I keep hearing this phrase on the cable channels, over and over again since the beginning of the peoples' protest in Egypt over a week ago.
What the pundits are saying is that they want a continuation of the regime with different faces but the same philosophy which is to maintain an autocratic hand on the people and above all, preserve the peace treaty with Israel.
The Middle East is experiencing a wave of desire for liberty and preserving a peace accord with Israel is not going to stop it. I think our President has expressed the perfect pitch up to now. Now, however, he's going to have to be seen as siding with the demonstrators and preventing a massacre by the Egyptian troops (not necessarily the military, but the police or perhaps just hired goons) as a result of Mubarek's sly manipulation of the situation. This morning, bus-loads of armed and violent "thugs" motored onto the streets of Cairo, creating the first signs of violence into a week-long peaceful protest. This allows Mubarek the pretext upon which to order the army to exert force -- in order to keep the peace.
He needs to go now, even if that leaves a void in the government. ElBaradei is probably not the man to lead a new government in Egypt, but he might be able to muster enough support to maintain order until a new leader is chosen.
These are smart, sincere people who should be heard. Let us listen, Mr. Obama.
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