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Subscribe to RSSUpdate 5:34 p.m. ET: President Barack Obama will speak about the turmoil in Egypt this evening, the White House said.
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A senior U.S. official tells NBC News' Andrea Mitchell that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's speech today has put President Barack Obama in a tough spot:
The official said Mubarak didn't go far enough when he promised not to seek re-election in September but said he intended to serve out his term. The protest movement is likely to intensify, not dissipate, the official said.
"The reality is he has moved," the official said, but "it is not enough."
"There are a few steps more in this process," the official said. "It may take a few more days."
For Obama, the problem is that if he pushes too hard, he will not only antagonize other leaders in the region but will also be seen as ignoring Mubarak's legitimate accomplishments during 30 of rule. "He was the first Arab leader to embrace the new Iraq," the official said. "He has had a profound effect on the peace process.
"How you recognize his contributions while also paving the way for fundamental change?" the official asked. "That is hard."
U.S. officials say the significant factor is the outreach the army has done to the Egyptian people by positioning themselves as protectors — the sign of a professional army that is tied to the state, not to the leader.
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Prez just secure our bases, pull the aid and wait for them to call you.
LMAO Finally our great leader has to deal with a real problem, you can bet your bottom dollar he will f---- it up!!!
Cliff,
I agree with you 110%.
Why does our president have to deal with this at all? Why is Obama even "on the spot"? Anything we say or do should be considered extra help or an act of good will. Our media acts as if it's our presidents responsibility to clean up this mess in Egypt. Obama's responsibility is to his own people, not Egypt.
Well the problem is if we're honest we insult the muslim world and if we're careful and PC with the muslims we insult the honest folk. What to do? This requires more than a politician, this requires some real life experience and common sense, both which seems sorely lacking in our government.
How in the world is every problem America's problem. Says Who? Obama is the lead of our country not theirs. Egyptians have the right to self govern. Their voice is speaking. Let them handle it, they seem to be doing just fine.
This finite leader needs to realize that the people have had enough. Maybe hold onto power long enough for a special DEMOCRATIC ELECTION, in which your replacement is voted for. Do the right thing!
Let Americans make America American again. Let Egyptians be Egyptians. Stand by their people not their leadership.
loool you think obama will f--it up? you should thank god daily that Jr and his sidekick are not in the white house anymore and wouldn't have to "deal" with this.
I can't help but speak up when I read such negative, baseless comments. Our president will do the right thing for our nation and I hope the people of Egypt.
Obama sucks no matter what he does.
Q:How can you tell if Obama is liying.
A: His libs are moving.
Obama is too scared of Islam / Muslims / Muslim Brotherhood .. he hasnt got the Balz to Defend this Country or any other ... he is a Coward .. he insults American Police .. calls us the enemy for not voting for him .. calls Rep Terrorist .. But any muslim who speak out about Destroying Israel and America .. he becomes mute .. he is a Gutless piece of crap .. his youngest Daughter would be a stronger leader then this fool
You guys are idiots.
have the guys over for a beer.
I notice that PMSNBC has stayed 10,000 miles away from the fact that the federal judge sided with the 26 states and threw out the "entire" obamascam health care bill. I guess they had to dig up a story somewhere. I have to giggle when I remember that Oblahblah ticked off the Supremes last year in his rape of the union message. Fat chance they will overturn the federal judge when it gets to them. Now that's the big story of the week. Where is it? BTW - the judges ruling is the real reason why the stock market surged today, not what the paid newsbots are telling us.
don`t know what obama will do,,,but i am positive it will be way far better than anything bush,mccain,,or some effed in the head republican would do
Let's see how bad obama screws this one up...Since he has screwed up on everything else, I casn't image it being any different tonight with this campaign speech...
I don't recall Mubarak doing much of anything for Obama at all. Most of what he did was for G. Bush Sr. through G.W. Bush; and at great cost in aid from the US Taxpayers I might add. Everything that "Egypt" has done for the good of the United States has been at a cost in Aid, in outright Grants or in concessions. Why should we owe this DESPOT and his National "Bad Boy" Police anything at all?
President Obama looks very weak in situations like this. Confused and very weak.
A smart president would encourage the protesters to accept Mubarak's compromise and encourage the people to build their party coalitions and ask for oversight from the international community to ensure a peaceful transition of the government to one that the people can democratically elect their representatives as the middle east moves toward a more cooperative Muslim dominated region. Maybe now would become a good time to stop repressing them and try to seek peaceful resolutions to their economic concerns.
Obama has tried to stay on the fence on this issue but now he is being forced to make a stand. Mubarak has ruled Egypt for 30 years. " I say rule because he was pretty much a dictator oppressing his people while receiving billions in dollars of aid from American taxpayers in the name of democracy" Mubarak played a key roll in stabilizing the Middle East and was one of the first to acknowledge Israel as a state and a major Mid East allie of the US. We should watch what we wish for because if the Muslim Brotherhood gains control of Egypt the whole Middle East will be destabilized, Israel will be threatened if not attacked and all hell will break loose. The true democracy we hoped for in Palestine totally backfired and with the country divided now peace is hopeless.
So the new American line is that, Obama has told Mubarak not to run again, and Mubarak will announce he won't run in the fall election, which of course Mubarak will then over see. So Obama and Mubarak will together control its outcome. Don't go for it, it's is a game to thwart democracy designed by the US. Demand Mubarak's immediate ouster now, today. The US is a past master at thwarting democratic movements as it is attempting to do today, Don't go for it.
Obama is incompetent and arrogant. Two dangerous things for a U.S. president to be.
Not or country, Not our problem!
Racist Pig!!!
all obama needs to do is shut up, let the people of Egypt decide what to do. obama isn't a part of this, except that he needs to let Egypt know how valuable they have been in both the Middle East and to the U and that we hope he will put Egypt first and do what will keep his country intact. Other than that, don't flatter yourself and think any one cares what a junior senator who is playing the part of a president thinks!
He can tell him to get his ass out He has done enough damage to his own people and he is also damiging the American Adminstration because one thinks they are backing him up.