No End in Sight for Protests in Egypt
Latest Details from Egypt At least 100 people have been killed and some 1,000 wounded in the five days of anti-government protests in Egypt. At least three protesters were reported to be killed Saturday when police opened fire on demonstrators near the Interior Ministry in Cairo. At least 22 people were killed in clashes in Beni Suef, south of the capital. |
President Mubarak has warned that he will do all in his power to maintain order, but opposition politicians have joined calls for him to go.
Tens of thousands of Egyptians are once again defying the overnight curfew and have taken to the streets to vent their fury.
The army is also out in force, but so far the protesters are treating them as heroes, climbing on board the tanks to shake the soldiers hands, and have their photos taken - a snapshot of an historic moment for them and for Egypt.
Key Players in Egypt's Crisis
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"Is America with us or the regime? Is America with the public or the president? We want to know their position now," said one protester. "Mubarak has been president for 30 years. He must go. Is America with us?"
Soldiers are guarding key buildings across the city, including government ministries, the American and British embassies, and the world famous Egyptian Museum.
The legions of riot police deployed on Friday are now gone.
As darkness fell in Cairo few could predict what might happen in the coming hours. Buildings and police vehicles still smolder from the previous night's riots, and more smoke plumes are rising above the city.
Cell phone networks have been restored, but the Internet remains down. The curfew was brought forward to 4 PM, but with little effect.
In his address, the president pledged to protect the country and its citizens, and while sacking his government and announcing a new cabinet, he refused to step down.
Analysts here say he has underestimated the level of anger. With the protesters shouting for him to leave, and tearing down posters of Mr. Mubarak across Cairo and other cities, they say his future as president remains deeply uncertain.
Much depends on the army. If they withdraw support from the president, analysts say Egypt will soon have a new leadership. But the army's first task is to try to maintain order through the night as the streets of Cairo and other cities once again fill with angry protesters.
Watch Raw Video of the Street Protests in Cairo
No End in Sight for Protests in Egypt
Article and video from VOA
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