Latest update: 23/03/2011 

- Barack Obama - diplomacy - Egypt - Hosni Mubarak - USA


Treading carefully: how the US reacted to the Egyptian uprising

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The speed of the Egyptian uprising was such that the US had to quickly rethink its diplomatic position. Washington, a key ally of Mubarak's regime, had to choose sides, while at the same time not appearing too overbearing. At first President Obama urged caution and reform, but soon began talking of "transformation" and "genuine transition".

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Programme prepared by Kate Williams, Marie Billon and Patrick Lovett

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