt has greatly contributed to both countries and is the cornerstone for peace and stability in the entire Middle East," the Israeli leader said in a written statement.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Meet the Interim Leaders of Egypt
UPDATED 5:30 p.m. est
Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Friday in a 30-second statement that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will assume interim control of Egypt:
“Citizens, in these difficult circumstances that our country is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to relinquish the office of the presidency and has instructed the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to take over the affairs of the country."
The Supreme Council, which appears to have forced out deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, issued a statement saying it would end the state of emergency and schedule free and fair elections in the future. Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, the armed forces chief of staff, and Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the defense minister, head the Supreme Council.
Statements issued so far by the Supreme Council:
First Statement 2/10/11
Second Statement 2/11/11
Third Statement 2/11/11
Here is what we know about the Supreme Council from:
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
AlJazeera English
NewsFlick
Democratic Underground
International Business Times
President Obama reacts to news of Mubarak's ouster:
Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Friday in a 30-second statement that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will assume interim control of Egypt:
“Citizens, in these difficult circumstances that our country is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to relinquish the office of the presidency and has instructed the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to take over the affairs of the country."
The Supreme Council, which appears to have forced out deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, issued a statement saying it would end the state of emergency and schedule free and fair elections in the future. Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, the armed forces chief of staff, and Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the defense minister, head the Supreme Council.
Statements issued so far by the Supreme Council:
First Statement 2/10/11
Second Statement 2/11/11
Third Statement 2/11/11
Here is what we know about the Supreme Council from:
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
AlJazeera English
NewsFlick
Democratic Underground
International Business Times
President Obama reacts to news of Mubarak's ouster:
A Stunned Obama Reacts to Mubarak's Statement
President Obama does not even have to mention Hosni Mubarak by name (nor does he) to make his point that the Egyptian leader is clueless to the will of his people and should have just said 'thank you and good-bye' tonight. Instead Mubarak remains president of a divided Egypt.
Obama's statement:
"The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.
"As we have said from the beginning of this unrest, the future of Egypt will be determined by the Egyptian people. But the United States has also been clear that we stand for a set of core principles. We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met. We believe that this transition must immediately demonstrate irreversible political change, and a negotiated path to democracy. To that end, we believe that the emergency law should be lifted. We believe that meaningful negotiations with the broad opposition and Egyptian civil society should address the key questions confronting Egypt’s future: protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens; revising the Constitution and other laws to demonstrate irreversible change; and jointly developing a clear roadmap to elections that are free and fair.
"We therefore urge the Egyptian government to move swiftly to explain the changes that have been made, and to spell out in clear and unambiguous language the step by step process that will lead to democracy and the representative government that the Egyptian people seek. Going forward, it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected. There must be restraint by all parties. Violence must be forsaken. It is imperative that the government not respond to the aspirations of their people with repression or brutality. The voices of the Egyptian people must be heard.
"The Egyptian people have made it clear that there is no going back to the way things were: Egypt has changed, and its future is in the hands of the people. Those who have exercised their right to peaceful assembly represent the greatness of the Egyptian people, and are broadly representative of Egyptian society. We have seen young and old, rich and poor, Muslim and Christian join together, and earn the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential. In these difficult times, I know that the Egyptian people will persevere, and they must know that they will continue to have a friend in the United States of America."
Obama is one angry U.S. leader.
Obama's statement:
"The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.
"As we have said from the beginning of this unrest, the future of Egypt will be determined by the Egyptian people. But the United States has also been clear that we stand for a set of core principles. We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met. We believe that this transition must immediately demonstrate irreversible political change, and a negotiated path to democracy. To that end, we believe that the emergency law should be lifted. We believe that meaningful negotiations with the broad opposition and Egyptian civil society should address the key questions confronting Egypt’s future: protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens; revising the Constitution and other laws to demonstrate irreversible change; and jointly developing a clear roadmap to elections that are free and fair.
"We therefore urge the Egyptian government to move swiftly to explain the changes that have been made, and to spell out in clear and unambiguous language the step by step process that will lead to democracy and the representative government that the Egyptian people seek. Going forward, it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected. There must be restraint by all parties. Violence must be forsaken. It is imperative that the government not respond to the aspirations of their people with repression or brutality. The voices of the Egyptian people must be heard.
"The Egyptian people have made it clear that there is no going back to the way things were: Egypt has changed, and its future is in the hands of the people. Those who have exercised their right to peaceful assembly represent the greatness of the Egyptian people, and are broadly representative of Egyptian society. We have seen young and old, rich and poor, Muslim and Christian join together, and earn the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential. In these difficult times, I know that the Egyptian people will persevere, and they must know that they will continue to have a friend in the United States of America."
Obama is one angry U.S. leader.
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