When the protests began in Egypt I wasn't sure why United States wasn't showing more support for Mubarak and his government. I looked at the situation like this; As far we know, Mubarak has been a loyal ally in the war on terror, provided support during the first Gulf War and did not impede us during the second war. Mubarak has made nice with Israel who is a major ally to the US even though that country isn't perfect either. In this case it appeared that the devil you know has to be better than the devil you don't. This is especially important in that area of the world because we are not exactly popular.
But looking at the recent developments such as pulling the police, allowing looters to roam the streets, allowing vigilantes to set up check points to fight back against the looters, and firing live ammo at the protesters has made me rethink about how that country is handling itself. Now Egypt has shut down all Internet activity which prevents it's people to get information about what is happening and let the outside world know what is happening inside the country.
Mubarak is not coming out well in the pr fight. I think it's time for him to call for democratic elections to allow the people to decide who they want to govern them. I don't know if a new leader will cure what ails the country but it appears to be time to find out. Let's just hope the next leader will allow Egypt to continue to be a faithful ally of the United States.
