February 14, 2011
— DrewM Mika Brzezinski (and by extension, Barack Obama) vs. Niall Ferguson on Egypt joins other great rivalries like nail v. hammer, scissors v. rock and the George Lucas v. that crazy guy from Red Letter Media.
Via Iowahawk
I agree with Ferguson that the military taking over is not the end of the story and Obama Mika declaring "Mission Accomplished" on Obama's behalf is silly. Still, it was probably the best outcome at this stage in the process. There were no other institutions that could have stepped in and kept the country running and avoided a slide into anarchy.
I do have to wonder why in the world Ferguson lists Mika's dad as a first class foreign policy mind. It's a nice jab to deflate her Obama love but anyone connected with Carter's foreign policy team is suspect at best.
Posted by: DrewM at
10:54 AM
| Comments (188)
Post contains 161 words, total size 1 kb.
O/T
If the election doesn't go our way in '12, we go Egypt on Obama.
-Rush Limbaugh
February 14, 2011
Posted by: Fish the Impaler at February 14, 2011 10:59 AM (ZHsNw)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:00 AM (0GFWk)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:02 AM (0GFWk)
What you should be looking at closely is the sincerely distressed look on Mika's face.
She's genuinely upset by this mere mortal criticizing the Obama-god-figure.
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:02 AM (uFokq)
Nobody fucking gets it; most revolutions are bad for the people who are revolting.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 11:03 AM (LH6ir)
Posted by: DNI at February 14, 2011 11:04 AM (AdK6a)
Z was the one who first starting sending $$$ and advisors into Afghanistan to provoke the commies into invading.
Probably without Carter's knowledge
Posted by: The Q at February 14, 2011 11:04 AM (AXHCj)
You could almost hear him thinking "But, but, I worked all night on this question! How could this have gone so horribly wrong?! Fuck. I just think I'll sit here and listen now."
Posted by: angler at February 14, 2011 11:05 AM (SwjAj)
Of course the odds are against them but do you think the people of Egypt care? You can only live so long in that kind hell hole without trying something different.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 14, 2011 11:06 AM (HicGG)
"But 'flip, flop, flip' appears to have worked"
Geez, what a retard. If I were Zbig, I'd do a Buford T. Justice and slap my wife.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 14, 2011 11:08 AM (TAjuH)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:09 AM (0GFWk)
Posted by: Nom de Blog at February 14, 2011 11:10 AM (0LABp)
Neil Ferguson, Professor of History at Harvard University, who denigrated the Clown-In-Chief will now suffer the wrath of Michelle "Big Butt" Obama. It's not going to go well for the professor's job search in America.
Posted by: Fish the Impaler at February 14, 2011 11:10 AM (ZHsNw)
Posted by: Mika Brashitski at February 14, 2011 11:11 AM (AdK6a)
Could be. But here's an interesting question: Did Mubarak get sick after he lost power or before? Could part of the reason he abdicated was that his health was failing and that he knew his time on this mortal plane was short?
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 14, 2011 11:11 AM (9hSKh)
Posted by: Unclefacts, Confuse A Cat, Ltd at February 14, 2011 11:12 AM (eCAn3)
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 03:03 PM (LH6ir)
What you talking about... Merde...
Posted by: Guy standing in front of Capt. Napoleons Cannon at February 14, 2011 11:12 AM (AdK6a)
Of course the odds are against them but do you think the people of Egypt care? You can only live so long in that kind hell hole without trying something different.
I didn't take that comment as a criticism of the Egyptians. It seemed more directed toward the media cheerleaders and other historically ignorant Westerners.
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at February 14, 2011 11:12 AM (JxMoP)
Daddy never told me this kind of dust-up would happen to such a bright and wonderful man like Obama. Ferguson's a conservative prick.
Posted by: Mika the Mouse at February 14, 2011 11:12 AM (ZHsNw)
This is far from over. I am waiting to hear the military announce, "We've thought about it and we aren't sure this is the right time for free elections. We're going to stay in power a little longer. K thx."
Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty at February 14, 2011 11:12 AM (Gkhxf)
Interesting that he pointed out the schizophrenia of our foreign policy.
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 14, 2011 11:13 AM (9hSKh)
"But 'flip, flop, flip' appears to have worked"
Geez, what a retard. If I were Zbig, I'd do a Buford T. Justice and slap my wife.
That's his daughter, not his wife. He still should pop her one just for being as transparent a booster for the Obama administration as she is, such as when she was getting on-air corrections from them a year or two back.
Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 14, 2011 11:14 AM (bxvFd)
sports-radio guy up here was talking about the Grammys and made a funny:
He said, "You know what'd be great? If they brought the egg out onto the stage and out popped Hosni Mubarak with Lady Gaga."
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:14 AM (uFokq)
He did miss one "jab"...
When she said Flip Flop Flip seemed to have worked... my comeback would have been:
"if it works, it in SPITE of this "policy", not because of this policy..."
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 14, 2011 11:15 AM (AdK6a)
Posted by: FRONT TOWARD LEFT at February 14, 2011 11:15 AM (Pzf4N)
"You can be forgiven thinking that..."
/Mika, you ignorant slut!
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 14, 2011 11:15 AM (9hSKh)
Hillary has done her job magnificently during this crisis, and America can be thankful for her stellar leadership and forthright commentary about the Egyptian people's struggle for democracy.
Posted by: Bill Clinton, House Spouse at February 14, 2011 11:15 AM (ZHsNw)
For he next stunt, Lady Gaga will be eaten by Oprah and then Oprah will shit-out Gaga on stage. It will be epic.
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:16 AM (uFokq)
Posted by: Mitts Romney at February 14, 2011 11:16 AM (h0RtZ)
You've not seen _Smokey_and_the_Bandit_, have you?
Nope. It's one of those movies I've never gotten around to.
Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 14, 2011 11:16 AM (bxvFd)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:16 AM (0GFWk)
I do have to wonder why in the world Ferguson lists Mika's dad as a first class foreign policy mind.
It's like saying the Broncos are good to emphasize how bad the Bengals are.
Posted by: FireHorse at February 14, 2011 11:17 AM (k3RPu)
I didn't think it was criticism, I just think it's totally irrelevant, though I get why a historian would make it. Fact is, if you have a 1 in 100 chance or a 1 in 1,000,000,000 chance of success at some point you simply have to take it.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 14, 2011 11:17 AM (HicGG)
Remember, the "B" in MBM stands for "believe" and they do, they do, they do believe in the supreme awesomeness of Jugears the Stumble Bum.
Posted by: ya2daup at February 14, 2011 11:18 AM (Wqfrr)
Don't ever say I'm a supporter of the Obama Administration. I simply tell the facts as I see them, and spend my quite time with my lady friend Harriett doing girly things.
Posted by: Mika Briznitski, Daddy's Little Girl at February 14, 2011 11:19 AM (ZHsNw)
Posted by: Power to the people, Man! at February 14, 2011 11:19 AM (4Kl5M)
Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 14, 2011 03:16 PM (bxvFd)
Sorry brother. Sometimes I can't help myself with the pop culture jokes.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 14, 2011 11:19 AM (TAjuH)
Posted by: FRONT TOWARD LEFT at February 14, 2011 11:19 AM (Pzf4N)
The joke is that Buford T. Justice turns to his idiot son and says, "There ain't no way you came from my loins. When I get home, I'm gonna smack yo momma in the mouth."
Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty at February 14, 2011 11:20 AM (Gkhxf)
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 11:20 AM (OlN4e)
Posted by: Penfold at February 14, 2011 11:22 AM (1PeEC)
Posted by: Preznit Easy Bake at February 14, 2011 11:22 AM (0ba8c)
It's with deep regret I must report that Hosni Mubarak is now deceased.
Correction: He's just in a coma but speaking to his wife.
2nd Correction: Mr. Mubarak remains in a coma.
Over.
Posted by: Leon Panetta, CNN Flunkie at February 14, 2011 11:22 AM (ZHsNw)
Mubarak is refusing to take his medications and has passed out? Maybe he is being suicided?
So when homeboy ends up dead in his Sharm al-Sheik palace with a 9mm hole in the back of his neck, everyone will be talking about how fit and flexible he was for a man in his 80s to be able to twist the pistol around his back for the suicide shot.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 14, 2011 11:23 AM (TAjuH)
Someone will be in the deep dark shits.
Posted by: Vic at February 14, 2011 11:23 AM (M9Ie6)
I didn't think it was criticism, I just think it's totally irrelevant, though I get why a historian would make it. Fact is, if you have a 1 in 100 chance or a 1 in 1,000,000,000 chance of success at some point you simply have to take it.
What's strange is that we (Americans) may have to start considering this at some point in the probably-near future.
Posted by: Soona at February 14, 2011 11:23 AM (GABXp)
I didn't think it was criticism, I just think it's totally irrelevant, though I get why a historian would make it. Fact is, if you have a 1 in 100 chance or a 1 in 1,000,000,000 chance of success at some point you simply have to take it.
It's irrelevant to the Egyptians but it shouldn't be irrelevant to the administration. They should be planning for all possibilities, particularly those that have been shown through history to be the most likely outcomes. That they were apparently not even preparing for the possibility of an Egyption revolution does not portend well for the future and I think this is where Ferguson was going.
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at February 14, 2011 11:24 AM (JxMoP)
You'll ever be seen on TV again. Ever.
Actually, I think Ferguson is angling for a position at Foxnews, and getting the boot from MSNBC would guarantee it.
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 11:24 AM (OlN4e)
This is history repeating itself. Egypt has a similiar uprising in 1952, the military took over for awhile and then they started electing their presidents for life.
All this uprising did is get rid of Mubarack and leave the same military that was in charge with Mubarack. If you are going to have a revolution you might want to have somebody ready to take charge if you happen to win. The Egyptians didn't.
Posted by: robtr at February 14, 2011 11:24 AM (hVDig)
You say that like engineering a blatantly incompetent foreign policy to stick Obama with wasn't her plan all along. Her various "Obama's making me tell you this" statements to the Israelis certainly don't hurt that interpretation.
Posted by: Ian S. at February 14, 2011 11:25 AM (p05LM)
Hosni Mubarak was an honorable man who advocated for high speed rail, and for that he's deserving of our respect during this period of darkness.
Posted by: Joe "Slow Joe" Biden at February 14, 2011 11:25 AM (ZHsNw)
Posted by: Tim the Enchanter at February 14, 2011 11:25 AM (izA2D)
The funny (well sad) thing is...you didn't have to predict a spontaneous uprising to see this coming. The guy is eighty fucking two years old. What comes next was a matter of when, not if.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 14, 2011 11:25 AM (HicGG)
Posted by: Avi at February 14, 2011 11:28 AM (qMmqw)
Posted by: Thinking Things Over at February 14, 2011 11:28 AM (8/DeP)
France and Russia provided prime examples of what counterrevolution brings to the table: something far more violent and bloody than the opening act.
Preznint Splutnik's warped view of Middle Eastern and Muslim history notwithstanding, there is no basis for assuming Egyptian exceptionalism. Cue Act II: Après moi, le déluge.
Posted by: ya2daup at February 14, 2011 11:29 AM (Wqfrr)
And MSNBC begins to talk about Ferguson's occasionally tumultuous personal life in 3......2.......1.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 14, 2011 11:29 AM (TAjuH)
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 14, 2011 11:32 AM (9hSKh)
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 03:16 PM (uFokq
For he next stunt, Lady Gaga will be eaten by Oprah and then Oprah will shit-out Gaga on stage. It will be epic.
---------------------------
I like the cut of your jib.
Posted by: GWAR at February 14, 2011 11:33 AM (mLKTl)
Look fellas, Mika was on her period during that interview and was not up to speed, so let's give her a little slack. It was a heavy flow day and she should have been on the top of her game, but she didn't want to embarrass the professor by biting off his head or threatening to kill his dog.
We've all had these unpleasant experiences with our women, so a little kindness during this hellish week would be appreciated.
PS This is for me and not for Mika. Thanks men.
Posted by: Joe Scarborough at February 14, 2011 11:33 AM (ZHsNw)
Posted by: Avi at February 14, 2011 03:28 PM (qMmqw)
Well, the best possible outcome would have been for Mubarak to have transitioned to a more open society decades ago. You can only deal with what happens, when it happens.
As for Suliman, he might have been the best outcome for us but there's no reason to believe that the people of Egypt would have been satisfied with him.
I get that we need to look out for ourselves but we can't pretend that the people on the ground making this happen give two shits about what's good for us, nor should we expect them to.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 14, 2011 11:34 AM (HicGG)
Sure, with happy, clappy democracy firmly ensconced and the pyramids still standing tall. All thanks to Preznint Splutnik, PBUH.
Posted by: ya2daup at February 14, 2011 11:34 AM (Wqfrr)
A caller on Rush had the interesting point that Tunisian refugees are already flooding Europe, and so a full-on domino cascade could potentially flood Europe with jihad-minded Muslims almost overnight. That's an angle I hadn't thought of.
Posted by: Ian S. at February 14, 2011 11:35 AM (p05LM)
Mika Dumblondeski clearly missed the Simpson's episode about the Bear Patrol.
Posted by: Waterhouse at February 14, 2011 11:35 AM (lTcL2)
Posted by: Zombie Saddam Hussein at February 14, 2011 11:37 AM (GABXp)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 11:38 AM (f9c2L)
Posted by: Avi at February 14, 2011 11:39 AM (qMmqw)
They do say that Fortune favors the Fool.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 14, 2011 11:39 AM (8y9MW)
Ah, I want to watch it again and again.
"But 'flip, flop, flip' appears to have worked"
Corre-fucking-lation, Mika. And just because the tide went out today, doesn't mean Obama made the oceans recede.
Posted by: Mama AJ at February 14, 2011 11:39 AM (XdlcF)
For instance: I'm sure we all remember Obama getting an actually tough question during a Dem primary, wherein he was asked why he'd want to raise a certain tax rate when every time it had been cut, revenues from said tax increased. Conversely, every time the tax had been raised, revenues from said tax decreased. Obama gave a rambling response about equality and all that nonsense, and then there was the follow up (paraphrase): But if raising this tax rate lowers revenue, why would you ever raise it?
His response? "Maybe not this time."
History plays no part on the worldview of people like Obama and those in his administration becaue "[They] are the ones [they've] been waiting for." The egocentrism of their ideology is front and center, and everything will be different because they're in charge. That's the whole point. Sorta like listening to leftists dismiss the failure of Marxist regimes as "not being done right," and all that nonsense. The real question isn't the system, but who is in charge.
In the instant case, this manifests itself in moronic foreign policy that bears no semblance to historically informed approaches. It is based on ignorance and self-centered perceptions about "human nature" and "freedom."
the sinner,
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (CvqvC)
Posted by: Barky the Blonde Orator at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (GwPRU)
Posted by: Waterhouse at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (lTcL2)
Second best option would be turning the entire Middle East into a giant glass factory IYKWIMAITYD.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (8y9MW)
He said in a "happy-clappy" democracy--which was f-ing awesome as well as funny.
Posted by: dagny: logprof lives! at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (l3g1A)
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 11:40 AM (OlN4e)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 14, 2011 11:41 AM (TMB3S)
War is peace!
Freedom is slavery!
Inconsistency is strength!
Obama's greatest virtue is not knowing what he's doing!
Posted by: Mika at February 14, 2011 11:42 AM (MMC8r)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 03:38 PM (f9c2L)
We'll see. The MB is definitely waiting in the wings looking for the first fissures in the Eyptian military arrangement. It'll be interesting who comes to visit Dear Leader from Egypt in the next few months.
Posted by: Zombie Saddam Hussein at February 14, 2011 11:43 AM (GABXp)
Posted by: joncelli at February 14, 2011 11:44 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: AllenG
---------
Indeed. Obama's approach to foreign policy is exactly the same as his handling of domestic policy.. sit back and hope. Nobody knew when his slogan was "Hope and Change" that the hope part meant crossing his fingers and hoping for the best.. because Captain Zero is clueless.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 11:44 AM (f9c2L)
But if raising this tax rate lowers revenue, why would you ever raise it?
His response? "Maybe not this time."
Posted by: Patrick at February 14, 2011 03:40 PM (CvqvC)
There is probably more than one response to the question of lowering revenue, and my memory stick recalls one variation with the answer, "because it's the fair thing to do?"
Meaning more funds for redistribution to my voting block.
Posted by: Fish the Impaler at February 14, 2011 11:45 AM (ZHsNw)
Wait.
So now "The Military" has absolute power, yes?
And we can assume that "The Military" has some sort of hierarchy with one man at the top, yes? So that man in "the Military" now has absolute power.
Now, class, what do we know about absolute power?
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:46 AM (uFokq)
That's DrewM going off half cocked.
Of course it's relevant. Open your eyes to the larger picture of what happens next, and the odds of success become very important indeed. Do you think that the Israelis in charge of war plans are sitting around, drinking espresso and cheering the crowds in Cairo?
They are planning for the worst, which if history is any guide, won't be long in coming.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 11:46 AM (LH6ir)
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 14, 2011 03:32 PM (9hSKh)
I don't get that either. Unless it is the last desperate act of a failing rag that had to get someone credible on staff or immediately die. I'm not sure why he'd waste his credibility on Newsweak though.
Read his " color of money"- its a history of money that is indispensible. He outlines the threat of debt and what it does to empires. Kinda like what we are now seeing.
Posted by: Derak at February 14, 2011 11:47 AM (CjpKH)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 14, 2011 03:41 PM (TMB3S)
Lets see... we took a few years of war... then 9 more years to come up with a working Constitution... and our Republic...
But they'll do it in a couple of weeks???
/starts to sing to the tune of Sanfrancisco here I come...
Sha-ria Law here we come...
Right back where Moh started from....
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 14, 2011 11:48 AM (AdK6a)
Now, class, what do we know about absolute power?
It gets you laid more regularly, and by a better class of women?
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 11:48 AM (OlN4e)
They are planning for the worst, which if history is any guide, won't be long in coming.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 03:46 PM (LH6ir)
Astute observance, and as a small and unimposing nation, they may be forced to use a weapon long since considered impractical without incurring the wrath of the entire world.
Posted by: Fish the Impaler at February 14, 2011 11:49 AM (ZHsNw)
I *wish* a Republican such as Ilnea Ros-Lithium or Lincoln Diaz-Continental would say, "Maybe the people of 'Cuba yearning for freedom will be inspired by the Egyptians and try to get out from under Castro's long-time totalitarian rule."
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:50 AM (uFokq)
And we can assume that "The Military" has some sort of hierarchy with one man at the top, yes? So that man in "the Military" now has absolute power.
Now, class, what do we know about absolute power?
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 03:46 PM (uFokq)
Power stems from the barrel of a gun...
And the Egyptian population is disarmed.... Longarms flat illegal, and you need a license and prooven reason to have a pistol...
So, yes... Military does have both absolute Physical, and now Political, power.
Posted by: Mao at February 14, 2011 11:50 AM (AdK6a)
You have obviously never seen Israeli women.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 11:51 AM (LH6ir)
Anddddd... the real culprit is the one no one is talking about... food prices... which the Military can do nothing about as the National debt is too large...
Only thing they can do is ask for food aid in the coming months... or its all going to continue IMO.
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 14, 2011 11:52 AM (AdK6a)
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 11:52 AM (OlN4e)
The irrelevancy of the chance of success depends on who you are. I was specifically talking about the point of view of Egyptians.
Is the chance/likelihood this thing goes south something that should concern Obama and impact our planing? Of course.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 14, 2011 11:52 AM (HicGG)
Absolute Vodka has the power to make me do stupid things and make my head hurt in the morning.
Is that the answer your looking for?
Posted by: Buzzsaw at February 14, 2011 11:53 AM (tf9Ne)
We'll see. The MB is definitely waiting in the wings looking for the first fissures in the Eyptian military arrangement. It'll be interesting who comes to visit Dear Leader from Egypt in the next few months.
Posted by: Zombie Saddam Hussein-----------
I, for one minute, do not buy the libtard talk of Egypt as a secular nation that will reject Muslim rule.
They practice Sharia Law at a personal level.. there is growing resentment of Christians (how easily they forget the Coptic Christians killed just weeks ago!). It is ripe for the picking and there is no secular leader to keep it from happening.
Even with truly fair elections, the MB could affect the outcome by playing on the woes of all Egyptians, especially in a terrible economy. Egyptians will flock to them.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 11:53 AM (f9c2L)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:53 AM (0GFWk)
Now, class, what do we know about absolute power?
It gets you laid more regularly, and by a better class of women?
----------------------------
I know nothing.
Posted by: Bill Clinton President of the World at February 14, 2011 11:54 AM (mLKTl)
Posted by: t-bird at February 14, 2011 11:54 AM (FcR7P)
It is clear that NOTHING Obama did resulted in the current outcome - as with our economy, if anything, his positions slowed progress. Yet, because the outcome exists as it is, Obama declares that HIS policies caused this result.
The entire Obama regime is a reduced to a weak post-hoc argument.
If the results is good, their polcies caused it. If the result of bad, it is a result of the policies of their predecessor and if only people had listened to them, the bad outcome would not have happened. They own every outcome. There is no scenario in which Obama can be proven wrong.
Just like global warming.
Posted by: Bill Mitchell at February 14, 2011 11:54 AM (x3Anv)
We don't have a fucking clue, do we?
No, we do: The Military. And we should be satisfied with that generic description of this faceless consortium of peaceful benefactors. Right?
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:55 AM (uFokq)
I'd like any liberal to explain to me why they think H.M.S. Cankles is a competent Sec. Of State?
She knows when to keep her head down and Obama take the blame for major fuckups.
Posted by: Purple Avenger at February 14, 2011 11:55 AM (XGTwp)
118 As is typical with Liberals, they position themselves to own every possible outcome.
--------
Whachoo talkin bout Willis?
Posted by: Al Gore President of the Chakra World at February 14, 2011 11:56 AM (mLKTl)
They welcomed the overt takeover by the military in the short term and have been meeting with them ever since in an effort to establish a committee to alter the constitution or draw up a new one. They are supposed to have some proposals in a couple weeks and a national vote in a couple months. The groups who have met with the military have been praising their new attitude and believe they are committed to making this work.
To believe that you have to believe that their military council is comprised of a group of George Washingtons who are going to resign and go home as soon there is an election. They aren't George Washingtons, they were given control of much of the businesses during the Mubarack regime and have always held much of the political power.
There is no political party other than the MoBros to step in in a couple of months and field a candidate with any hope of winning over the MoBros. Are you kidding me? an election in 2 months in a backwater country where 35% of the voting age public can't even read? Where the only viable party are the MoBros? We can't even have a special election in 2 months when somebody dies or quits.
Posted by: robtr at February 14, 2011 11:57 AM (hVDig)
I think it is axiomatic that The Egyptian people want and deserve freedom. What they will ultimately get has nothing to do with that.
I would rather see an Egypt remain enslaved than a conflagration in the Middle East that may involve the entire world.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 11:57 AM (LH6ir)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 11:57 AM (0GFWk)
Posted by: t-bird at February 14, 2011 11:58 AM (FcR7P)
Did these enforcers just get on a boat and go to Italy? Did they lose their jobs? Are they all in for reformation? Seems they might have another card to play. I can't fathom they just fade into the darkness. Egypt has to get past the possibility of civil war, among other things, before they get to freedom.
Posted by: Derak at February 14, 2011 11:58 AM (CjpKH)
Posted by: kefka at February 14, 2011 11:58 AM (VC56G)
In other words, there is a man behind the curtain and he will be revealed soon enough.
Maybe it's Sulemain. Maybe Sulemain is a puppet. I dunno.
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 11:59 AM (uFokq)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 03:53 PM (f9c2L)
With a truly fair election the Muslim Brotherhood might win. And that's what supporting "democracy" in Egypt will get us.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 11:59 AM (LH6ir)
Maybe she should consider that Obama ain't Jesus, and things happen WHILE Barry flips or flops, not BECAUSE he is a miracle flip flop light worker. For her, the whole world turns on His every flippy Word.
She just has to give Him the glory, for even perceived success. Didn't Obama cut way back on funds to Egypt, which Bush had used to raise up democratic alternatives to Mubarak?
Posted by: bill at February 14, 2011 11:59 AM (VGEci)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 12:01 PM (0GFWk)
Even with truly fair elections, the MB could affect the outcome by playing on the woes of all Egyptians, especially in a terrible economy. Egyptians will flock to them.
Of course. It's the way all oppressive regimes come to power. A good example is........the US.
Posted by: Soona at February 14, 2011 12:01 PM (GABXp)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 14, 2011 12:02 PM (TMB3S)
Posted by: maddogg at February 14, 2011 12:02 PM (OlN4e)
Mika said "damn well" instead of just "soooper dooper well". That shows just how serious she is and just how serious you should take her. Joe on the other hand seemed to tune out after the first Furgeson bunker buster and start playing Tetris or something.
Posted by: Wonkish Rogue at February 14, 2011 12:03 PM (mLKTl)
Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty at February 14, 2011 12:03 PM (Gkhxf)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 12:04 PM (0GFWk)
Mika is a dimwit. "Things going pretty damn well" in Egypt right now is despite Obama, not because of him. It's called blind luck, which Obama seems to have in abundance.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 14, 2011 03:38 PM (f9c2L)
And if Mika wears her teams jersey when she watches them play on TV that will help them win.
Posted by: buzzion at February 14, 2011 12:04 PM (oVQFe)
If Egypt is lucky, they'll be ruled by a Gen Musharaf-type of dictator.
That's the best they can hope for. Because for some wacky reason I think the new democratic elections the Military is promising will include only candidates from...The Military.
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 12:05 PM (uFokq)
Posted by: Tami at February 14, 2011 12:06 PM (VuLos)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 12:06 PM (0GFWk)
Posted by: Tigtog at February 14, 2011 12:07 PM (Q5+Og)
Gates is a defense guy - what are his foreign policy credentials?
Ferguson has it exactly right.
Posted by: Roger at February 14, 2011 12:08 PM (tAwhy)
(for Black Label Soothsayer, whoever he may be)
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at February 14, 2011 04:03 PM (LH6ir)
Heh! You notice its their best seller? And they give it a full stack of pankcakes rating.
Posted by: dananjcon at February 14, 2011 12:08 PM (pr+up)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 12:09 PM (0GFWk)
Posted by: Libby at February 14, 2011 12:09 PM (/vTPx)
Fair elections do not ensure that the best candidate/party wins, rather they ensure that the candidate/party with the most votes wins (See US Presidential election 2007). There is more than one way to get the most votes, and one of them involves the use of intimidation/suggestion. The MB, and Islam in general, understands this aspect of elections very well.
The most likely result of all changes in the form of government have not resulted in an improved quality of life for those whose government changed.
Posted by: Hrothgar at February 14, 2011 12:09 PM (DCpHZ)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 14, 2011 12:09 PM (0GFWk)
I think you're underestimating the grip that Islam has over the general Egyptian culture. I'm sure you've heard of the recent polling that indicates that 84% of the population in Egypt supports death for anyone who leaves Islam, etc. Think also of what happened to the Copts vis a vis the swine flu and, of course, the recent bombing. The Copts, in general, don't have a lot of support there.
I think we project a sort of American worldview on other people a little too easily - we don't stop and think of the history of a place and attempt to divorce ourselves from our own worldview and adopt theirs. Their understanding of reality, of "freedom," of politics, etc., is radically different than ours.
I do appreciate the significant level of so-called Westernized intellectuals in Egypt, but how long do you think they could hold out against, let alone convince, the average Muslim in the street? Not long, I'd say.
the sinner,
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at February 14, 2011 12:11 PM (CvqvC)
The Egyptians also have a constitution. What the protestors were asking for is the ability to reform it to add things like free speech, multiple political parties, open voting, etc. Stuff we have.
You mean they had a consitution. It was dissolved along with the parliment.
Posted by: Soona at February 14, 2011 12:11 PM (GABXp)
Posted by: The guy who shouts Donald Trump at February 14, 2011 12:12 PM (le5qc)
So the Brits have a University in Cambridge with the same name as we do.
In the same town?
Who'd a thunk it.
You go boy, bitch slap those third raters!
Posted by: Kemp at February 14, 2011 12:13 PM (JpFM9)
hahaha, this whole thing is balluxed up
Message to Egyptians: look up the phrase 'faustian deal'
heh
Posted by: Black Label Soothsayer at February 14, 2011 12:13 PM (uFokq)
Posted by: Tigtog at February 14, 2011 04:07 PM (Q5+Og)
And this information would be useful how? Sarc/off
Even conservative journalists seem to have given up on trying to find out information of Barky. Frankly, I also cannot believe the complete control of Barky's personal info. Sensitive classified US programs leak more than the O team does. I guess we can credit them with information discipline at least!
Posted by: Hrothgar at February 14, 2011 12:15 PM (DCpHZ)
Posted by: Thurston Howell III's bloated corpse at February 14, 2011 12:15 PM (pr+up)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 14, 2011 12:24 PM (TMB3S)
"And this information would be useful how? Sarc/off"
It would allow the populance an opportunity to see the real Sparky, not the magic "okra" version. I just don't think his that bright. I believe there are folks who knew him and could offer some illumination on the subject.
Posted by: Tigtog at February 14, 2011 12:26 PM (Q5+Og)
Tigtog:
Given his admission of smoking a lot of dope and doing cocaine (maybe crack, too?) in his book, I'd say he's one of the brighter former druggies I've seen.
But, I also often attribute that to his need for the TOTUS in order to get a complete coherent sentence out.
"Long term loss of short term memory" and all that.
Posted by: jwb7605 at February 14, 2011 12:35 PM (Qxe/p)
Well, Ferguson didn't really say that. He said that the asswipes in the administration, now, are 2nd or 3rd rate. Then, when challenged, he said that they certainly fell short of Zbig the Idiot. That didn't make Zbig the Idiot first rate. That only made Zbig the Idiot slightly better than 3rd rate ... and I think Ferguson was just trying to be nice, anyway, since Zbig the Idiot helped bring about Iran.
Posted by: iknowtheleft at February 14, 2011 12:38 PM (N49h9)
Posted by: mpfs at February 14, 2011 12:39 PM (iYbLN)
--He was throwing her a bone. Kinda his way of saying "Bless your heart!"
Posted by: logprof at February 14, 2011 12:39 PM (BP6Z1)
It would allow the populance an
opportunity to see the real Sparky, not the magic "okra" version. I just
don't think he's that bright.
Posted by: Tigtog at February 14, 2011 04:26 PM (Q5+Og)
Toonces is a stone cold idiot.
Posted by: iknowtheleft at February 14, 2011 12:41 PM (N49h9)
Posted by: JS at February 14, 2011 12:55 PM (NB4vc)
I've smoked alot of weed im my day and I did a better job assessing Iraqs potential for success as a Democracy and Egypts danger from the MB than Obama or Joe Biden.
My point? Leftism makes one stupider than pot smoking.
Posted by: SGT Ted at February 14, 2011 01:11 PM (arV2e)
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
Posted by: some old chinese guy at February 14, 2011 01:44 PM (GTbGH)
I'm not necessarily talking about organized groups. I'm talking about the deeply embedded nature of the Islamic worldview that runs back, obviously, centuries. It is the fundamental way in which the average member of a society sees reality and, through that view, politics and government, etc. Unlike the West, Islam has not been infected with the humanism of the so-called Enlightenment. This has allowed a greater influence by Islam on the day-to-day worldview of those that live within the society.
Unfortunately, it's Islam having that influence.
Here's another example: Some years ago, a history professor I had told us a story about how the feminists in Egypt were really upset with their daughters. Turns out they'd fought for years and years against female circumcision, which is a procedure women would undergo to wear the veil - it was a sign of respect and decency within the culture. Though not *directly* commanded by the Koran, there are aspects of this tradition within the Hadith (which more directly reflect the intertwined nature of Arabic culture and Islam to begin with). Their daughters WANTED to be circumcised and to wear the veil, *because* of the cultural respect/significance of doing so. The mothers basically felt like they'd, literally, risked their lives for nothing.
That is what I mean by don't underestimate the depth of effect Islam (not any particular Muslim group, per se) has had on Egyptian culture.
the sinner,
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at February 14, 2011 02:02 PM (CvqvC)
Posted by: bobbymike at February 14, 2011 03:00 PM (TpGmG)
Posted by: jpfoursc at February 14, 2011 03:32 PM (FukZy)
Posted by: Mark at February 14, 2011 03:32 PM (IILET)
Posted by: Krazy Kat at February 14, 2011 03:45 PM (oNphh)
The word of the day is: causation. Let's explain to the people in Tahrir Square how they did nothing, and the Obamessiah is to thank for their liberty.
Posted by: The Black Republican at February 14, 2011 04:37 PM (RqRzN)
Posted by: Nation Lampoon Back When I Was Funny at February 14, 2011 04:38 PM (GLEX2)
Posted by: richard mcenroe at February 14, 2011 04:42 PM (GLEX2)
Posted by: JackStraw at February 14, 2011 05:31 PM (TMB3S)
The word of the day is: causation.
Posted by: The Black Republican at February 14, 2011 08:37 PM (RqRzN)
Heh. That'll leave a mark.
Posted by: iknowtheleft at February 14, 2011 07:45 PM (N49h9)
Posted by: flurmf at February 15, 2011 05:51 AM (aypq3)
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Posted by: elspeth at February 14, 2011 10:56 AM (0AkWH)