I take it as at least somewhat encouraging that the Egyptian military is not stomping heads as the protests continue in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. On the other hand, President Mubarak’s appointment of an old friend and current intelligence chief as Vice-President does nothing to indicate he understands that the people on the streets want him gone.

I also find it predictable that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia expressed his concern about events in Egypt by blaming “outside agitators.” That’s almost Nixonesque; I think I recall Tricky Dick calling anti-war protesters in this country exactly that during one of his Presidential campaigns.

Al-Jazeera English still seems to be the best source for news without “What’s it mean for us” handwringing by American cable anchors.