Morning in Egypt: Another Tiananmen Square?

As I am writing this, at 2am PST, the military is surrounding the Presidential Palace in anticipation that the protesters in Tahrir Square are going to move on it today. The military has asked the protesters to go home, that they guarantee that the protesters demands will be met in full.

The protesters aren't buying it. They are laying in the square chanting "Peaceful". They are building latrines and showers in the Square and are saying on live television that they will not move until Mubarak steps down. They are calling this the "Friday for Martyrs".

My wish for Egypt is a peaceful transfer of governmental authority. However, after the massacre in Tiananmen Square over twenty years ago, I have concerns that this will end badly.

Always remember what happened after China bulldozed thousands of people with tanks and then conducted a countrywide witch hunt for dissidents: nothing. Not one country in the world did one meaningful thing. Oh, they suspended some loans and financial assistance, but big fucking deal. In fact not ten years later, China was named Most Favored Trading Partner of the United States.

ALWAYS REMEMBER.

THERE IS NO REASON EGYPT WON'T GO THE SAME WAY.