Rep. Gary Ackerman, the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on the Middle East, says it's time for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to go.
"It has become clear that it's time for America to step off of the rhetorical tightrope and stand clearly with the people of Egypt in their struggle for freedom," Ackerman said in a statement. "The Egyptian people are in the midst of a crisis, and like anyone in crisis, they need to know who their friends are."While initially it may have been prudent for the Obama administration to walk that rhetorical tight rope to keep the confidence of regional leaders, that moment has surely passed," Ackerman argued. "By their passion, courage and sacrifice in the streets, Egyptians have proven beyond question that they are taking their government back and that the Mubarak era of rule is ending." The administration's tone has been shifting away from Mubarak, with Secretary of State Clinton taking a much tougher stance over the weekend.
Ackerman says the Egyptian leader has been a valuable ally to the United States, but has only himself to blame for his current straits.
"He has, by his own decisions and successive phony elections, shorn his rule of any mandate or legitimacy beyond that provided by force and arms," Ackerman said. "His last act of service to Egypt should be to facilitate a fast transfer of power to a transitional government that can prepare for free and fair elections.
"Accordingly, I believe the United States must suspend its assistance to Egypt until this transition is underway," said Ackerman, who tends to be a hawk on foreign policy matters, especially where Israel is concerned. Share
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