Dr. Jerry Pournelle at Chaos Manor ("The Original Blog *") shares a longer, historical view of U.S. policy.
Money quote(s):
"In 1848 much of Europe exploded in revolutions against monarchs and aristocracies. A United States warship furnished transportation for the Hungarian revolutionary hero Kossuth, and when Kossuth visited the United States he addressed a joint session of Congress in the old House chamber. US support for democratic revolution is an old tradition.
Mubarak's resignation has been a signal for widespread unrest across the Arab world. Algeria, Libya, Dubai, the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen are all reported to be candidates for uprisings. Syria had demonstrations put down by the security forces. No one knows what's happening in Iran. There is even talk of street movements in Iraq to demand the immediate departure of US forces. The Internet is everywhere.
It is a brave new world, and no one understands it. "
