Marriage of convenience in Egypt

There is a country whose president went to Egypt early after taking office to give a speech that sang the praises of moving toward democracy in the Arab world. And a country whose secretary of state is a strong voice condemning any restrictions being put on the unfolding of that process.

This country has invested, on a bipartisan basis, in democracy building organizations on the ground, in Cairo and beyond. And the prominent technology firms of this country have taken the credit for having facilitated the toppling of former president Hosni Mubarak with their social media tools.

This country has invested lock, stock and barrel in the steady transition and unlimited unfolding of democracy in Egypt. But it is also a country that has cast in its lot with the powers that be.