Egyptian protesters are conflicted over US role

CAIRO (AP) — One of the insults flung at President Hosni Mubarak by Egyptian protesters seeking his ouster: "Mubarak, you coward! You American collaborator!"

Hostility toward the United States is widespread among the crowds in Cairo's streets, who feel Washington's alliance with Egypt — along with billions of dollars in military aid over the years — has helped Mubarak's authoritarian regime keep its grip on power for nearly 30 years.

But there's also a yearning for U.S. support.

Among the tens of thousands of Egyptians who have gathered in Cairo's main square over the past week, there's a widespread belief that the administration of President Barack Obama could be a key …