The U.S. and Egypt

Over the last twenty-four hours, we’ve seen Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak promise not to seek another term, quickly followed by a peek at what the next eight months might look like if he continues to cling on to power. Today, armed pro-Mubarak thugs attacked peaceful anti-regime protesters, bringing more chaos and uncertainty to the streets of Cairo and other cities.

Last night, President Obama went the furthest yet in making clear that it was time for Mubarak to exit, saying, “an orderly transition … must begin now.” After violence broke out today, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs reinforced this message, saying, “now means now.”