C.I.A.: Egyptian Leader Terminally Ill
Egyptian Leader Becoming Senile
C.I.A. Stupidity
Africa is ill!
Chain The Mentally Ill?
Egypt's tyrant recedes into death.
The C.I.A. believes Mubarak, Egypt's 82-year old dictator who has been in office for nearly 30 years (longer than both his predecessors Nasser and Sadat combined), is on his death bed. It has been reported that he has cancer and this past March he had been admitted for surgery in a German hospital that even his staff had to admit was a “complicated” operation without providing further detail.
Egypt's leader, the tyrant attached to power he is, naturally denies any health problems or failing ability. He has in the past stated that he will "serve" his country (what a great service!) until the last breath and heartbeat and after his most surgery he declared that he is of stronger of will and determination than ever and will continue along his promise of "build[ing] the pillars of democracy." The last part was meant for comic relief in his dour speech.
But despite his protestations, Egyptians know that their president has been for a while gravely ill and witnessed his failing health, sometimes in stark acts. As The Economist recently reported:
Mr Mubarak is 82 years old, and in recent years he has spent much of his time away from Cairo, at the Sinai resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. His health is not good. Even before an operation in Germany took him out of action for six weeks this spring, Egypt’s president had suffered bouts of illness in full view of the public. In 2003 he collapsed while making a speech at the People’s Assembly, prompting the defence minister to lock MPs in the chamber until doctors had revived the president in an anteroom. Last year, upset by the recent death of a grandson, Mr Mubarak appeared ashen-faced and seemingly too infirm to descend some steps to greet an important visitor, Barack Obama.
All this has the Americans and Israelis greatly worries. After all, Mubarak is one of America's treasured clients - not ally, but client - and has dutifully served that role by being subservient to Israel and American empire in the region. And has followed Israeli dictate in sealing the Gaza border. Israelis are so grateful that they are praying for his good health:
Israeli officials are increasingly worried about the state of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s health, in light of the repeated postponements of Mubarak’s planned meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was supposed to take place this week.
An Israeli rabbi sends his love: “For your highness, President of Egypt Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, may his glory be exalted,” wrote Shas’ spiritual leader.
And the Obama administration is also beside itself:
U.S. and Western intelligence agencies assess that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is terminally ill, and the Obama administration is closely watching the expected transition of power in a nation that for decades has been an anchor of stability in the volatile Middle East and a key U.S. ally.
An anchor of U.S. empire is more like it. But they need not be afraid. The U.S. may find some new client tyrant to prop up.
Mubarak will die soon, though. Unfortunately not soon enough for Egyptians.
