David's Harp: The secret telephone tapes

Usually it takes years, maybe decades for the discovery of top-secret documents or recordings to be declassified and released to the general public. But recently a highly confidential taped phone conversation between Washington and Cairo was leaked.

The tape begins:

“Hosni are you there?” President Barak Obama’s voice can be heard saying. “Oh, Barak Hussein, asalam alekem,” the president of Egypt, Mr. Mubarak, answers. And then Obama counters, “alekem asalam.” Mubarak asks, “So, how are you doing habib, my friend?” Obama hesitates, “Uh, I’m doing fine uh…my friend, but uh… by the way, you’re on the speaker phone, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is with me.”

Mubarak perks up, “Ah, Hillary, how are you?” “I’m concerned President Mubarak, these are very difficult times,” Hillary is all business. “Please give your husband, Bill, my very best regards,” Mubarak offers. “Yes, I will certainly relay to him your sentiments,” Hillary comments in her official tone. Mubarak recalls, “Those were the days… when Bill used to visit. We had some great times.” Hillary confirms, “Yes I will certainly extend to my husband your fond words. “We had such good times, that Bill of yours is a lot of fun, he’s very charming.” Hilary is quick, “Yes, fun and charming, but we…” Mubarak interrupts, “If my limousine could talk…”

President Obama jumps in, “Hosni, it’s important that we talk.” Mubarak agrees, “Yes, yes, but please call me Hose. I am a very informal relaxed man. I am just sitting at the kitchen table in my humble home as my wife bakes bread for our family.” “Listen Hose, we need to get a grasp on what is going on over there with this revolt.” Mubarak assures them, “It’s no big deal; the streets are filled with people very similar to your Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.” Obama challenges Mubarak, “Sir I think we both know that this situation is of grave consequence to not only your country but to the world.” Hillary interjects, “If I may mention, we are concerned about the safety of your citizens and your security as well.” “Your husband, Bill, was quite a guy, those were some good times; no they were great times. I would love for him to visit again, maybe not right now, but soon all will be good again with better times.”