http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110211/egypt-transition-us-role-110211/20110211/?hub=WinnipegHomePatrick Basham, director of the Washington-based Democracy Institute, told CTV News Channel that the Egyptian military finally pushed the president out, in part because of American influence. "Whatever the motivations for the Egyptian military's move against Mubarak – clearly they told him he had to go – U.S. influence played no small part," he said.
"The U.S. taxpayer basically funds the Egyptian military and has done so for many years. The Egyptian military certainly has good relations with the United States, but is very much aware that it is the United States that is paying the bill that affords them the prestige and the influence in Egyptian politics that they enjoy."
Michael Shank, a senior policy advisor to U.S. Congressman Michael Honda, said the U.S. needs to walk a fine line in its involvement with Egypt -- offering support while also keeping its distance. "The U.S. has to support any kind of democracy narrative going forward and has to support the caretaker government but I think it would be a misstep for the U.S. to throw its weight behind the military at this time," Shank told CTV News Channel. "While the population trusts the military for security, they don't want to see the military running the country."
Shank also said it would be an error for the U.S. to offer public support to any single candidate to lead the country, noting that the future leaders of Egypt must be elected by the Egyptian people, without outside influence.
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