Panel of Experts

The sharpest knives in the pack all agree that, when the party's over, it's all about...

"German Chancellor Angela Merkel says it is crucial that Egypt's new leadership is committed to the Mideast peace process and lives up to its obligations toward Israel. She welcomed Egyptian President Mubarak's departure in the face of pro-democracy protests as 'a historic change' and a 'day of joy'. But, Merkel said, 'We also expect future Egyptian governments will uphold peace in the Middle East and respect the treaties concluded with Israel, and that Israel's safety will be guaranteed'." (Merkel: Egypt must keep peace with Israel, sfgate.com, 11/2/11)

"After a long week of lawmaker perspectives, let's go to Lindsay Lohan in Los Angeles for her take on Egypt. 'Congratulations to the people of Egypt. Your voices were heard and you proved that peaceful demonstrations are possible and effective... x'... 'I pray Egypt maintains it's [sic] treaty with Israel and sets the trends for its neighbors to create peace with Israel and the entire region'. The tweets appeared under her handle @LindsayLohan, on Friday afternoon. Several fan responses on her network wondered if Lohan's account has been taken over by a publicist in light of her latest legal fiasco." (Lindsay Lohan: Egypt should keep Israeli peace treaty, Elise Viebeck, thehill.com, 11/2/11)

" [Australian] Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said it was 'vital that whichever new government emerges from this process respects the rights of all Egyptians, including minorities such as the Copts, and maintains the peace settlement with Israel'." (Sydney shows solidarity, Norrie & Singh, The Sun-Herald, 13/2/11)

And if Italy's Silvio 'Bunga-Bunga' Berlusconi, weren't so busy stoking the coals with Red Hot Ruby he'd no doubt be saying the same, although, in a spot of R & R prior to Mubarak's exit, he had hoped that "in Egypt there can be a transition toward a more democratic system without a break from President Mubarak, who in the West, above all in the United States, is considered the wisest of men and a precise reference point." (Silvio Berlusconi calls Mubarak a wise man, globalpost.com, 4/2/11)

OK. Speaking of knaves - I mean, knives - "US Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton on Monday expressed support for the tens of thousands of protesters in Iran's capital, saying they 'deserve to have the same rights that they saw being played out in Egypt and are part of their own birthright'." (Clinton: Iranians deserve same rights as Egyptians, AP, jpost.com, 15/2/11)

Got it? The party's well and truly over. Egypt's in safe hands. Get out of that damned square NOW, go home, take a cold shower and resume focus on Iran! Why Iran? Well, because, when all is said and done, it's all about...