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US declines to criticize Egypt's military following Morsi ouster
Rolled over to July 4.
[Al Ahram] The United States declined on Wednesday to criticize Egypt's military, even as it was ousting Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi from power.
"Poop or go blind? Poor or go blind? Oh, dear! Decisions!"
Minutes before Egypt's army commander announced that Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president,
Hitler was democratically elected, too...
had been deposed and the constitution suspended, the U.S. State Department criticized Morsi, but gave no public signal it was opposed to the army's action.
"We're on... ummm... their side."
"Which side?"
"Whichever. You know."
Asked whether the Egyptian army had the legitimacy to remove Morsi from power, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, "We're not taking sides in this."
"We are keenly supportive of the hopes and aspirations of the Egyptian people!"
"Which Egyptian people?"
"Whichever."
The muted U.S. response - at least thus far - to the dramatic events in Cairo suggested that Washington may be willing to accept the military's move as a way of ending a political crisis that has paralyzed Egypt, a long-time U.S. ally.
All depending on which way the wind blows, of course.
Still, the distant attitude toward Morsi, who has come under U.S. criticism in recent days, could open up President Barack Obama
I've now been in 57 states -- I think one left to go...
to complaints he has not supported democracy in the Arab world.
"The United States steadfastly supports the aspirations of the Egyptian people!"
"Which aspirations?"
"Whichever."
There was no immediate reaction from the White House or the State Department to the military's announcement that it was installing a technocratic government to eventually be followed by new elections.
"Michelle! Michelle! Wake up!"
"What? Barry, it's 3 a.m.!"
"Michelle, should I poop or go blind?"
"I don't know, Barry! Compromise! Fart and get near-sighted!"
But the fact that the Egyptian military announced plans for elections and a constitutional review, and that those plans were immediately backed by the country's leading Moslem and Christian holy mans, could help the transition roadmap earn Washington's backing.
"Yeah! That's it! They got a roadmap! That's the ticket! Can't go wrong with a roadmap!"
"Sure, Barry. Look how well it's worked in Paleostine!"
Earlier, Psaki had made clear that U.S. officials were disappointed in Morsi's speech on Tuesday night.
"Harrumph! Harrumph! Yasss! Disappointed! Very disappointed!"
In that speech Morsi said he would defend the legitimacy of his elected office with his life.
"Mill-yuns of martyrs! Marching as we go!"
"Ummm... It's not millions anymore, Moe."
"It's not? Thousands?"
"Not quite that many."
"Hundreds?"
"No."
"Dozens?"
Morsi must "do more to be truly responsive" to concerns of Egyptian people" after huge rallies over the weekend, she said. "We are calling on him to take more steps."
Was that before or after he was dumped?
Specifically, Psaki said Morsi should call for an end to violence, including violence against women.
Yeah, yeah. That ain't gonna happen. That's an Arab thing, not an MB thing. Don't forget to call for an end to violence against homosexuals. And an end to cruelty to animals. Both concern the central issue about as much.
He should also take steps to engage with the opposition and the military and work through the crisis in a political fashion, she added.
He wasn't willing to "dialogue" until everybody was ready to toss him. That was his problem. Have they been paying any attention at all in Washington?
The military move also presents Obama with a dilemma over continuing U.S. aid to Egypt. Underlying the importance for Washington of keeping ties to Egypt's military, Secretary of State John F. I was in Vietnam, you know Kerry
Former Senator-for-Life from Massachussetts, self-defined war hero, speaker of French, owner of a lucky hat, conqueror of Cambodia, and current Secretary of State...
 in May quietly approved $1.3 billion in military assistance, even though the country did not meet democracy standards set by the U.S. Congress for it to receive the aid. U.S. law requires most American aid to be cut off "to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d'etat or decree.
Posted by: Fred 2013-07-04
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=371494