Obama won't call for Mubarak to resign until and unless they know he will.

[TheWraith]

The US doesn't want to get ahead of the situation and publicly burn Mubarak if we're still going to have to deal with him, even for 9 months or so until their elections. No matter how things turn out there, we still want Egypt as allies, meaning that the US walks a fine line between sticking our nose into their internal business, and being seen as too passive. That's why the real work is being done by diplomats, privately, rather than by public demands or posturing.

[crikkett]

1. Ahem - the "real work" is being done by that beautiful chanting crowd

in Tahrir Square.

[likesmountains 52]

2. +1000

[TheWraith]

3. No. Unless you want to tell the Iranian Green Movement they just screwed up.

The protesters may put pressure on Mubarak, but it's the rest of the planet telling him that there are further consequences for him if he doesn't do something that have a lasting impact. Without international pressure, all you get is the Green Movement 2.0: riot troops, suppression, and a return to the status quo.

[crikkett]

5. You haven't convinced me that it's nto the Egyptians, all the way.

When I left for work yesterday the army was stopping looters, not repressing crowds.

[chimpymustgo]

4. Man up, for ONCE, Obama! Get in FRONT of history (you're already behind).