White House Press Secretary Jay Carney’s comments on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s utility to U.S. government interests coincided with the Egypt court appearance of longtime U.S. ally, Hosni Mubarak, whom the Obama administration supported until he was finally forced out of office in February. In his first public showing since his resignation, Mubarak was wheeled into the court on a stretcher to face trial for corruption and the killing of protesters. Mubarak’s sons, Gamal and Alaa, as well as six former officers, were also arraigned. The case was adjourned until later this month. Thousands of Egyptians gathered in public spaces to watch the proceedings.

Cairo resident: “In the past 30 years, today is the first day of a lawful state, with laws that are implemented on everyone. And today, for the ousted President Mubarak and his sons to be in the dock, this is a message for whoever will come after him and whoever will do wrong. From now on, they’ll know that they belong in prison.”