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Riots erupt in Egypt as protesters demand end to Mubarak regime

mbig

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Tunisia Feva.
Only this could produce an Islamist regime.

Riots erupt in Egypt as protesters demand end to Mubarak regime - Middle East - Salon.com

Slidewhow: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/01/25/egypt_anti_government_protests_mubarak/slideshow.html

After civil unrest in Tunisia toppled the autocratic Ben Ali regime last week, the natural reaction was to wonder whether the effects would cascade across the region and encourage democratic movements elsewhere. It appears that Tunisia sparked at least one movement, after all -- and in the Middle East’s most populous country.

Protesters took to the streets all across Egypt on Tuesday -- spurred by social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and energized by the developments in Tunisia -- demanding the end of President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year reign. The demonstrations turned violent in several cities including Cairo as police officers clad in riot gear (and armed with tear gas and rubber bullets) clashed with thousands of angry Egyptians.

We've compiled some Photos, Videos and Links to serve as a launch pad into understanding just what happened in Egypt today:

•Al Jazeera describes the mayhem across Egypt. (Al Jazeera)
•The Christian Sciene Monitor rounds up the events of the day. (CSMonitor.com)
•Mother Jones explains the historical underpinnings of today’s protests. (MJ)
•The Atlantic ponders the significance of the protests and their long-term impact on the Egyptian polity. (theatlantic.com)
•TechCrunch says that the Egyptian government has worked to censor Twitter and other websites since riots began. (techcrunch)

Three dead in Egypt protests
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111251711053608.html
VIDEO
Tear gas used to disperse thousands of demonstrators in central Cairo after a day of protests against the government.

Two civilians and a police officer have died after a wave of unusually large anti-government demonstrations swept across Egypt, calling for the ouster of longtime president Hosni Mubarak.

In central Cairo, crowds numbering in the thousands protested and clashed with police throughout the day. Shortly after midnight on Wednesday morning, security forces violently dispersed those who remained in Tahrir Square, the heart of the city, Al Jazeera's Adam Makary reported.

Security officers fired tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to drive the protesters from the square, where they had chosen to remain throughout the night in protest. An Al Jazeera cameraman was shot with rubber bullets several times, including once in the face, Makary said.

Telephone communication with people in central Cairo was nearly impossible, but Makary reported that the crowds, which had been peaceful, had been forced to escape the police, who fired dozens of tear gas canisters...

Online campaigning

Protests also broke out in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, the Nile Delta cities of Mansura and Tanta, and in the southern cities of Aswan and Assiut, witnesses reported.
The rallies had been promoted online by groups saying they speak for young Egyptians frustrated by the kind of poverty and oppression which triggered the overthrow of Tunisia's president. More than 80,000 people signed a Facebook group saying they would participate in the protests.

Egyptian blogger Hossam El Hamalawy told Al Jazeera that new media had been important in facilitating "the domino effect" needed for demonstrations like this one to progress, but he noted that it was the people in the street making the difference.

"We want a functioning government, we want Mubarak to step down...
 
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Agree this is far more likely to result in an Islamist regime than Tunisia... though, there is a significant Chrisitian minority and there is an educated class that would resist Islamism...l
 
Agree this is far more likely to result in an Islamist regime than Tunisia...

Considering it is the birth place of modern radical Islamism then.. ya think?

though, there is a significant Chrisitian minority and there is an educated class that would resist Islamism...l

They are as good as dead if the Islamists get into power.

Plus I dont see these "riots" snowballing like in Tunisia since the military hate the Islamists and will do anything to avoid them. But who knows these days... if Egypt goes radical, then the world is screwed.
 
Considering it is the birth place of modern radical Islamism then.. ya think?



They are as good as dead if the Islamists get into power.

Plus I dont see these "riots" snowballing like in Tunisia since the military hate the Islamists and will do anything to avoid them. But who knows these days... if Egypt goes radical, then the world is screwed.

Yeah, a radical Egypt would be a serious problem, but not everyone in Egypt is a radical Islamist. That being said, they DO have a lot of clout right now and if they decide to go through non-Democratic means to gain power, then we have a serious problem on our hands.
 
Not all Islamic countries are radicalized (Turkey/Indonesia). I see this in the same light as the recent uprisings in Iran.

People want freedom and an end to government corruption. The internet and globalization have exposed normal people to the idea that they have the right to elect their own government and that they have extensive human rights. I approve of that message and the movement.
 
I'm sure Israel is watching this one closely.. Maybe they should take back the Sinai toot sweet.. :)


Tim-
 
"Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Embattled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's son, who has been widely seen as his successor, has fled the country, according to US-based Arabic website Akhbar al-Arab.

Thousands of Egyptians demanded an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule and clashed with police on Tuesday, in unprecedented protests inspired by the revolt that brought down Tunisia's president.

Gamal Mubarak, the politician son of the 82-year-old president, fled along with his wife and daughter, several newspapers reported, citing the Akhbar al-Arab report, even as Egypt's 'day of rage' bloomed in fearsome fashion at Cairo's al-Tahrir square where more than 30,000 protesters bayed for the end of Mubarak's rule.

'Beginning of the end' for Egypt's Mubarak as son and wife flee

OMG :shock:
I was of the opinion that there was no way the Tunisian unrest had the ability to spread to the rest of the Arab world. It now appears I was wrong. But an Egyptian revolution is far less likely to turn into a heartening success story than Tunisia, and far more likely to mirror what happened in Iran in 1979.
 
An uncomfortable situation for the the USA and EU who have supported the current Regime.

Egypt has also blocked Facebook.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2011/0126/The-US-response-to-Egypt-s-protestsThe
US response to Egypt's protests
'Not much' probably sums it up best.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said yesterday: "The Egyptian government has an important opportunity to be responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people, and pursue political, economic and social reforms that can improve their lives and help Egypt prosper."

In a statement today, US Ambassador Margaret Scobey slightly upgraded that talking point to include "we call on the Egyptian authorities to allow peaceful public demonstrations."

So far, Egypt has responded to its "important opportunity" with tear gas, rubber bullets, beatings, and the arrest of hundreds of democracy activists and protesters

 
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Mbig -
So far, Egypt has responded to its "important opportunity" with tear gas, rubber bullets, beatings, and the arrest of hundreds of democracy activists and protesters

Make no mistake. You'd see exactly the same response here, should the peeps get restless.. :)

Tim-
 
Moderator's Warning:
Threads merged
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Embattled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's son, who has been widely seen as his successor, has fled the country, according to US-based Arabic website Akhbar al-Arab.

OMG :shock:
I was of the opinion that there was no way the Tunisian unrest had the ability to spread to the rest of the Arab world. It now appears I was wrong. But an Egyptian revolution is far less likely to turn into a heartening success story than Tunisia, and far more likely to mirror what happened in Iran in 1979.
Your story appears wrong.

Source: Mubarak Family Hasn't Fled Egypt - World Watch - CBS News
 
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Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Wild rumours fly at times like these.

Egypt is a stronger state compared to Tunisia.

While it may be difficult, the regime shall whether this storm, for how long is anyone guess, but they're not going down any time soon.
I agree.
Although I support the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people, I don't think these demos will succeed in toppling Mubarak.
Another few days/week will tell. Altho even if they fail it could come back at any time/the result of any catalyst.
This has been brewing for a LONG time.

If they do succeed this could be a dangerous change for the USA and it's allies- with Islamists/The 'hood', getting at Least a bigger say- if not control of the govt.
Right now Mubarak is all over them, Like-white-on-Rice.
 
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Good for them
I hope Mubarak is overthrown and they get the Government they choose and one which is not chosen for them --- Islamic or not.

Thoughts and solidarity are with the Egyptians

They say facebook has been blocked in its entirety and the police are now appearing to use metal pellets and live ammunition on the protesters. Smfh
 
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Good for them
I hope Mubarak is overthrown and they get the Government they choose and one which is not chosen for them --- Islamic or not.

Thoughts and solidarity are with the Egyptians

They say facebook has been blocked in its entirety and the police are now appearing to use metal pellets and live ammunition on the protesters. Smfh
I agree.
I posted earlier facebook was blocked..
and yesterday even cell phone communication was near impossible according to a few reports.

If they succeed this a HUGE story.
Most don't seem that interested -yet- but this could be 'earth-shattering' for the Arab Middle East and elsewhere.
 
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I agree.
I posted earlier facebook was blocked..
and yesterday even cell phone communication was near impossible according to a few reports.

If they succeed this a HUGE story.
Most don't seem that interested -yet- but this could be 'earth-shattering' for the Arab Middle East and elsewhere.

Most will not want to make it seem like a big deal -- add fuel. Especially Western media, as it would mean a fall of a second ally of the West.

Lebanon is also having protests and Tunisia is still at it
 
Most will not want to make it seem like a big deal -- add fuel. Especially Western media, as it would mean a fall of a second ally of the West.

Lebanon is also having protests and Tunisia is still at it
I've been on al-jazeera English (AJE) http://english.aljazeera.net/ and the Egypt protests seem Over.
At least for now.
Video reports show Traffic etc, Normal in Cairo, as opposed to complete standstill Tuesday.

So it doesn't look like it has enough staying power to topple Mubarak in the short term.
But I don't think he has any illusions any more about installing his son as successor.

Let's see what the next few days/weeks/months bring.
 
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It's happening again tomorrow (with even more expected to turn up) but I agree, no chance of the Son being the next leader.

rcPGl.jpg


From the protest.
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Wild rumours fly at times like these.

Egypt is a stronger state compared to Tunisia.

While it may be difficult, the regime shall whether this storm, for how long is anyone guess, but they're not going down any time soon.

That's what people were saying about Iran in 1979.
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

I agree.
Although I support the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people, I don't think these demos will succeed in toppling Mubarak.
Another few days/week will tell. Altho even if they fail it could come back at any time/the result of any catalyst.
This has been brewing for a LONG time.

I wonder. Where is the evidence that the unrest has anything to do with the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people? The basis of the appeal of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist organisations has nothing to do with democratic aspitrations. I suspect that economic factors are playing a far, far greater part in the unrest and that the demands of the leaders and the majority of the protesters will fall very far from demands for greater western-style democratic reforms. It's very worrying indeed.

The West's reaction could be quite significant. Seeing the increasing weakness of the Mubarak regime they can either pressure that regime to improve the social environment of Egypt and encourage reforms that will attack the endemic corruption and iniquities of his regime, or they can sit back, sell him more arms and tools of repression and reap the whirlwind if and when the regime goes the route of Tunisia. In such circumstances they'll only have themselves (and Mubarak's oligarchy) to blame.
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Today Hillary Clinton urged Mubarak to allow demonstrations and to not censor Facebook/Twitter. I think the US government may be cutting Mubarak loose.
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Today Hillary Clinton urged Mubarak to allow demonstrations and to not censor Facebook/Twitter. I think the US government may be cutting Mubarak loose.

Sensible advice, I reckon this indicates the opposite of cutting him loose, wouldn't you? If they were going to do that they'd just wash their hands of him and let him carry on digging his own political grave.
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

I wonder. Where is the evidence that the unrest has anything to do with the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people? The basis of the appeal of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist organisations has nothing to do with democratic aspitrations. I suspect that economic factors are playing a far, far greater part in the unrest and that the demands of the leaders and the majority of the protesters will fall very far from demands for greater western-style democratic reforms. It's very worrying indeed.
Egypt like most of the Arab world, has a demographic (and ergo economic) problem. Median age app 17 in many places.
World-hooked-up 'Youth' and their free communication and what they've seen with/on it- has it's own momentum.
It is democratic in that sense.
That's why these days the regimes go for blocking Facebook etc.
But opposition to Mubarak is deep-seeded and long running. Both on the basis of repression of democracy and certainly on the 'hood'.


The West's reaction could be quite significant. Seeing the increasing weakness of the Mubarak regime they can either pressure that regime to improve the social environment of Egypt and encourage reforms that will attack the endemic corruption and iniquities of his regime, or they can sit back, sell him more arms and tools of repression and reap the whirlwind if and when the regime goes the route of Tunisia. In such circumstances they'll only have themselves (and Mubarak's oligarchy) to blame.
Mubarak is getting old- His regime will end soon one way or the other.
He and His son should find themselves nice places in France or Southern California.
 
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His Son and family have fled to UK ...

And we took him in :2mad:
 
Re: "Beginning of the end" for Egypt's Mubarak, as son and wife flee

Egypt like most of the Arab world, has a demographic (and ergo economic) problem. Median age app 17 in many places.
World-hooked-up 'Youth' and their free communication and what they've seen with/on it- has it's own momentum.
It is democratic in that sense.
Yes, but only in that sense. It does not mean that the result of any successful regime change brought about by this 'popular' uprising would herald an improvement in human rights standards, the rule or law or greater accountability to the people. It's much more likely that it would replace a military-technocratic oligarchy with a military-theological oligarchy, i.e. no great improvement for the average Egyptian, much worse in terms of Middle Eastern geo-politics and a disaster for the Western allies of Mubarak.
That's why these days the regimes go for blocking Facebook etc.

Mubarak is getting old- His regime will end soon one way or the other.
He and His son should find themselves nice places in France or Southern California.

All true, but I'm more concerned about the 80 million ordinary Egyptians than the Mubarak family, natch.
 
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