Obama Reveals His “Impression” On Mubarak After The 2009 Meeting … And Details Of A Warning From Emiratis About Egypt

In his new book, “The Promised Land,” which deals with his memoirs during his presidency, former US President Barack Obama addressed the situation in Egypt before the January 25 revolution.

Obama wrote that after meeting the late President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak in 2009, “he left an impression that would become very familiar in his dealings with aging dictators, which is that they are self-enclosed in their palaces, and every interaction with them is through the fanatical employees around them, and they are also incapable. To distinguish between his personal interests and the interests of his people, ”Russia reported today.

Obama referred to the celebrations in Egypt after Mubarak left power, saying: “I knew that despite all the atmosphere of celebration and optimism, the transition in Egypt was only the beginning of a fight for the soul of the Arab world, a fight whose results were far from certain. “

He added: “I remembered a conversation I had with Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, just after asking Mubarak to resign … Bin Zayed told me that American statements on Egypt are being closely monitored in the Gulf, with growing concern. “

Obama responded: “I told him that I look forward to working with him and others to avoid having to choose between the Muslim Brotherhood and possible violent clashes between governments and their people.” Obama attributed to Mohammed bin Zayed that “the public message does not affect Mubarak, as you can see, but it does affect the region. ».

Obama added that Mohammed bin Zayed warned that “if Egypt falls and the Brotherhood takes control, another eight Arab leaders could fall.” Obama continued: “That is why he criticized my statement, saying that it shows that the United States is not a partner we can trust in the long term. His voice was calm and I realized that it was not a request for help but a warning.