EGYPT THIS MORNING – AT 10:16 A.M. ET:  Egypt is calm this morning, with demonstrators not resorting to any violence.  At the same time, there is no clear direction to political events.

Mubarak remains in power, seemingly indifferent to international calls for him to step down before his stated intention to leave in September.  Secretary Clinton is quoted as saying the U.S. thinks Mubarak's newly minted vice president, Omar Suleiman, a friend of the West, should handle the transition. 

Observing closely, we wonder whether Clinton and her boss are on the same page.  While the secretary is calling for a moderate to lead the transition, Obama's White House is issuing statements that appear to invite the Muslim Brotherhood to be part of any new Egyptian regime.  And CBS Radio's Mark Knoller reports that Obama has asked for advice and help from Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which is somewhat like President Roosevelt asking for help from Emperor Hirohito of Japan.  Erdogan has taken Turkey from being a firm, secular ally of the United States to an Islamic nation hostile to our interests and friendly to Iran.  Any "help" he gives us would probably be a helpful knife in the back.

Former International Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei still appears to have the best chance to lead a transitional government before elections are held, but his grip on leadership is tenuous at best.  He has announced that he will address the demonstrators today.  We hope he knows where to go, or has a good tour guide, as he hasn't lived in Egypt for years.  Another great revolutionary. 

Events are fluid.  Nothing is decided. 

February 5, 2011