Why US gov't want Mubarak out now?

[Che]

Isn't he the guy that we have been supporting for the past years?
I heard that the uprising that's happening right now is somewhat secretly funded by the US gov't to revolt against Mubarak.

Can anyone give me clarification on this?
thanks.

 

[Bruno]

They were for him before they were against him.

This adminstration, like any other alternative in recent history that would be in power, wants to be on the right side of history. First it was we support Mubarek, then it was Egyptians will decide, then it is that he should step down.

They are going with the flow and things are certainly not going as planned.

 

[Kludge]

He has no chance to remain in power except to slaughter everyone who opposes him, which could very well backfire against him. That story on the US backing the revolt is bunk -- terrible reporting on a document which proved nothing of the sort.

The US wants to remain friendly with the next government as Egypt was traditionally fairly hostile with Israel when the gov't was not the USG's puppet. Egypt was our only ally with Israel in the area. With that power gone, it may lead to events which eventually cause the fall of Israel and cause other instability in the area. The USG will want to take control of the revolutionary gov't ASAP to maintain order in the region.

 

[Che]

yes, but wat was the trigger that prompted this administration to say "hey, we no longer like this guy because ...... ? "

 

[Kludge]

yes, but wat was the trigger that prompted this administration to say "hey, we no longer like this guy because ...... ? "

Watching the revolution unfold. It started very peaceful and not as large, then violence was used against the protesters. Now it is shifting into a violent revolution as only symbolic change is offered. The USG did not anticipate what is going on now when they were first more optimistic about Mubarak's retention of power.

I think John Kerry said in an interview early on that there was almost no chance of Mubarak being forced out. He miscalculated.

 

[micahnelson]

Obama could have easily supported the protesters early on. I think there wouldn't have been quite the hesitation if the people of Iran decided to strive for freedom.

 

[Bruno]

yes, but wat was the trigger that prompted this administration to say "hey, we no longer like this guy because we realize we can't like him anymore because he will no longer be in power and we will have to support/influence the replacement to help our position in the Middle East "

This