Contradictions.

Editor,

a) Egyptian military top brass are Mubarak loyalists and probably belong to the NDP. Egyptian military rank and file are conscripts who would not obey the order to fire on their fellow citizens. If the order to fire had been given, it would have resulted in mutiny.

b) Mubarak's thugs, his so-called "security" apparatus, is ONE MILLION men strong. Disbanding this organization is absolutely necessary and is going to take some serious doing. Think Iraq and what the most virulent Ba'athists wound up doing.

Ending the state of emergency, releasing all political prisoners, and dismantling Mubarak's police state is the primary pillar upon which Egypt's democracy project depends.

Re: "Military Offers Assurances to Egypt and Neighbors" (2/13/2011)