Saudi King Pissed @ Obama

Saudis Warned Obama Not to "Humiliate" Mubarak

Saudi Arabia has threatened to prop up embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak if the Obama administration tries to force a swift change of regime in Egypt, the Times of London reported. In a testy personal telephone call on Jan. 29, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah reportedly told President Obama not to humiliate Mubarak and warned that he would step in to bankroll Egypt if the U.S. withdrew its aid program, worth $1.5 billion annually. "Mubarak and King Abdullah are not just allies, they are close friends, and the King is not about to see his friend cast aside and humiliated," a senior Saudi source told the Times.
(Fox News)


Egypt Military in Power Grab Amid Unrest  -Hamza Hendawi

The military, already the country's most powerful institution, has taken advantage of the unrest to solidify its authority, using a combination of force and public relations to deliver what amounts to a soft coup.
(AP-Washington Post)


Egyptian Military Detains Opponents  -Chris McGreal

The Egyptian military has secretly detained hundreds and possibly thousands of government opponents since mass protests against President Mubarak began, and at least some of these detainees have been tortured, according to testimony gathered by the Guardian.
(Guardian-UK)


Egypt's Power Players  -Daniel Williams

In Egypt, the military is not a profession; it's a ruling caste.
(Los Angeles Times)
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