[tomder55]

The transition government of Egypt has decided put on trial 43 NGO workers ,including 19 Americans . Their crime ? ;Attempting to bring democracy and a civil society to Egypt post- 'Arab Spring' revolution .(the actual bogus charge is inciting protests against the nation's military rulers) .Seven are in Egyptian custody ;and the others have taken sanctuary in the US embassy. Among those held is Sam LaHood, son of a cabinet member ,Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (former Republic Rep.from Illinois).

Speaking to Charlie Rose ,Ray LaHood said : "I understand what has been written. But this is the first time that NGOs have ever really come under this kind of attack by a government, in any country. These NGOs have been working for years, Charlie, in democracy-building efforts, and they thought they were well within their right to do it. So it's a little bit puzzling to many people what's happening there."
LaHood: U.S. working to resolve Egypt NGO trial - CBS News

He is 100% correct ,NGO workers should not be subject to this type of intimidation. But even as important ;this represents a direct challenge to the United States ;a contributor of direct aid to Egypt to the tune of $1.5 billion annually. (Actually I'm thinking that the Egyptians have done this to preserve that meal ticket).

I am not making any claims of mishandling by the President at this time . But I am glad to remind him that a hostage crisis was probably the key factor in Jimmy Carter's 1980 defeat. I think that this is important enough for him to be the President ,and not "lead from behind" . Their trial in Egyptian court will start on February 26 .

[paraclete]

So what we have is americans interferring in the affairs of a soveriegn nation again and getting caught in the process, it matters not who they work for.

As these are persons who will face a court they are not "hostages". What I think the US should do is take its bat and ball and go home

[tomder55]

And if your AusAid NGOs were in the same position your government wouldn't help them ?

[paraclete]

and if your AusAid NGOs were in the same position your government wouldn't help them ?

I'm sure our embassy would make representation, do the usual visit in prision thing and perhaps find some legal aid, but if you transgress the law then you face the process and maybe you will be part of some prisoner exchange program.

However it is unlikely our AustAID workers are stupid enough to place themselves in this position, and if they are well they are fair game. I know no one who enjoys freedom from prosecution or where the government will grease the palms to get them off

[tomder55]

That why your Rio Tinto workers can't count on their country ?

[paraclete]

Once again do the wrong thing, land yourself in trouble and you will face local prosecution, but we will try to extract you without an international incident, a talent which seems to escape americans

[tomder55]

The wrong thing being not cooperating with their industrial espionage and submitting their extortions.

[paraclete]

When in Rome Tom you know that. In an Islamic nation you have to grease the wheels of industry to get anything done, americans know this better than anyone

So Tom have you looked at the background to this. The son of an administration official is involved so he is moving heaven and earth because he has influence, at least in the US. If this wasn't so we probably wouldn't have heard of it

[TUT317]

The wrong thing being not cooperating with their industrial espionage and submitting their extortions.

Hi Tom,

As Clete says. "When in Rome" Not sure about the former, but when it comes to industrial relations corporations need to know that in Australia you are dealing with a long standing tradition. Historically,most working class Australians are, 'card carrying members' and proud of it.

No, we don't have the historical stigma attributed to Australian unions as per America.

Tut

[tomder55]

And is that true with NGOs doing their work ? I can't believe your government would do nothing about this.. I would recall all NGO workers from Egypt as a start. Then I would demand their release to the US embasssy . Yes I would immediately suspend that massive amt of direct $$ aid ,and would move on seizing Egyptian assets wherever I could in the US and around the world.

And that's just a start . Do they want Cairo in the dark ? Can you say Aswan Dam ?
Well OK ;that's a last case scenario. I don't believe the Brotherhood want to begin their reign in financial collapse ;so I think the threat of immediate financial consequences should do the trick.

[paraclete]

Tom as always you would use a baseball bat to swat a gnat, Surely americans have learned that such policies only bring resentment and the sort of backlash that was 9/11.

These NGO were undoubtedly an extension of US government policy and they got caught. Perhaps one shot his mouth off as to how close he was to the administration. Americans are slow to learn that it doesn't pay to interfere in the affairs of another country particularly when you are on the ground

[magprob]

Or we could just bomb them into a democratic government of our liking. Makes no difference.

[paraclete]

Or we could just bomb them into a democratic government of our liking. Makes no difference.

How did that work for you in Libya? In Iraq? In Afghanistan? If you have any sense, which I doubt, you will accept that your role in the world is changing

[tomder55]

The trials start this weekend. That would be my deadline Evita is talking nonsense about Syria when good American kids are about to be accused in a Kangaroo court in Egypt that they were advancing Zionist interests.

[paraclete]

What are Zionist interests Tom? Is not disorder in Egypt a Zionist interest, certainly the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood is not in the zionist interest

[tomder55]

is not disorder in Egypt a Zionist interest

Absolutely not . Mubarak kept the Camp David Accords honored for over 30 years If they were working in Zionists interests they would not be aiding in the rise of the Brotherhood.

[paraclete]

Times change and bed fellows change

[tomder55]

Update... the Trial was delayed until April 26.The Egyptians know that any hope of continuance of the American direct payments of foreign aid to Egypt is at stake.

[paraclete]

You can't drawn any conclusions from a preliminary hearing the americans didn't even show up at the court

[tomder55]

Nor should they . I want the US to get a stealth copter in there and get those kids out.