Obama on Egypt...

I hope his is correct....but...

Obama came out yesterday guns blazing saying how proud he was of the Demonstrators in Tahrir Square as they were about to bring Democracy to this former Dictatorship.

Either he is most prescient or his unequivocal statement amounts to nothing more than wishful thinking.

In the case of the latter, I believe it is essential for Leaders of Important Nations, such as the United States, to think before they speak and as you can tell I am not sure he did so yesterday.

So what's the harm?

None, if he is correct.

Much if he is wrong, since his statement may very well bring about the opposite of what he is predicting. That is to say, Mubarak will be replaced either by another Dictator - this one more vicious that the previous - or - Mubarak will be replaced by the Ayatollahs which will be far worse than any Dictator since it is based on distorted religion.

How so?

If it had been me speaking - I would have said that it is the United States' fervent hope that true Democracy will follow Mubarak's Dictatorship but I would caution that much remains to be done. I would warn the world and especially those legitimate Egyptian Protesters that their goal of Democracy is not guaranteed with the simply the removal of Mubarak. That there are sinister players in the wings which will try to take advantage of the current situation and as such represent a very danger.

In a sense - I would put the Demonstrators on notice that their work is far from done but that the United States will be working with them in their ongoing efforts to be successful.

In effect, Obama's comments may lead to complacency which the enemies of democracy will be quick to take advantage of.

On a lessor note - Obama's critics will also be quick to play yesterday's sound bite back to demonstrate how out of touch their President is.

Again - he may be right in his declaration - for his sake and the sake of the world, I hope he is.

But as I setout in yesterday's Blog - I doubt it.

As I see it...

'Galagher'