Joe Biden: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is No Dictator, Protesters Demands Illegitimate…
Mubarak’s been in power for over 30 years, ruthlessly crushes dissent and only allows sham elections. Nope, definitely not a dictator.
(CS Monitor)- Vice President Joe Biden spoke to the PBS NewsHour tonight with the most direct US governent comments yet about the gathering Egypt protests against President Hosni Mubarak’s 29-year reign.
Mr. Biden’s comments are unlikely to be well-received by regime opponents, as they fit a narrative of steadfast US support for a government they want to bring down. About eight protesters and one policeman have died this week as Egypt has sought to bring down the heavy hand of the state against opponents. Since the US provides about $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt a year, the repressive apparatus of the state is seen by many in Egypt as hand in glove with the US.
Tonight in Cairo, activists said that internet service was being systematically blocked, as was the use of instant messages on local cellphones, despite repeated calls from the US State Department for Egypt to allow social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to remain available to the nation’s people. Egypt is bracing for a showdown tomorrow. Organizers have called for massive protests against the regime after noon prayers on Friday, seeking to build on the unprecedented wave of public demonstrations this week calling for an end to Mubarak’s rule.
…Asked if he would characterize Mubarak as a dictator Biden responded: “Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things. And he’s been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interest in the region, the Middle East peace efforts; the actions Egypt has taken relative to normalizing relationship with – with Israel. … I would not refer to him as a dictator.”
He also appeared to make one of the famous Biden gaffes, in comments that could be interpreted as questioning the legitimacy of protesters’ demands. Monitor Cairo correspondent Kristen Chick, other reporters in the country, and activists have generally characterized the main calls of demonstrators as focused on freedom, democracy, an end to police torture, and a more committed government effort to address the poverty that aflicts millions of Egyptians.
Biden urged non-violence from both protesters and the government and said: “We’re encouraging the protesters to – as they assemble, do it peacefully. And we’re encouraging the government to act responsibly and – and to try to engage in a discussion as to what the legitimate claims being made are, if they are, and try to work them out.” He also said: “I think that what we should continue to do is to encourage reasonable… accommodation and discussion to try to resolve peacefully and amicably the concerns and claims made by those who have taken to the street. And those that are legitimate should be responded to because the economic well-being and the stability of Egypt rests upon that middle class buying into the future of Egypt.”
Egypt’s protesters, if they’re paying attention to Biden at all, will certainly be wondering which of their demands thus far have been illegitimate.
Posted by ZIP on Thursday, January 27, 2011, at 10:38 pm | 
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The Obama Regime is siding with the dictator again.
Seems to be a pattern forming.
With the non-stop attacks against the right since the shootings how long until Obama is declared dictator?
I’m not sure. Is this going to be another one of those Iran things that Jimmy Carter had a hand in? Which is worse for us. Mubarak or a mullah-ocracy cause that’s who it looks like will end up with the power.
As bad as Biden is I still prefer him rather than Al Gore.
Please, Good Lord let emperor 0bama live till the next election. (Then run his disgraced hinney out of town out on a rail.)
I’m with CJ on this…what is worse right now?
Just curious what others think too ~
Got to hit the sack soon…be interesting to see what others think tomorrow.
Night all.
He is pro-israel but even i think Mubarak will throw israel under the bus.
Has anyone seen Joe Biden’t Birth Certificate?
Carolyn Glick has an excellent big picture assesment of the Egypt protests & the chances the dangerous Muslim Brotherhood that will likely fill the vacuum. http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0111/glick012811.php3
I fear that many of you are rooting for the wrong side in this one…
EGYPT: Be Careful What You Wish For…
[Weasel Zippers linked]
With the current state of the ME,Israel excepted,this is as good as it gets imho.No more nation building,you want freedom,fight for it yourself. We did.
@RR:
Completely agree,this is the MB all the way. They have been waiting patiently for 30 years.
Anyone else seem to notice a decidedly “islamic” link in all of the uprisings lately?
Agree that the current situation, while not perfect (treatment of Copts), is better than another Iran.
Israel demands Mubarak use anti-terrorism force.
The left thinks Chavez is not a dictator. Castro isn’t. But Bush is a fascist.
RR. I can’t make heads or tails of this. Partly because of the agenda of our own media and leaders. EVERYtime something like this happens we don’t get the real lowdown on what is happening. I would like to know of who is following this and what is really going on. If you’re following this and know what’s going on. PLEASE explain.
http://frontpagemag.com/2011/01/28/khomeinis-return/
I’d trust info on Horowitz site more than i’d trust our own state department.
His opinion is just Bullshit
In related news….
Obama is a capitalist and up IS down.
Win The Future!!!
Win The Future. is that not ironic. W. T. F. Someone was not thinking.
I seem to remember that when America revolted against British rule,
Lafayette from France and von Steuben from Prussia came by to lend a helping
hand.
Did anyone see Biden’s interview with Jim Lehrer last night? Talk about mental… I’m stunned this guy is one heartbeat away from the presidency. He’s obviously senile, and arguably should be removed from office.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june11/biden_01-27.html
Just pathetic…
Not only that if Mubarak is toppled say hi Muslim Brotherhood.
But i agree with you.
Joe “plugs ” Biden has to be one of the dumbest people on the planet.
ANYONE who can be in control a a whole country for 29 yrs. is obviuosly a Dictator. Why are we sending tax payer dollars to the tune of 1.5 billion to a country with a dictator? Isn’t that communism at its best? When the United States country was fighting for democracy, Sure we received money from countries like France but we also had to pay it back. In Gold Bars!!! Look up the history on Fort Knox!!!