Massive protests continue today in the streets of several major cities in Egypt, with modest estimates of the crowd in Cairo alone at 80,000 and others putting the figure at well over 100,000, with police firing live ammo and tear gas and arresting thousands of dissidents.
Despite the harsh tactics, police seem to be wholly incapable of curbing the unrest, with reports that the ruling party’s political headquarters may have been set on fire. This has led to Mubarak government to impose a broad curfew and deploy the military against the protesters.
The protests appear to be extremely broad-based, with early protests amongst the unemployed quickly being backed both by moderate pro-democracy figures like Mohamed ElBaradei and the religious opposition, the Muslim Brotherhood, also joining in today.
Speaking of former IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei, reports now say that the Egyptian government has placed him under house arrest after he tried to join today’s protests, and police beat some of his supporters when they tried to protect him.
Though his domestic support seems to be dwindling, Western officials are expressing hope that Hosni Mubarak will eventually be able to crush the dissent. Vice President Joe Biden insisted that Mubarak’s repression doesn’t make him a “dictator” as such, and that the US continues to support his rule. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley reiterated that support, saying Mubarak’s support for Israel makes him a “stabilizing” force in the region.
the will of people will prevail over the 30 years undeclared monarch
I'm watching the live footage on Al Jazeera right now. I think the current Govt in Egypt is in trouble. While the police fight on, the military and protesters are shaking hands in friendship and the local fire dept is letting the the Govt buildings burn.
When the oppressive state losses the backing of the military, they are finished.
I wonder how the Mossad is now engaged. They will do anything to keep the current system in charge? And maybe have some special interest on the side?
W9
Elbaradie and the USG have been at odds for years.I suspect the USG had a hand in his House arrest.
I'm sure the Israelis would prefer to keep their stooge in power in Cairo. But how far out on a limb they're willing to go for Mubarak is an open question.
If a more adversarial government takes power in Egypt (a real possibility, especially if backed by the Muslim Brotherhood) the Israelis might work that to their perceived advantage. They have been very adept recently at turning friends into enemies (e.g., Turkey), which fits nicely into the narrative of a helpless Israel, surrounded by ruthless enemies.
The US Government would love to get El Baradie in as chief. He is the most pro-western option in the field next to Mubarak. His criticisms of the US before and during the invasion of Iraq were always tempered by a careful considereation of our neocon government, never stepping on their toes too harshly. More importantly, he would not be under the thumb of the mullahs.
I think you have missed the hidden agenda of the neocons Bogie, I am surprosed at you.
I doubt it, the US is petrified of the prospect of the Muslim Brotherhood. It is very late for the US to manipulate this Revolution and the best plan is to work with whomever is in charge after the dust settles.
I agree with Vice-president Bidden. Mubarak’s torture and murder makes him no more a dictator than it did Saddam, nor any less. Why don’t more politicians just give the world a break and kill themselves?