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The Spectacle Blog
To a significant extent, President Obama’s innate caution and temperamentally conservative nature have served him well. It’s why he has reneged on his campaign pledge to close Guantanamo Bay. And it is why (after much dithering and indecision, admittedly) he finally and belatedly committed the United States to a prolonged strategy of counterinsurgency in Afghanistan.
But Obama’s strength has also been his profound weakness vis-à-vis Egypt. He has been cautious to a fault. Consequently, he and his administration have consistently been behind the curve, surprised by events, and caught flatfooted by the trajectory of history.
Thus his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, last week declared that the Mubarak regime was stable just before it dissolved.
Egypt is no doubt a difficult and challenging situation. However, this is a moment that cries out for bold and visible American leadership. And Obama’s statements thus far have been seriously inadequate.
Obama seems to be going out of his way not to offend Mubarak. This is a mistake. Mubarak is 82 years old. He has been a faithful and helpful American ally, but his time has passed. And the United States of America should say just that, clearly and publicly: Mubarak must go.
That we have not done so is a reason this crisis is continuing and now, it seems, with violent clashes in Cairo Tahrir Square. Indeed, pro-Mubarak thugs, with Molotov cocktails and a thirst for autocratic revenge, have been unleashed into the streets of Cairo.
This is unacceptable. Obama last night said that violence must be averted; however, he did not call for the man who precipitated this violence, Hosni Mubarak, to step down now. Yet public diplomacy in this media age is a crucial and integral aspect of American foreign policy.
Obama famously said that “words matter.” Too bad that when it comes to Egypt he doesn’t seem to heed his own advice.
View all comments (54) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by John R. Guardiano
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/02/02/obamas-too-conservative-re-egy
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Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 12:37PM
The whole world was caught flat footed with these events in Egypt. I must ask you what is your real problem with Obama Is it his party or his colour?
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 2:27PM
Uh Oh ! Gladstone attempts to Play The Race Card.
Alan Brooks| 2.2.11 @ 5:48PM
Clint,
Gladstone isn't a punk like you. He knows that no matter what Obama does, he will get Hell for it from the hypercritical-- such as....you.
It isn't so much that Obama is black, it is that he is a non-conservative black that bothers you PLUS his parents were mixed-race-- and the David Dukes of this world detest miscegenation.
But at least Duke is open about it (I heard Duke on the radio once, morning radio, not late-nite) -- YOU on the other hand, are not, Clint.
Calling Obama the Messiah is the tip-off, it reeks of "black Moses"; "black Messiah".
You are not a racist, Clint; racists dislike other races. You merely don't have any respect for blacks. No matter how 'n' how much you deny it, the more you will never be able to hide it.
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 7:37PM
I Got No Respect for ObamaBoy Propagandist Keyboard Negative Attention Cravers like You Brooks.
Wanna make somethin' of it Twerp?
Occam's Tool| 2.2.11 @ 5:54PM
The problem with Obama is that his world view leads to incorrect instinctual responses. For example, the correct instinct is to protect the ability for American power to be projected into the Middle east, because American hegemony is a good thing, overall. Obama doesn't believe that, and, as a result, his actions are incoherent. Allen West does believe it, and would be more coherent in his response. Both are Black, incidentally. One is an American Patriot who has put his life on the line for his country, one is a spoiled rich kid.
Alan Brooks| 2.2.11 @ 6:27PM
Allen West is too corny, and not smart enough
(cf Gerald Ford, Bob Dole).
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:39PM
What is your real problem with Rep. West? Is it his party or his colour? Hypocrite.
The Bamster ain't lookin' too smart himself right now since it's obvious he's been caught flat-footed by the upheaval in Egypt.
Linda Morone| 2.2.11 @ 12:37PM
Criticism is simple to render, statesmanship and subtle diplomacy a bit more challenging than dime-store analysis.
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:40PM
This is what happens when you liberal freaks weaken the CIA.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 12:41PM
Why is it that Americans always behave as if the president is in charge of more than one country. Any impulsive action on the part of america may bring america the kind of backlash you really dont want. Let the president be !
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 2:38PM
Maybe Because The Egyptian Parasite Welfare State Takes American Taxpayers Money:
"For decades, Egypt has been one of the biggest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, totaling more than $1.5 billion a year during the past decade."
Alan Brooks| 2.2.11 @ 5:52PM
Clint,
you are a wingnut, similar to Tim* in some ways You even capitalize quote The Egyptian Parasite Welfare State Takes American Taxpayers Money unquote as Tim* did.
Maybe you are one and the same. The star at the end of Tim might have meant it wasn't a real name. So now you have modified your anti-Israel positions?
Occam's Tool| 2.2.11 @ 5:57PM
No, Alan, he hasn't. It's the inconsistency in his philosophy, which leads him to support pro-terrorist positions. Watch out, time for the Pavlovian Rant. (Sigh)
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 8:07PM
Iarael Firster Tool Job & His ObamaBoy Comrades are upset with We Tea Party America Firsters.
American Oil Companies Need To Drill, Baby, Drill & Marginalize All These Middle East AgendaBoys.
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 7:44PM
Brooks,
You are a negative attention craving ObammaBoy Propagandist.
My position is that U.S. Oil Companies Need To Drill Baby Drill Our Own Oil & marginalize all Middle East Sand Monkeys, including Your Tribe.
Occam's Tool| 2.2.11 @ 5:55PM
Gladstone:
we do so because our armed forces protect many countries, including England.
Norbert Hirschhorn | 2.2.11 @ 12:42PM
There is much intemperate criticism of Barack Obama for not immediately calling on Hosni Mobarek to resign, and immediately. How unseemly that gesture would have been, especially to other allies (yes, good, bad and ugly allies) in the world. Instead, he has carefully calibrated his responses to be just behind the events and the people. Gandhi once said about leadership, "There go my people. I must follow them."
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 12:48PM
At least some one who reads this paper has some sense
Nate| 2.2.11 @ 4:08PM
Well said. Given that it's essentially a lose-lose situation for Obama, I think he has handled it about as tactfully as he could. Push Mubarak too hard and he will be seen as too meddlesome, de-legitimizing the ground-up nature of the revolution...not to mention "backstabbing" a longtime ally. Go too easy on Mubarak, and and be seen as a hypocrite for failing to promote democratic values.
Alan Brooks| 2.2.11 @ 5:54PM
The GOP wont let Obama win.
He can't win for losing with people who are determined to unseat him next year at any cost.
Obama has GOT to be re-elected.
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 8:02PM
ObamaBoy Brooks is gettin' all upset 'cause Barack Mubarak is next to get his ass tossed outta office.
The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.
Rise Up In Rebellion.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 12:46PM
Mr guordino no one in the middle east wants to hear from the young bush wacker
Joe| 2.2.11 @ 12:55PM
History can unfold in very sudden and unpredictable ways, and the trajectory of history can catch anyone, including the President of the United States, off guard. It's easy to make bold statements if you're a columnist, less so if you're the U.S. President, i.e., the free world's "top diplomat". His handling of this crisis has been about as good as I could expect of anyone in such a situation as this.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 1:11PM
Thank you Joe ,hey can i hire you to write for this paper ? A lesson to the media never assume that you are the only ones with intelligence in this world
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:44PM
Hire writers? You'd have to be able to type first, clown.
Steve in Pittsburgh| 2.2.11 @ 1:10PM
Normally I disagree with an (apparent) Obama apologist like Gladstone.
However, I wonder how many supporters of the regime are staying home, for obvious reasons?
And how many supporters does he have? 25%? 50%? 75%?
He definitely has the Army, more or less.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 1:15PM
Every society has those people who simply refuse to get involved. It is obvious that even in the muslim world this is so. I think this move today was designed to keep him there for another few months.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.2.11 @ 1:35PM
Mr. Thompson,
When you pulled the race card above, you made me ignore everything else you have written.
PS: I love Colonel West...(he is black). I love Justice Bork...he's black...oh! he is NOT a Supreme justice is he? He was borked by the white communists, (pardon the shorthand).
So, I appreciate our other black Supreme judge. A fine man in my opinion.
At last count, there are some 2,400 Americans still trapped in Egypt...trying to get out.
Obama has shot himself in the Johnson once again.
The Islamists will win, sir. Enjoy Sharia law.
Colin| 2.2.11 @ 2:02PM
Cairo Square? You can't get the name right even when it's on the cover of every newspaper in the world. If you don't know anything about the country or the situation you should not be commenting and criticizing the President's actions.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 2:14PM
thank you so much. dont you just enjoy the knuckle heads. Oh and thanks to the gentle bigot for telling the whole world that he likes at least 2 black people. why do they always do that ? Tell you how many blacks they know or are friends with.
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 2:44PM
Uh Oh ! Gladys Plays The Race Card Again.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 2:55PM
Clint simply by thinking that America has a right to meddle in the affairs of the developing world you play a card of super humans every day. I love america but every one hates the big boss. Have you not learned from Korea, Vaitnam,Iraq,Iran,should i mention afganistan? Self determination remember
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 3:25PM
Why do Rent-a-dreads always do that ? Tell you how much they love America,then proceed to Trash Talk Us.
Gunkona Rent-a-dread.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 4:16PM
Clint you obviously enjoy propoganda. Never been a dread never been rented. But i am sure you have been to jamaica and rented a dread, batty boy!
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 7:50PM
We Got Da Rent-a-dread All Atwitter 'Cause Gladys Be Da Be Da Buggaman ,
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:47PM
Disgusting hypocrite. Obama has launched more predator drones against innocent Muslims than George Bush. Get off your high-horse, troll.
Dixie Pixie| 2.2.11 @ 2:14PM
Gentleman it is very simple.
Barack Obama is not a Warrior or a Fighter.
Obama will back away from any confrontation or fight he can not rig in his favor.
Obama is only belligerent to people or factions who can't or won't fight back.
Obama is a master at creating "Straw Man" to have a rigged fight with so he can create a false glow of Glory.
But has anyone noticed Obama always delayed taking a position when something blows up.
He will then send his minions to test fly various positions until he determines the position that will benefit himself the most.
In any confrontation Obama will side with the most violent side despite any principal, custom or national interest.
Obama will then take the most adamantine position to be above and beyond the confrontation.
That way Obama avoids being politically harmed by any crossfire.
Of course this tactic requires tossing any principal, ideology, beliefs, friends,supporters or clients overboard at the slightest hint of confrontation.
That is why no Foreign Leader will trust Obama.
When the going gets tough, Obama will bug out.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 2:24PM
You must live in Alaska beside Sarah
Dixie Pixie| 2.2.11 @ 5:53PM
Greetings
You must be new on this website.
What part of "Dixie" do you need to be enlightened about?
I await your reply.
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 2:50PM
Apparently, Gladys Is A Foreign Object.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 2:58PM
Yea clint Jamaican object .And damn proud
Occam's Tool| 2.2.11 @ 6:04PM
Dixie refers to the Southern US, Gladstone. If you stopped smoking doobies even for an instant, you would know this. Incidentally, your freedom is provided, free of charge, by the US Military.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 6:54PM
My friend i could teach you a thing or two about American history.Jamaica has never had to ask for american protection. From whom ?The only protection we need is from the american made guns pouring into our island.
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:48PM
Yes, of course, it's all America's fault. Grow up and take responsibility for your own problems. We're sick and tired of you whiners.
Occam's Tool| 2.2.11 @ 6:05PM
Kingston has horrific crime and poor medical care, doesn't it? Oh well....brain boiling in the hot Jamaican sun, while the US protects the worthless druggies...
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 3:08PM
Yow Clint change your daily stash to jamaican. you are hitting too much columbian !
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 3:20PM
That explains It Gladys Rent-a-dread !
Yu face fava excreta
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.2.11 @ 6:21PM
Sometimes, folks, it is just fun to skin stupids like Gladstone.
Mr. Thompson, you have worn out your credibility here. You have earned the scroll-button award already.
good day.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 6:47PM
Hey tex let me educate you a bit fronm the shores of Jamaica. Unlike you who seem to hate other cultures and hate the tremendous success of your country i do not hate america. Most of my family and friends live there. America needs a different role in todays world and its not about unnescessery confrontation. China and russia are quite happy to watch every american president come to office and spend billions of dollers that in some cases you now borrow from them to fight or meddle in other peoples business. My friend it is not nescessery. You only have to pass by any american embassy in any country to see the amount of people that aspire to come to your country. Why do you want to destroy it internally. Why do you want to spend your tax dollers to poke your nose in other peoples business and then have them turn around and hate you. Oh and the guns in jamaica we dont make a single one here ,all imported from america. The tanks planes ,guns ,bullets in egypt all made in america. Tell me do you want those same weapons pointed at your american service men and women. I sure wouldnt because my brither is serving in your airforce
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.2.11 @ 6:55PM
Yawn!
scroll.
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 7:24PM
Common sense and the truth usually puts people to sleep
Clint| 2.2.11 @ 7:55PM
Over-opinionated World Class Bores Like Rent-a-dread Gladys put Americans To Sleep.
Zzzzzzzzzzz !
Gladstone thompson| 2.2.11 @ 8:33PM
clint the red neck ass wipe
Patriot| 2.2.11 @ 9:51PM
Gladstone, the perpetually stoned, out of his mind, whining loser. Get a job! Selling drugs doesn't count.