Egypt

[juneau]

Nobody really talking about this here so here's the start. The million man march has started today. In fact that's just the term given now as an estimate of 2 million people are now standing in Tahrir Square protesting.

They've shutdown the TV network, internet, land and mobile phone networks yet the word of help is still getting to it's destination. Mostly thanks to a service Twitter has setup.

I like we're looking at something major happening in the next 48 hours.

Live 24hr news link from Egypt.

Al Jazeera English: Live Stream - Watch Now - Al Jazeera English

[K PhaNTOM]

Yeah well, nothing is gonna happen. A few people will get tear gassed and a few will get trampled. Egyptian president is NOT going to step down for no one- or even a million of them.

[JohnyRico]

Two words: Tiananmen Square.

[juneau]

Well, he's stepping down. But not until September. Not good news for the Egyptian people as this will give him just enough time for a little rigging here and there and the presidency being passed on to his son, and the cycle continues.

[K PhaNTOM]

Sheesh the US pressured the hell out of the guy didn't they? I bet crazy guy comes as president, new war with Israel. Just for giggles.

[Rand{CLR}]

Getting ugly now. The way things are going at 8:39 EST, CNN could be broadcasting a massacre by 10.

-Rand

[Skud]

Sheesh the US pressured the hell out of the guy didn't they? I bet crazy guy comes as president, new war with Israel. Just for giggles.

That's some of what's interesting about this one. We've been giving Egypt $1.3 billion a year since the 79 peace deal, and Mubarak has pretty much been there the whole time (another foothold for interests in the region: oil, Suez Canal, etc.). The 1.5 billion it's been lately is under review, according to an article from the other day, due to the current situation (there or in our own country). So if the potential withdrawal/cutting of that is the pressure you speak of...

Israel (the other one in the area we throw money at) is mad/scared now, because the one somewhat pro-Israel, pro-US leader in the region might be going. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/...1?pageNumber=1.

One comment by Aviad Pohoryles in the daily Maariv was entitled "A Bullet in the Back from Uncle Sam." It accused Obama and his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of pursuing a naive, smug, and insular diplomacy heedless of the risks.

Who is advising them, he asked, "to fuel the mob raging in the streets of Egypt and to demand the head of the person who five minutes ago was the bold ally of the president ... an almost lone voice of sanity in a Middle East?"

"The politically correct diplomacy of American presidents throughout the generations ... is painfully naive."

Obama on Sunday called for an "orderly transition" to democracy in Egypt, stopping short of calling on Mubarak to step down, but signaling that his days may be numbered. [nN30161335]

"AMERICA HAS LOST IT"

Real democracy is the last thing Israel wants for its neighbors (with Arab majorities)...but with the US going broke within its own borders, who is left to pay off pro-Israeli leaders in the region? Long story short, a change in leadership could certainly have a huge potential for change in the region.

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

Here's a really good take on it, without the media spin.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/...tian_revo.html

[GeneralSnake]

Egypt: yet another iconic photo of a brave protester smooching a bewildered cop - Boing Boing
WOOT protests!

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

Here's the best analysis yet!

Watch: Colbert predicts Egypts future with psychic cat, Christiane Aman-purr | Nerve.com

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

Wait... what?

Egypt: ABC News' Christiane Amanpour Exclusive Interview with President Mubarak - ABC News

[BadHabitz]

I've been to Alexandria and Cairo during one of my stops while in the Navy. It's an amazing place and the only place in the world I'd like to visit (and stay longer this time).
One of the best locations I've ever visited was the national museum in Cairo. It's a legendary place if you're interested in ancient egyptian society.

It was heartbreaking when I heard the news that several looters made it inside and caused some damage, most notably to some items in the Tutankhamun exhibit.

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

...
One of the best locations I've ever visited was the national museum in Cairo. It's a legendary place if you're interested in ancient egyptian society.

It was heartbreaking when I heard the news that several looters made it inside and caused some damage, most notably to some items in the Tutankhamun exhibit.

Agree, I've been there twice. That is one of the best museums I've ever been too. Last time was circa 1995-ish, a little after divers discovered the great lighthouse in Alexandria. They had several pieces on display at the harbor there... complete awe and wonder while standing there admiring it.

"Egyptians Americans friends, yes?" - How many times you hear that from the merchants and street vendors (wanting your dollars) ?

[BadHabitz]

"Egyptians Americans friends, yes?" - How many times you hear that from the merchants and street vendors (wanting your dollars) ?

I think it was 2000 when I was there (otherwise it was 1998 ), but what I remember the most about people trying to sell me stuff was at the temple area next to the Sphinx there were 20+ kids who looked to be 12 or under, all trying to sell me the same junk at inflated prices. One kid told me his dad would beat him if I didn't buy anything. I just shrugged and told him it wasn't his lucky day.

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

This is one of the most interesting aspects I came across. Pretty cool.

Christians Protecting Muslims in Egypt During Prayers | The Islamic Workplace