Richard C. Bush

With [Beijing's decision to set electoral parameters], Hong Kong’s radicals were empowered, and the instability that occurred last weekend was almost inevitable. Beijing has been quick to blame the pan-democrats for the disorder, but it had the power and the opportunity to facilitate a good outcome.

The central question is whether the protesters [in Hong Kong] will be willing to return to the old regime. Or will more and more opposition groups be willing and able to act outside the rules? Then, what does the government do?

The White House pushed the envelope in today's statement [on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong]. There's a lot more substance and they hit a lot more points than they usually do.