But where Polish Solidarity activists and East Berliners could look to the West — and, specifically, the United States — as a model in opposition to their reviled Communist leaders, in this case, it is the U.S. which has, awkwardly, helped prop up a leader who has lost credibility with his people.

On Friday night, President Obama finally found some strong words, “What’s needed right now are concrete steps that advance the rights of the Egyptian people, a meaningful dialogue between the government and its citizens, and a path of political change that leads to a future of greater freedom and greater opportunity and justice for the Egyptian people.”

“President Barack Obama should set a new rule for his administration’s policy in the region — when he draws a line in the sand and stakes out a position that is ignored by an ally in the region, there should be consequences, and policy changes should be implemented.”