MORE WORRY FROM EGYPT – AT 10:24 P.M. ET:  We reported this morning that radical Muslim elements in Egypt, taking advantage of the revolution, are asking that "modesty police" be established, just as in Saudi Arabia.  That would be the end of any serious concept of freedom.

Day by day, the Egyptian revolution is being compromised by Islamists, who are well organized in the country.  Now there's this, which is specifically worrisome for the United States:

CAIRO - Cairo is ready to re-establish diplomatic ties with Tehran after a break of more than 30 years, Egypt's foreign minister said on Monday, signaling a shift in Iran policy since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak.

"The Egyptian and Iranian people deserve to have mutual relations reflecting their history and civilization," said Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby after meeting Iranian official Mugtabi Amani.

Pure garbage.  Egypt has, up to now, been stalwart in opposing the venomous Iranian influence in the Mideast.  Their civilizations actually clash on many levels.  This is not good.

Egypt is open to all countries and the aim is to achieve common interests," Elaraby said, adding that Cairo welcomed "opening a new page with Iran."

That's an aim that should make us very uneasy.  And...

Egypt and Iran have been at odds on a number of issues including the Middle East peace process and ties with Israel and the United States.

Maybe not anymore.

COMMENT:  We had such high hopes for Egypt, and the other countries where citizens are rising up against their governments, and we can still hope.  But the most important question for us has clearly become, "Who are the revolutionaries and what do they stand for?"  I'm afraid the answers are getting disappointing.  As we noted this morning, it's the Arab world.  Don't look for Tommy ("the declaration") Jefferson or Jimmy ("the Constitution") Madison. 

There's an old Chinese curse:  "May you live in interesting times."  The times are getting interesting indeed.

April 4, 2011