Obama: Egypt must begin peaceful transition into democracy now
Speaking hours after Egyptian President Mubarak vowed to step down later this year, U.S. President says world is inspired by the passion and integrity of the Egyptian people.
By Natasha Mozgovaya Tags: Israel news Egypt protestEgypt must transition peacefully into a democratic regime and it must do so now, U.S. President Barack Obama said on Tuesday, hours after beleaguered Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced he would retire only later in the year.
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U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House, Feb. 1, 2011. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Mubarak announced earlier Tuesday that he would not run in the next elections in the country, following mass protests that have been ravaging the country for the past week.
In a televised speech, Mubarak announced that he would step down at the next elections scheduled for September, saying he "did not have the intention of running in the next election and wanted to spend my life trying to serve the people," adding that he wanted "to finish my role while Egypt is at peace."
The next presidential election is scheduled for September, but in his address, Mubarak pressed his cabinet to speed up elections.
Commenting on the ongoing protest in Egypt as well as Mubarak's vow to retire later in the year, Obama indicated later Tuesday that Washington would like to see Egypt transition into democracy as soon as possible, saying that "what is clear, and what I indicated tonight to President Mubarak, is my belief that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful, and it must begin now."
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Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., making a statement on the crisis in Egypt, Feb. 2, 2011. |
| Photo by: AP |
"Furthermore, the process must include a broad spectrum of Egyptian voices in opposition parties," Obama said, adding that such a move "should lead to elections that are free and fair. And it should result in a government that's not only grounded in democratic principles, but is also responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
Speaking of Mubarak's need to bow to the will of his people, the U.S. president said that all of us who are privileged to serve in positions of political power do so at the will of our people."
"Through thousands of years, Egypt has known many moments of transformation," Obama said, adding that "the voices of the Egyptian people tell us that this is one of those moments, this is one of those times."
Obama also commended the passion and the dignity that has been demonstrated by the people of Egypt," saying they served as "an inspiration to people around the world, including here in the United States, and to all those who believe in the inevitability of human freedom."
"To the people of Egypt, particularly the young people of Egypt, I want to be clear: We hear your voices. I have an unyielding belief that you will determine your own destiny, and seize the promise of a better future for your children and your grandchildren," the U.S. president said, indicating that he was "committed to a partnership between the United States and Egypt."
Also speaking of Mubarak's decision to step down on Tuesday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry applauded the "important announcement by President Mubarak to bring his presidency to an end and pledge that free and fair elections will be held."
"I believe that President Mubarak should now work with the military and civil society to establish an interim caretaker government," Kerry said, expressing doubt, however, if Mubarak's declaration would appease the Egyptian masses.
“It remains to be seen whether this is enough to satisfy the demands of the Egyptian people for change. We arrived at this point because millions of Egyptians spoke with one voice and exercised fundamental rights we Americans hold dear," Kerry said, adding that the Egyptian public "made it clear the future they want is one of greater democracy and greater economic opportunity."
Speaking more of the changes Egypt would have to undergo in the wake of the political earthquake that shook the Arab nation, Kerry said that “much work remains to be done to turn this auspicious moment into lasting peace and prosperity."
"Egyptians must now prepare for elections and achieve a peaceful transition of power," the U.S. senator said, adding that he hoped the Egyptian army would "continue to show the restraint it has so admirably exercised these past days."
"And opposition leaders must come together to develop a process that will ensure that all of Egypt’s voices are heard," Kerry said, adding that, “as friends of the Egyptian people, there is much that the United States can do as well. Egypt has been a close ally of the United States for many years, and it is my fervent hope that our relationship can grow stronger as the Egyptian people take control of their destiny.”
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Mubarak must give up, now.
Mubarak ísn't going 2 go away: he will keep telling he'll be anouncing "when" the time2w/c/shoot BiBi HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
The Egyptian people have spoken they have been oppressed for years no one can deny that. Unemployment is high men can't marry and they are angry Mubarak had decades to fix his countries immense problems all he did was fill his pockets and rule with an iron fist. I know Israel is scared of what this means but it is not their say nor is it the US's. These are basic human rights they demand and people in the US and Israel expect these as God given rights don't they deserve the same?
People who are posting comments here are misguided and don't get the politics of the United States except few. Our president is a liberal Democrat and thats what i voted for and lined up for hours to make sure another Bush does not come to power. Obama will stand up and listen to anyone who seeks freedom and justice. he is not a man of war. he will speak with those that don't agree with him including Muslim brotherhood and the Iranian president. Some in Israel want Obama to be like Bush. No Obama is not Bush
if he wants to pretend that anyone does his bidding or even cares what he wants he does not know the muslim brotherhood! or does he?
can speak up about palestine as well? when will you free them ? martin luther king is 1000 times the man you can ever be! u israeli puppet
Only by going through this and finding their own way can Egypt become a free society. I would prefer the total destruction of every interest that opposes this to the failure of what the Egyptian people are legitimately demanding. May all human beings live free, including the Arabs. May all who oppose freedon for human beings pay dearly for their arrogance.
When you turn out 3 million a day in the streets of the USA, maybe he'll consider it. It didn't work with Nixon, though. Even burning the cities of the US didn't turn back Nixon. He kept Vietnam going and didn't even consider resigning until Congress told him he's not only be impeached, but that the Senate would convict him.
I mean, where in the contracts for the 1.5 billion dollars in US military and other aid, does it say, that he can open his big homiletical mouth and tell Egyptians what they should and shouldn't; where does it say that meddling is Halal? When it was necessary, in the Iranian stealing of the elections, he kept mum. Now, when the legitimate demands for freedom of the Egyptians are sustained on 60% of the population who want an Islamist regime, according to the latest Pew opinion survey, he engages in a homily, favoring free and fair elections he knows will end up in a Muslim Brotherhood Taliban-style Salafist-Wahhabist tyranny. He has crossed the line between a well-meaning idiot to being an active, personally meddling player in favor of Jihad. History will judge him as the man who started a naive speech for Muslim Brotherhood members in Cairo, and ended delivering the most populous Arab country to the most back warded, chauvinist, bellicose and anti-Semitic regime, from which there will be no return, and from which Salafism-Wahhabism will be exported to the other Sunni Arab countries, (Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Libya, Algeria, Tunis, Morocco, Mauritania...). The man is so misguided, he is destroying US values in the Middle East.
it is being reported that demonstrators are checkinng id cards and letting in only their own.
Hopefully Obama has got more sense than that loser Carter.
It could be worse , We might have a A Muslim Brotherhood Hamas Hezbokkah Orc evil Gnome Taliban-style Salafist-Wahhabist tyranny.
.... and you are right. Israel woke up in a new world today and it better adjust fast. You can vomit as much as you want on Islam, but there will not be a Cast Lead 2 or another Lebanon invasion, unless you leaders bring you in a collective suicide, which they are able to. Be afraid.
Checking ID cards and letting in only their own? Gee, who else does that? That great bastion of democracy, Israel? As for Egypt, if they should elect an Islamic government, can you figure out why? Perhaps because Israel and the West have supported a repressive dictatorship for the last thirty years. This has not engendered positive feelings toward 'democracy'. Don't pretend you care about Egypt or the Egyptian people. Your concern is only for Israel and whether it will continue unfettered in its lawlessness, or if Egypt might somehow put a halt to Israel's colonialism.
at yesterday's demonstrations, the only voices were those of men, many of them from the decidedly anti-democratic muslim brotherhood.
No more than Likud, Mapai, Shas, Beiteinu and co. Unlike you, I can provide proof of my point of view: go take a look at the West Bank. The Brotherhood never governed and does not support Sharia or crap like that. But to nutcase Israelis who enjoy their self-righteousness and, last but not least, victimhood. That way you gain time... and grab land.
the brothers do enbrace the sword of jihad; and they do consider sharia the only acceptable law; and they do despise the infidel; and they do deny the holocaust; and they do want to tear up treaties. the are the "muslim" brotherhood, not any other brotherhood.
And look at how far Israeli democracy has regressed ...with even more bills pending...lol! So I'll venture that, given this trend, by the time the new Egyptian government gets elected, and settled in, that Egypt has a good chance of being even MORE democratic than Israel. You watch!
Hannity has made the case that Obama is wrong and that the US should stand with dictatorship. Maybe the US government should seize Fox Studios in NYC and see if they still have the same opinion.
This is great! Freedom of speech allows Republicans to put their foot so far in their mouths they're shitting toe jam. Seriously, my Facebook profile is nothing but links to GOP-approved articles of "We stand by the dictator!" followed by a hundred comments of "WTF?" I hope people realize who they just voted into the House.
Actually, the Palestinians have been the pawn of every Arab country against Israel...You can complain all you want that they are repressed...that is correct...they repress themselves by choosing terrorists as leaders and not builders. With all the billions given to them have they built a school, hospital or anything socially significant- NO! Why? It is easier to play the victim instead of building a real society. At least the Egyptians have done this and added to world culture. When the Palestinian people truly want peace and to raise their children with a real future instead of hate and children wearing guns and jackets made of bombs WE ARE READY!
if you knew what you were talking about...but it's obvious that you don't
after the catastrophic cairo speech, after the totally ineffectual policy of engagement without preconditions with enemies, after the bullying of allies and the embrace of foes, the obama dictates must stop NOW. this man is clueless. he understands nothing of the middle east, nor of history, nor of revolutions, nor of relations among nations. his speeches and his meddlings have inflamed passions and have encouraged some of the worst elements in society. iran has openly sided with the rioters in egypt. hence, obama finds himself on the same side as iran, with mohamed elbarad acting as point man.
Flawless article. And G-d bless your work in awakening the world against the perils of el-Baradei. Mubarak was right to release the pictures of his daughters in bikinis and the glasses of wine at one of his parties...
You and the Israeli government sure sound like you stand squarely with dictatorship for everybody else. So if and when Mubarak goes, do you expect to make friends with the new Egyptian democracy when you stood foursquare against the concept?
especially when they are not accompanied by confessions of wrongdoing.
AS a lifelong Dem and an Obama (ex??) supporter, I am ashamed at his intervention in the Egypt politics. He actually called on Mubarak to step down before the speech today, and he has the nerve to now dictate to Egypt how to do their politics??? Obama shoved many of his liberal legislation down the throat of an America which did not support him, but now he's telling Egypt to take into consideration all views? He is a hypocrite of highest order, and is doing everything in his power to ingratiate himself to the Muslim world at Israel's expense.
The Shah of Iran was once America's closest ally in the mideast. After he was overthrown by the Iranian revolution, America immediately had nothing to do with him. America even denied him entry for critical medical treatment. Sadly, washing it's hands of the Shah did nothing for America's relationship with Iran. The damage had already been done. Now we have a similar situation with Mubarak. Having learned from the past, America is washing it's hands of their long time ally even before he is overthrown. I wonder if the damage has already been done as it was in Iran.
The US should not be the global protector of despotism. It always hurts. Re Mr Pahlavi, Durson says that "America even denied him entry for critical medical treatment.". It was 30 years ago, but I remember that the Iranians took the American embasy after the US allowed the Shah into our country for medical treatment.
The US allowed him treatment and refused to turn him over to the Ayatollahs, Then they took the embassy.
Natallie Durson and the facts have a hostile relationship
Interesting that you can see that 'the world is inspired by the passion and integrity of the Egyptian people", yet you fail to be inspired by the Palestinians. Why do you think that is?
Excuse me, the next "president"?
It will be democratic... Speaking of democracy, whom did you freed from Saddam in 1991?
Its time for another Obama Appology Tour. Get an official Obama appology starting at $29.99 & up.
Hi All, Will i count all the hours that Mubark go away,I am not Aganist Israil ,He used the Muslems brothers to horror the westeren that is all. Hope that one day all ideiots in Egypt & Israil go aways.Peace for all.Yasser
Mark Lincoln, I hope you are happy now. Your protege, Mr. Obama, is setting the world on fire, literally.
Let the US close all borders, flights, internet sites and access which she serves up today, all exports (including food) and go completely dark for a year or two. We'll see what the world looks like when we turn the lights back on...wish you all well if you live through it.
All the oil sellers would now sell to China... making the US live in the dark continuously. China would rule as a superpower, and the world would forget your power existed (not even a century of supremacy... not too good uh?). In the Third World, there would probably be less Pinochets around, and Israel would drown. Not a bad perspective don't you think?
made a lot business from it but US is not known for their foreign policies thats why they not like very much
stop thinking the world depends on US. Last I checked US owes trillions to the world. 200 years ago you never existed and the world was at peace. Your post signifies extreme amount of hubris, which aside from denial, is a classic symptom of an empire on its way to history's recylce bin
You guys are so much better off without us. Yes we have faults but you guys don't have a pot to pee in. Europe has never been at peace. Africa has always been at war from within. Do I even need to mention the middle east or Asia. Peace? Forget about World War I and II. You all would be slaves to the mighty Soviet Union, China included. So please stop with your BS. We owe money to China...how long do you think that's going to last? Not a threat...FACT.
And you owe you freedom to France. How`s that for your American ego? Ps. You are incorrect if you think, as you seem to do, that the internet is an American invention. Your one good point is GPS. Apart from that, the US (completly dependent on Free Trade as only the UK has a simmilar form of capitalism) would loose far more than Northern Europe (economically) from such a suicidal blackout. Grow up Paulus.
So, interesting. And how Obama thinks to realize that ? My impression is. The wellknown arrogance of the US
Is nobody paying attention, most of all the Israelis? Obama has begun, intentionally, a new relationship between America and the Arabs. It is one that places Israel in their rightful place, which is second place. Israelis of course will not like it, will scream and fuss, but the numbers speak for themselves. Israel has ZERO National Interest for the US. It has no oil, and nothing else that the US needs. It has created an Apartheid situation which threatens and endangers US troops in the region (verified by US Commanders, thank you!), and US civilians via 9/11. The root of the problem is Israel. And Obama recognizes this. Which is why his Cairo speech was the signal event to begin a new relationship and solidarity with a new generation of Arabs, who represent the future of this region. Obama knows this. Reactionary, repressive figures like Netanyahu and his ilk do not. History show what happens to those who refuse to understand changes as they occur. Tick-tock.....tick tock.....
I'm another taxpayer chump. BTW a young man that I know just lost his benefits (he lost a leg.) He needs help more than Israel. $5 billion a year? For 7 million Israelis? Something's wrong. I guess Americans should take to the streets too. Salaam/Shalom
First, why are you not bitching about Japan, South Korea, etc for all the US dollars that go to these countries (defense, etc)? I think you just don't like Israel, a democracy and only ally in the Middle East. Second, Israel is a hot bed for industry, over 40 companies on the NYSE from pharma to technology. What rock do you live under? Third, when Arab countries protest Israel, a democracy, free elected, and parallel to your lifestyle and the freedoms of the west then they are also lashing out at you, me, and the rest of west. People like you are like the arabs, who loves to blame everyone but yourselves. The loss of a leg by a U.S. solider is terrible, war or no war. WHat does that have to do with Israel? Our VA system sucks, our politicians pork barrel everything, we can't even have a health care program, blame the mayor for all the snow, we have become a bunch of winers. Stop acting like an Arab and blame others for our own self created problems. Israel has tons of problems yet this diamond in a sea of crap never blames the US or the Arab world. THey deal with the abuse, ignore it, fix problems pragmatically, and write their own destiny. We can learn a lot from this little country that roars.
protecting the peace?
What a ineffective president we have!!!! Vote republican in 2012
Obama runs circles around you chumps. He'll be reelected with ease in 2012. Wait and see!
The real Question is whether Obama will run in the next election.
and as the sun dips slowly to meet the shimmering silver horizon .A heavenly chorus of angels softly , at first ever so softly one can barely pick out the tune from the backdrop of the gentle beating of the waves . The tune grows louder like the on rushing tide.. A new democratic .Egpyt has now found a new home inside the tune of "America the Brave." Obama lulls us with sweet nothings.
Whether by stupidity or design, President Barack Hussein Obama is bringing about the destruction of pro-Western regimes in the Middle East, enabling the terrorist Moslem Brotherhood to gain power (it will soon sweep away the dupes), and encouraging wannabe revolutionaries in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other remaining Arab countries which have not yet become radicalized, anti-U.S. hotbeds. This is scary.
And whom exactly have they terrorized? Perhaps psychologically speaking the state using the most sophisticated of terrorist techniques on Palestinians. It's called Israel.
that if Mubarak had not been in power for 30 years, the twin towers would not have been hit. Something to think about, no? Maybe US interests are not in supporting dictators.
While the Muslim brotherhood gave charity to the poorest of Egypt, the Mubarak-clan ripped the country for an colprtated 40 billion (!), according to serious german newspapers. As Ali of Tunisand the Schah did, as the Saudis do. ro rock And your
Many talkbackers, and some commentators, have been asking (often with an audible snicker) what kind of democracy will descend on Egypt after Mubarak, and how long will it last. As if anyone cares. Who wants democracy? If Israel is an example, I don’t want anything to do with democracy. The Arab rulers have seen the signs of the future loud and clear, and they ignore them only at their own peril. People’s expectations are up and their tolerance down. The rulers will deliver justice to their people or the uprising will become an annual fair. A despot can deliver the people’s rights fast and efficiently. Good grief, why are you fixated on democratic government and wish it upon people who know better? What is in it that is so precious? Sarah Palin? George Bush? Tony Blair, the merry trio Netanyahu-Lieberman-Barak? Endless debates in parliament that bore you to death? Give me a benevolent dictator any time and keep your Berlusconis.
Democracy as we know it in the west is not the same as will ever be in the middle east. Divisions of power are based on clans and religious sects in the middle east as compared to secular partylines in the west. In Turkey the democracy is always being monitored by the army. It works for them and maybe it can work for Egypt. We have already seen that the Egyptian army is playing it very cool with the people.
Arnold-Canada: Read a few times more what he said, if anything, he knows the difference between M.E. and Western democracies...and he doesn't appreciate a bad leader no matter if he is a dictator or voted in.
Arabs societies still live in the 12th century. They will not see a democracy for a very long time.
You R Right.... We have achieved this kind of democracy in South Africa.... Different Races, Different Languages, Different Religions.... One Vision and 1 example... Nelson Mandela... The Middle East Needs a Mandela!
President Obama was able to thread the needle in this speech. The operative word in his speech was the word "NOW". It is quite understandable that the U.S. can not abandon a 30 year ally and send the rest of America's allies in the area running for cover. I expect the U.S. administration to exert tremendous pressure behind the seen on Mubarak to step down within the next few days.
They are focusing on Mubarak, and not his regime that they want to keep, while the people in egypt are focusing on the regime and Mubarak...
Look for the Brotherhood to be democratically elected. Look for its model to be what exists in Turkey. Look for other toppled Arab dictatorships to follow suit. Enjoy watching the U.S. and Israel sweat bullets.
Let us hope that despite the government control over the media the Iranians are getting the message and are inspired by these transitions to continue the protests from 2009, despite the fear of the revolutionary guards' atrocities.
Nobody is driving the bus. America's leadership role lay in the ditch far behind current events.
To be fair less then 6 weeks ago it was business as usual when it came to the dictatorships. What happened in Tunisia was unforeseeable. Now a movement is afoot that will see them one by one overthrown and be replaced most likely with what we see in Turkey. It can't come too soon either.
Mubarak must leave. Then a ministry acceptable to the opposition should dissolve parliament, reform the electoral law, and hold new parliamentary elections FREE of intervention (specially from agents of the Mubarak regime). This should be followed by electing a new president. NONE of the members of the provisional cabinet should be eligible to run for election or hold public office for AT LEAST TWO YEARS after this round. History is too littered with provisional rulers who have turned into fixtures.
A free ME, but certainly to include the Moslem Brotherhood (who apparently have about 13% representation). South America became free on the back of the US ventures in Iraq and Afganistan, Now it seems many other countries will as well, who would have thought it, unipower destroyed by the insane neocons. You know as the Chinese recently noted, an AF carrier is just a ship, a missile could sink it. :)
These are really constructive ideas. I will convey them to the people over there.
internal business? who are they? the masters of the world and other countries are vassals? this neo-colonialist attitude is tiring. let nations be, stop interfering.
It's called teat withdrawl. The teat is the US treasury and the milk is the money.
Americans have learned their lessons from the 2 world wars and what it costs to not be involved before it is too late. Why are the iranians and syrians interfering in Lebanon ? Why are the iranians interfering in egypt, yemen, iraq, gaza, Sudan ... Why are the egyptains getting involved in Lebanon, sudan... why are the russians and the chinese getting involved in all the above and more ? A country that waits for the ennemy to get to it's gates will not survive. Neo-colonialist is a fancy but hollow word that is favored by the marxists. The world is in a constant state of war and you have no choice but to choose sides, you seem however to favor the chinese or russian model. good luck.
Circuses, or to use a modern term, Entertainment, is critical. More entertainment means less sex and a lower population growth. In 1960 the Egyptian population was 30 million. Fifty years later it is 80 million. The new mouths to feed are beating all economic advances. If the government can reduce the population growth rate by means other than entertainment, that would be even better. As for Bread, the US to provide Egypt with free wheat instead of free advice. Or if the US is too broke to do this favor, Saudi Arabia might provide; the regime there must be scared stiff of the riots, and quaking in its sandals. The last thing Egyptians need is Western Democracy. They are not used to it and it will do them more harm than good. Think of China. The Chinese are used to obey their leaders, so they are doing very well under their Communist masters. Egypt should fix the economy first, and worry about regime change later. Learn also from the Russian experience; if you bring Glasnost,"openness" (Democracy, for you) and only then restructure the economy (Perestroika), you fall into chaos.
Shavua tuv
"More entertainment means less sex and less population growth" Keep up the good work - we need comic relief on this site
Obama seems to have learned nothing from his Lebanon failure, where he advised Hariri to stick with the International Court. Hariri did that, and lost his Prime-Ministership. Now Obama calls upon Mubarak to respect universal right of assembly, etc. Not when there is an insurrection going on, Mr. President; in such times even the US Constitution can be suspended. Obama wants to do the "right" thing, and desires every country to aspire to "Truth, Justice, and the American Way". But not all cultures run well on these principles, and the transformation of a culture may take generations. Another great defect in Obama's diplomatic ability is his reluctance to apply pressure. Consider the Israeli case: After Netanyahu shows complete disregard to his wishes, Obama jumps to say, after the Turkel Investigation is published, that this was an honest work. Why say it even if true, and especially when nobody knows if it is true! And AFTER Netanyahu fails to deliver a 3 months additional freeze, Obama announces the US will contribute over 200 million dollars to support Iron Dome. Why do that? Does he want to be thanked? What about pressure? Unfortunately, Obama seems not to even understand that statesmanship involves some ideas about how the world should be run. He appointed Hillary as "top diplomat", a woman with no clue herself, and whose husband's foreign policy was his weakest point as president. Let us first see Obama replacing Hillary and assembling some real experts around him, before we can even hope that he would be useful for the Middle East.
The people want Mubarak to leave they have wanted that for a long time. Who are you to stand in their way?
Loser...
Not everyone in Egypt is going to want to stick around through the doubtless difficult days ahead. Especially ex-pats, who might not have the same emotional connection as the native-born. It's a normal function of embassies in situations like this to help their citizens leave if they want to.
Ummm...it's the uncertainty. If the Egyptian people were not admirable all your synagogues, churches, etc would be burned down by now. All the foreigners would have been attacked. So, I'm waiting for you to point to me reports of hundreds of foreigners being butchered. I normally don't respond to your myopic drivel, but I must be bored today. If it were your kind out there, all the Muslims would have been lynched by now.
It is not a matter of gloriousness or admiration. They have to protect their citizens. Germany and the rest of Europe too.
had to especially travel there to beg South Koreans to allow import of american beef . So who is the lose r? Just foot the bill and be prepared to sacrifice these 30.000 american servicemen on the border to North Korea,loser
What does John Kerry have to meddle with what is an Egyptians' issue? Is he Egypt's Supreme Ayatollah? Was he elcted by the Egyptian people to say what, how, when and why? Who does he think he is? Whence do his "should's" and "should not's" come?
It is either the usual meddler Carter,or Kerry who also meddled in Lebanion.Don't know what position he now holds,but not as important as he THINKS/
Same another doofus Carter.Not as bad as the latter but Kerry did also meddle when he decided to visit Lebanon talking to Syria....He ain't no Gorbachev for sure.Gorbachev was one in a million.
"We don't sign peace with our enemies"!