America's Chance for an Egyptian Do Over

It’s not often that the United States has the obligation, or the opportunity, to completely remake its relationship with one of the world’s major nations. Usually, for better or for worse, ties are locked in by history, perpetuated by enduring elites, and defended by powerful lobbies. Even bad policies are hard to change. Now, however, Washington has no choice but to rebuild its connection with Egypt — the most populous and historically most important Arab nation, the owner of the Suez Canal and a prime U.S. ally for more than 40 years. It is a daunting, even scary prospect for the State Department and Obama White House. But it is also offers a chance to correct some of the mistakes America has made for decades in its dealings with Arab leaders. The remake launches this week when Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visits Cairo.