We Americans love to rejoice at the sight of beleagured an repressed masses rising up against the tyrant who kept them from their rightful  happiness. We respond thus at the announcement of the resignation of Hosni Mubarak. Isn't it grand, the sight of the common man in Tahrir square wildly gesticulating as the banner of victory has been raised. We should rejoice, shouldn't we?

Not so sure.

As we have just witnessed the government overthrow of the largest country among the Arab states, we are reminded of that old adage about being careful what we wish for.

Israel is quietly pessimistic about any major changes in the status quo--especially when it comes to governments that have openly supported Israel, and Mubarak's certainly has.

What will follow?

We must realize that we are living in the era of radical islam as an interpretation of religion and government.

We rejoiced at the statues of Saddam Husein being toppled by the Iraqi people---and then tuned in to years of mayhem at the violent acts of radical insurgents.

And now, Israel waits, quietly, for a successor to show his hand. And, for the potentially devastating influence of radicals in the Middle East, we in America should be holding our breath, not shouting from the rooftops about the end of tyranny.

A far more destructive state of tyranny may only be in the first stages of beginning.

And that's something to think about. I'm W J O'Reilly

"Hosni Mubarak’s legacy was supposed to be stability. During almost three decades in power, he rejected bold action in favor of caution. He took half-steps at economic liberalization, preserved the peace with Israel, gave his police force the power to arrest without charge and allowed only the veneer of democracy to take hold. "

                       The New York Times