GAFFE: Obama Shoots First, Aims Later: White House clarifies Obama’s statement that Egypt is not an ‘ally.’ “President Barack Obama didn’t intend to signal any change in the U.S.-Egypt relationship last night when he said Egypt is not an ‘ally,’ the White House told The Cable today. . . . That comment had Egypt watchers scratching their heads, especially since technically, Egypt was designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 1989 when Congress first passed the law creating that status, which gives them special privileges in cooperating with the United States, especially in the security and technology areas.”

They’re scratching their heads, Obama’s in over his head. This must be more of that “smart diplomacy” we were promised.