immediate, irreversible progress. >> vice president suleiman made particularly unhelpful comments about egypt not being ready for democracy, about not seeing a lift of the emergency law, and i don't -- i don't think that in any way squares with what those seeking greater opportunity and freedom think is a timetable for progress. >> reporter: but a calmer approach from the pentagon where sources say they are ease back from the crisis atmosphere. >> i think that the egyptian military has conducted itself in an exemplary fashion during this entire episode, and they have acted with great restraint. >> reporter: a middle east analyst says the u.s. government message has changed from immediate action to a more protracted process, a process that is unclear.