Egyptian Reform

In the past, I've suggested that if the U.S. were serious about democratic reforms in the Middle East, they would put pressure on Husni Mubarak to open up the political situation in Egypt, which is probably the most important cultural and intellectual powerhouse in the Arab world. Now, I see in al-Ahram Weekly that members of the ruling party are denying accusations that the regime's recent discussions about liberalization are a response to American pressure. Absolutely no one quoted in the article saw democratization under American pressure as a good thing. Unfortunately, I don't have enough context to discuss what other factors might be in play among these different parties.