U.S. cannot ignore 'stable' dictators, former senator charges (updated)

[ProSense]

U.S. cannot ignore 'stable' dictators, former senator charges

The protests in Egypt show the United States can no longer ignore "'stable'" dictators, former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) said Friday.

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Feingold also praised President Obama's recent calls for Mubarak to step down immediately.

"I am pleased that President Obama has been direct and critical in his comments to President Mubarak, who should certainly step down and participate in a peaceful transition to a democratic civil society which respects the rule of law," Feingold said.

This week, protests in Egypt have become increasingly violent as Mubarak supporters began to clash in the streets with throngs of Egyptians calling for Mubarak to relinquish his post. Mubarak has agreed to step down, but some observers have criticized the Egyptian president for not leaving office fast enough. An election for Mubarak's successor is set for the fall.

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Updated to add:

2009 Human Rights Report: Egypt

From Kerry's NYT op-ed: Allying Ourselves With the Next Egypt

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Given the events of the past week, some are criticizing America’s past tolerance of the Egyptian regime. It is true that our public rhetoric did not always match our private concerns. But there also was a pragmatic understanding that our relationship benefited American foreign policy and promoted peace in the region. And make no mistake, a productive relationship with Egypt remains crucial for both us and the Middle East.

To that end, the United States must accompany our rhetoric with real assistance to the Egyptian people. For too long, financing Egypt’s military has dominated our alliance. The proof was seen over the weekend: tear gas canisters marked “Made in America” fired at protesters, United States-supplied F-16 jet fighters streaking over central Cairo. Congress and the Obama administration need to consider providing civilian assistance that would generate jobs and improve social conditions in Egypt, as well as guarantee that American military assistance is accomplishing its goals — just as we are trying to do with Pakistan through a five-year nonmilitary assistance package.

The awakening across the Arab world must bring new light to Washington, too. Our interests are not served by watching friendly governments collapse under the weight of the anger and frustrations of their own people, nor by transferring power to radical groups that would spread extremism. Instead, the best way for our stable allies to survive is to respond to the genuine political, legal and economic needs of their people. And the Obama administration is already working to address these needs.

At other historic turning points, we have not always chosen wisely. We built an important alliance with a free Philippines by supporting the people when they showed Ferdinand Marcos the door in 1986. But we continue to pay a horrible price for clinging too long to Iran’s shah. How we behave in this moment of challenge in Cairo is critical. It is vital that we stand with the people who share our values and hopes and who seek the universal goals of freedom, prosperity and peace.

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This is what's needed.