Per the NYT, things looking pretty awesome in Egypt

[RobinFinderson]

"We should stop fooling ourselves. This is not a revolution."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT

Here is a little more of the context around that quote:

Sabahi finished an unexpectedly close third, grabbing support among the working class and revolutionary groups as an alternative to either Islamists or regime figures. But his failure to make the runoff left the choice between the two extremes, Shafiq or Morsi, each in their way a holdover from the old system.

"We should stop fooling ourselves. This is not a revolution," Abou Adhma said. The declaration brought friendly cries of protest in the circle.

"A revolution meant we should have gotten rid of the entire old regime immediately," he went on. "We should have hanged those security officers and had revolutionary courts. We did none of this."

So here are the things I notice:

1. The guy you quote is upset that his candidate came in third place, thus failing to make the runoff. He isn't upset with a rigged system. He is upset that his candidate didn't advance.

2. Immediately after he makes the statement you quote, those around him express a different opinion through 'friendly cries of protest.' What you quote, based on the article, only captures one POV among the revolutionaries.

3. When the dude gets the chance to clarify what he would have preferred, in addition to his own candidate's triumph at the polls, he talks about public executions in the streets following revolutionary courts (lets call this the Castro approach).

4. There is no evidence (that I have seen) that the elections are being rigged.

[YOhio]

Things are heating up again.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/01/world/...html?hpt=hp_t2

[dabrockster]

Things are heating up again.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/01/world/...html?hpt=hp_t2

And this..

Former Ohio Student of Kenyon Collge was killed during protests.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/30/us/egy...rticle_sidebar

[Walter Sobchak]

<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/wo...anted=all&_r=0>

Army Ousts Egypt’s President; Morsi Is Taken Into Military Custody


<http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../tw_egypt.html>

Travel Warning
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Egypt

July 3, 2013

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Egypt and U.S. citizens living in Egypt to depart at this time because of the continuing political and social unrest. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on June 28, 2013.

On July 3, 2013, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Egypt due to the ongoing political and social unrest.

Political unrest, which intensified prior to the constitutional referendum in December 2012 and the anniversary in 2013 of Egypt's 25th January Revolution, is likely to worsen in the near future due to unrest focused on the first anniversary of the President’s assumption of office. Demonstrations have, on occasion, degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters, and between protesters supporting different factions, resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. Participants have thrown rocks and Molotov cocktails and security forces have used tear gas and other crowd control measures against demonstrators. There are numerous reports of the use of firearms as well. While violent protests have occurred in major metropolitan areas, including downtown Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said, the security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. Of specific concern is a rise in gender-based violence in and around protest areas where women have been the specific targets of sexual assault.

[Walter Sobchak]

This was our Egypt itinerary as of yesterday:

Day 1: Thursday October 10th. Arrival in Cairo and Nile Dinner cruise.
Your flight from Muscat, Oman is scheduled to arrive in Cairo at 1535 (3.35 pm) local time. Your tour manager will meet & assist you at Cairo International Airport with arrival procedures and then he will escort you to the hotel at Giza by exclusive air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At the hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Later you will be transferred to have Dinner on board your 5 star Cruise sailing for 2 hours in the Nile. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Friday October 11th. Pyramids Tour - Sound and Light show
Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then be met by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus - Famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Optional visit to the Solar Boat in front of Cheops Pyramid (extra ticket paid on spot). Lunch included during the tour and then proceed to Sakkara area to visit the Sakkara pyramids including the first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Then travel to Memphis; Old kingdom's capital and famous Necropolis. In the evening you will be transferred to enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Giza Pyramids, then back to your hotel and overnight.

Day 3: Saturday October 12th. Cairo Sightseeing - Dinner cruise
Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be escorted by your private guide to visit: Egyptian Museum, Treasures room for the child king Tutankhamen, alongside many other fascinating artifacts. Additional visit to the mummies room at the museum (extra ticket on spot) Lunch throughout the tour at local restaurant, then moving to visit Saladin Citadel including Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque inside. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Combining fascinating history with shopping in a lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, this dates back to 1382. Back to hotel with the evening free to perhaps enjoy a final meal, shop or just relax and pack for your midnight checkout.

Day 4: Sunday October 13th. Departure to Istanbul and Los Angeles.
Midnight transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul departing at 0255 (2.55 am). There is a 6 hour layover in Istanbul before your connecting flight to Los Angeles. If you wish, you may leave the airport and see a little of Istanbul. Arrival at LAX is scheduled for 1630 (4.30 pm local time) on Sunday October 13th.

[Maximus]

This was our Egypt itinerary as of yesterday:

Day 1: Thursday October 10th. Arrival in Cairo and Nile Dinner cruise.
Your flight from Muscat, Oman is scheduled to arrive in Cairo at 1535 (3.35 pm) local time. Your tour manager will meet & assist you at Cairo International Airport with arrival procedures and then he will escort you to the hotel at Giza by exclusive air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At the hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Later you will be transferred to have Dinner on board your 5 star Cruise sailing for 2 hours in the Nile. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Friday October 11th. Pyramids Tour - Sound and Light show
Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then be met by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus - Famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Optional visit to the Solar Boat in front of Cheops Pyramid (extra ticket paid on spot). Lunch included during the tour and then proceed to Sakkara area to visit the Sakkara pyramids including the first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Then travel to Memphis; Old kingdom's capital and famous Necropolis. In the evening you will be transferred to enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Giza Pyramids, then back to your hotel and overnight.

Day 3: Saturday October 12th. Cairo Sightseeing - Dinner cruise
Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be escorted by your private guide to visit: Egyptian Museum, Treasures room for the child king Tutankhamen, alongside many other fascinating artifacts. Additional visit to the mummies room at the museum (extra ticket on spot) Lunch throughout the tour at local restaurant, then moving to visit Saladin Citadel including Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque inside. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Combining fascinating history with shopping in a lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, this dates back to 1382. Back to hotel with the evening free to perhaps enjoy a final meal, shop or just relax and pack for your midnight checkout.

Day 4: Sunday October 13th. Departure to Istanbul and Los Angeles.
Midnight transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul departing at 0255 (2.55 am). There is a 6 hour layover in Istanbul before your connecting flight to Los Angeles. If you wish, you may leave the airport and see a little of Istanbul. Arrival at LAX is scheduled for 1630 (4.30 pm local time) on Sunday October 13th.

First it probably will be better by then. Second, avoid the sound and light show. Third, travel to,the valley of,the kings if possible.

[creekster]

First it probably will be better by then. Second, avoid the sound and light show. Third, travel to,the valley of,the kings if possible.

Concur heartily with two and three. One remains to be seen.

[myboynoah]

This was our Egypt itinerary as of yesterday:

Day 1: Thursday October 10th. Arrival in Cairo and Nile Dinner cruise.
Your flight from Muscat, Oman is scheduled to arrive in Cairo at 1535 (3.35 pm) local time. Your tour manager will meet & assist you at Cairo International Airport with arrival procedures and then he will escort you to the hotel at Giza by exclusive air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At the hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Later you will be transferred to have Dinner on board your 5 star Cruise sailing for 2 hours in the Nile. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Friday October 11th. Pyramids Tour - Sound and Light show
Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then be met by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus - Famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Optional visit to the Solar Boat in front of Cheops Pyramid (extra ticket paid on spot). Lunch included during the tour and then proceed to Sakkara area to visit the Sakkara pyramids including the first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Then travel to Memphis; Old kingdom's capital and famous Necropolis. In the evening you will be transferred to enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Giza Pyramids, then back to your hotel and overnight.

Day 3: Saturday October 12th. Cairo Sightseeing - Dinner cruise
Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be escorted by your private guide to visit: Egyptian Museum, Treasures room for the child king Tutankhamen, alongside many other fascinating artifacts. Additional visit to the mummies room at the museum (extra ticket on spot) Lunch throughout the tour at local restaurant, then moving to visit Saladin Citadel including Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque inside. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Combining fascinating history with shopping in a lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, this dates back to 1382. Back to hotel with the evening free to perhaps enjoy a final meal, shop or just relax and pack for your midnight checkout.

Day 4: Sunday October 13th. Departure to Istanbul and Los Angeles.
Midnight transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul departing at 0255 (2.55 am). There is a 6 hour layover in Istanbul before your connecting flight to Los Angeles. If you wish, you may leave the airport and see a little of Istanbul. Arrival at LAX is scheduled for 1630 (4.30 pm local time) on Sunday October 13th.

It will blow over by then.

Don't come home without three things: essence, papyrus, and a cartouche. Every Egyptian has a brother, cousin, or uncle who will give you a great deal.

[YOhio]

This is so odd. The Secretary of State goes on vacation during a military coup in Egypt. The administration has released a couple of situation room photos of the President meeting with the national security team and Kerry's absence is noticeable, particularly in contrast to Hillary's presence over the last four years. It seems like a real bad move for Kerry to further isolate himself from a president who already has a pretty tight inner circle. Pure speculation on my part, but I think the State department will be a Biden-led endeavor for the remainder of this term.

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion...rry_on_a_plane

[Moliere]

This is so odd. The Secretary of State goes on vacation during a military coup in Egypt. The administration has released a couple of situation room photos of the President meeting with the national security team and Kerry's absence is noticeable, particularly in contrast to Hillary's presence over the last four years. It seems like a real bad move for Kerry to further isolate himself from a president who already has a pretty tight inner circle. Pure speculation on my part, but I think the State department will be a Biden-led endeavor for the remainder of this term.

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion...rry_on_a_plane

Sounds like Kerry is taking lessons from Obama.

[Eddie]

I think that when you decide to be President, or Sec. of State, or really even just a Senator or Representative - you've effectively decided that you're going to allow the crisis of the nation (and/or world) to take precedence over the majority of your personal plans for the duration of your tour.

I don't think anyone can go 24/7, and I do believe that these folks need some R&R at times.

But it often feels like these folks are just going from one vacation to another. They are almost famous at times for the amount of time they DON'T spend in the office. Yes - I know this isn't necessarily true. But it would be nice if they did more to quash that perception.

[myboynoah]

In Egypt, gripes about U.S. government are a common theme

“We love the American people,” said Bolis Victor, 34, a middle-class merchant in the Egyptian capital, who said he has relatives in Chicago. “But we hate Obama and Patterson.”

But, but, but . . . . . .

obamacairo.jpg

28501170.JPG

20090604_boyslisten_33.jpg

Barack-Obama-speech-in-Ca-001.jpg

[SeattleUte]

Thomas Friedman spouting platitudes and implausibly urging Muslim Brothers and "secularist" liberals to love and tolerate one another.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/op...e-edge.html?hp

What is to be done when fascists who have no instinct for or interest in represetatuve government or tolerance for dissent manipulate secular good will and the popular will to win office by majority vote and then set about dismantling the democratic apparatus? This same thing happened in 1930s Germany. Too bad there was then no popular uprising and military revolt and coup. Platitudes won't help Egypt out of its complicated dillema.

[Katy Lied]

This is so odd. The Secretary of State goes on vacation during a military coup in Egypt.

I think that when you decide to be President, or Sec. of State, or really even just a Senator or Representative - you've effectively decided that you're going to allow the crisis of the nation (and/or world) to take precedence over the majority of your personal plans for the duration of your tour.

I suspect the fact that Teresa Heinz is gravely ill and likely to die has a lot to do with it.

[YOhio]

I suspect the fact that Teresa Heinz is gravely ill and likely to die has a lot to do with it.

I don't think so. I don't want to downplay her illness and how it may have impacted Kerry's decision to go on vacation while Egypt was in the midst of a coup, but from what I read she didn't start experiencing her seizure-like symptoms until Sunday when she was taken to the hospital. But the good news is that her condition has been upgraded.