Three Decades With Egypt’s Military Keep U.S. in Loop

The open dialogue between the U.S. and Egyptian militaries may be pivotal in the coming days and weeks, as public unrest grows over President Hosni Mubarak’s plan to stay in office until September elections.

Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, President Barack Obama’s top military adviser, spoke today with his Egyptian counterpart for a second time in the past week and urged him to ensure a “return to calm.” U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates later spoke to Defense Minister Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, their third call since demonstrations escalated last week.