"Those protests were transformed from a noble and civilized phenomenon of practicing freedom of expression to unfortunate clashes, mobilized and controlled by political forces that wanted to escalate and worsen the situation. They targeted the nation's security and stability through acts of provocation theft and looting and setting fires and blocking roads and attacking vital installations and public and private properties and storming some diplomatic missions.
Translation: We should blame the protesters for increased violence. The fact that I (Mubarak) pulled police from the streets over the weekend had absolutely nothing to do with whether or not there was law and order on the streets. (note from the Daily Dude: in fact, the only people preventing outright pillaging and looting were the citizen patrols)
"The events of the last few days require us all as a people and as a leadership to chose between chaos and stability and to set in front of us new circumstances and a new Egyptian reality which our people and armed forces must work with wisely and in the interest of Egypt and its citizens.
Translation: If you choose to back the protesters, you choose violence. If you want security, stick with me.
"I say in all honesty and regardless of the current situation that I did not intend to nominate myself for a new presidential term. I have spent enough years of my life in the service of Egypt and its people.
Translation: "Your protests had nothing to do with me leaving--- I was going to leave anyway!
"According to my constitutional powers, I call on parliament in both its houses to discuss amending article 76 and 77 of the constitution concerning the conditions on running for presidency of the republic and it sets specific a period for the presidential term.
Translation: Now that I won't be running for re-election, let's start discussing term limits for the president.
"I also demand the judicial and supervisory authorities to take immediately the necessary measures to continue pursuing outlaws and to investigate those who caused the security disarray and those who undertook acts of theft, looting and setting fires and terrorizing citizens.
Translation: I'm going to characterize the protesters as looters and incite a witch hunt against them-- even though I was the one who encouraged lawlessness by pulling police from the streets in the first place.
"Dear citizens, Egypt will emerge from these current circumstances stronger, more confident and unified and stable. And our people will emerge with more awareness of how to achieve reconciliation and be more determined not to undermine its future and destiny.
Translation: The protesters are undermining Egypt's future-- I want everyone to stop think of kicking my ass to the curb and to shift the focus to reconciliation instead.
Obama's 5-minute speech was even more circumspect-- I'm not even sure what he actually stood for. He didn't even condemn Mubarak's veiled threat to prosecute the protesters. He said he opposes violence-- well who doesn't? And there hasn't been much violence anyway-- whatever violence has occurred is because Mubarak pulled the police from the streets in the first place.
Obama said that he stands for universal values . . . ho hum. He also claimed he has spoken out for the need to change. Sure-- but what kind of change? It's obvious that something's going to change soon-- but what change are you hoping to see?
Obama said that "it is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt’s leaders . . . the process must include a broad spectrum of Egyptian voices and opposition parties . . . the United States will continue to extend the hand of partnership and friendship to Egypt . . . To the people of Egypt, particularly the young people of Egypt, I want to be clear: We hear your voices . . . There will be difficult days ahead. Many questions about Egypt’s future remain unanswered. But I am confident that the people of Egypt will find those answers . . .
All very non-committal, indeed. So who's side are you on, dude?
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