It’s not normally a great thing when the military assumes power anywhere, and many perils undoubtedly face those struggling for secular democracy in Egypt. But it’s impossible not to share the joy of those who brought down Hosni Mubarak’s regime with simple demands for freedom and justice, and their hopes the Egyptian military will now honor its commitment to hold genuinely free elections.
American observers have by and large not been distinguished by a great deal of foresight or imagination in reacting to the events in Egypt. But I do hope those (mostly conservatives) who have been shedding tears for Mubarak and flatly stating that a “stable” pro-American regime is by definition superior to whatever democracy might create feel a little shame today.