Just Plain in Over His Head!!!!

[Franco]

We should verbally support those in Egypt that want to live free. It is the best hedge against it falling into the hands of Muslim extremist.

If the Muslim Brotherhood gains power and influence in Egypt, then we should arm Israel to the nines.

and turn them loose

[Blackstone]

The US response should always be to back those who are allies and are supportive of stability and the US. In the case of Egypt and Mubarak, they have been our allies and a peaceful influence in the Middle East since the historic treaty with Israel. With that said, if we object to the oppression in Egypt (or elsewhere among US allies), the most effective approach would be to bring influence, even behind-the-scenes pressure to help bring about reforms as conditions for our aid. The absolute worse things we could do is to publically encourage instablility like the Obama government has done by encouraging the unrest. Obama has essentially called out publically the very government we back with billions of aid. And he has done this having no plan or influence over what might replace it. We have empowered a movement, yet have no ability to positively influence the outcome, not unlike Iran and other Middle East countries. And like Iran, if a governement results that is hostile toward the US, we will have lost any influence for positive reform. The enivitable outcome will be less influence in a very unstable region of the world where we are inordinately dependent for our critical fuel needs.

And bottom line we have to understand, we cannot impose our model of democracy on cultures that have no understanding of it. We should always exercise positive influence where we can when it comes to the plight of people but never undermind our allies when there is no plan or reasonable expectation for improved conditions with a new government.

The problem is that we have waited until it is too late to apply pressure behind the scenes to bring about change. That should have been happening years ago. Unfortunately, for years, we remained silent and supported an oppressive regime, even though we knew the oppression was occurring. Instead, we turned a blind eye because Mubarak’s regime represented our interests in the area.

I do not know if there is a correct response at this point. We may find ourselves in a no win situation. If we speak out against Mubarak, we are betraying an ally, and adding fuel to the fire of those seeking to overthrow him. And, we have no way of influencing the type of government that will replace him. You can be sure there are those poised to take over that will prove hostile to the U.S.

On the other hand, if we support Mubarak, or say nothing, we will become the villain in the eyes of the people of Egypt (if we aren’t already) for having supported and provided aid to the Mubarak regime for all these years. In which case, we are almost certain to see a replacement government that is not sympathetic to the U.S.

It doesn’t seem we learned much from mistakes of the past. We did the same thing in Cuba, across the African continent, in the Middle East & in Viet Nam.

Obama’s response is almost immaterial at this point. I think Mubarak is done any way it goes. All we can hope to do now is get on the right side of whatever government takes his place.

[cotts135]

So, what would be the correct response to this situation?

Having a National energy policy that is not dependent on Middle East oil would be a start.

[road kill]

Having a National energy policy that is not dependent on Middle East oil would be a start.

The immediate solution would be windmills???
Solar Panels??????


Open drilling in the gulf and Alaska???

Just askin'.........


RK

[BonMallari]

The immediate spolution would be windmills???
Solar Panels??????


Open drilling in the gulf and Alaska???

Just askin'.........


RK

How about building a refinery or ten, which in turn creates jobs....what would that do to the price of a barrel of oil...a middle east expert said the other day that the price of oil has a psychological price along with a market price..the American public has to understand that breaking the dependence on foreign oil comes at a price

[Granddaddy]

The problem is that we have waited until it is too late to apply pressure behind the scenes to bring about change. That should have been happening years ago. Unfortunately, for years, we remained silent and supported an oppressive regime, even though we knew the oppression was occurring. Instead, we turned a blind eye because Mubarak’s regime represented our interests in the area.

I do not know if there is a correct response at this point. We may find ourselves in a no win situation. If we speak out against Mubarak, we are betraying an ally, and adding fuel to the fire of those seeking to overthrow him. And, we have no way of influencing the type of government that will replace him. You can be sure there are those poised to take over that will prove hostile to the U.S.

On the other hand, if we support Mubarak, or say nothing, we will become the villain in the eyes of the people of Egypt (if we aren’t already) for having supported and provided aid to the Mubarak regime for all these years. In which case, we are almost certain to see a replacement government that is not sympathetic to the U.S.

It doesn’t seem we learned much from mistakes of the past. We did the same thing in Cuba, across the African continent, in the Middle East & in Viet Nam.

Obama’s response is almost immaterial at this point. I think Mubarak is done any way it goes. All we can hope to do now is get on the right side of whatever government takes his place.

Even waiting too late, it is still the only viable approach for the US. We have to support those who support our interests as a first priority. We can attempt to change/influence the culture to something we find acceptable, but that has to be a second priority. The point is if influence and pressure is handled properly, the public would never know we are making the application. This current approach of our president making a public announcement as a reaction every time something new happens shows publically we really have no influence and no plan for stability in the region.

Certainly at the same time we should have a national plan to lessen the dependence upon anything from the Middle East. That would mean aggressive drilling in the US (the gulf, the east coast & Alaska), all of which can be done without risk to the environment. More aggressive use of our abundant natural gas and coal (using new clean coal techniques). And BTW what has happened to Obama's campaign promises to do just these things? I do know at this point wherever we find a key strategic resource threatened, we should be actively involved to influence the continued allegiance to protect the resource. Our future and world peace depend upon it.

[road kill]

Even waiting too late, it is still the only viable approach for the US. We have to support those who support our interests as a first priority. We can attempt to change/influence the culture to something we find acceptable, but that has to be a second priority. The point is if influence and pressure is handled properly, the public would never know we are making the application. This current approach of our president making a public announcement as a reaction every time something new happens shows publically we really have no influence and no plan for stability in the region.

Certainly at the same time we should have a national plan to lessen the dependence upon anything from the Middle East. That would mean aggressive drilling in the US (the gulf, the east coast & Alaska), all of which can be done without risk to the environment. More aggressive use of our abundant natural gas and coal (using new clean coal techniques). And BTW what has happened to Obama's campaign promises to do just these things? I do know at this point wherever we find a key strategic resource threatened, we should be actively involved to influence the continued allegiance to protect the resource. Our future and world peace depend upon it.

By "OUR" interests, do you mean ours........or HIS?????
They may not be one in the same.


Just askin'......



RK

[subroc]

Having a National energy policy that is not dependent on Middle East oil would be a start.

energy policy?

you do mean energy?

coal is energy. oil is energy. gas is energy. which one are you advocating for?

does your national energy policy include development of domestic oil, gas, and especially coal, or is it reserved for wind and solar power alone?

[M&K's Retrievers]

We are starting to get AFE's again for gas wells but the operators are having a hard time getting individual players to participate due to slow payout with natural gas price at it current level. They are hoping the increased price for the condensate will make up the difference. That also may be due in part as an attempt to fend off lawsuits from royalty owners who like to sue for lack of drilling activity. Land men hiring seem to be on the rise and leasing requests are up. I doubt this is the result of the Middle East problems.

[BrianW]

Having a National energy policy that is not dependent on Middle East oil would be a start.

Having an Admin that's not in contempt of court would be a nice follow up.