If all the background information on Sharp is correct, he specializes in shadowy operations, organizing spontaneous uprisings without anybody getting a clue that the U.S. was involved. If he really was behind the Egypt uprisings, surely the U.S., rather than wanting to advertise the fact (and thus ruin the whole thing) would want to keep his involvement a secret. This means that the NYT, rather than being part of the conspiracy, actually spoilt it all, presumably out of incompetence.

If the U.S. really wants to influence the revolution, there's a much easier way. Emphasize the Facebook/Google people's role (who are likely, like many technical people, to have neolib instincts) and ignore the role of the trade unions. Come to think of it, that's just what the western media seem to be doing.