Mubarak at the White House?

Sound advice from the WaPo:

Governments throughout the Middle East, and the many Arabs working for democratic change in their countries, will be watching to see if the Egyptian ruler gets a free pass. If he does, the administration will send the region the message that the corrupt old status quo — in which the United States backed Arab dictators in exchange for help with U.S. strategic interests — has been restored…

There is a simple way for Mr. Obama to make it clear to Mr. Mubarak that he will not tolerate such persecution. He can follow Mr. Ibrahim’s advice — and quietly let Mr. Mubarak know that he will be welcome at the White House as soon as the charges against Mr. Ibrahim are dropped and former presidential candidate Ayman Nour is released from prison. Those are small and simple steps that are within Mr. Mubarak’s personal discretion. If he refuses, why should Mr. Obama accommodate an old strongman’s wish to be seen with — and legitimized by — a popular new president?