February 2, 2011
Cairo Egypt
Egyptian Empire Strikes Back
Hurling rocks and cracking heavy whips, government police and thugs – some of them on horses and camels - rammed the protesters in Tahrir square today.
This was not a spontaneous response by those who support Mubarak’s desire to stay in office until the elections. Egyptian television showed the captured attackers identification cards, proving they were police. Others are known thugs.
In this cynical move, the government created the very instability and violence which President Mubarak deplored yesterday in his speech to the nation. The Egyptian people are well-known for their abhorrence of violence.
Mubarak also announced that the current parliament would be setting term limits for future presidents.
“Daddy Mubarak” preprinted signs
Anti-government supporters held their ground, calling for army protection. More organized groups appeared to attack, in cadres of a hundred. They carried preprinted signs – hardly an expense possible for most protestors – reading “Daddy Mubarak and Mommy Suzanne, we apologize for the past days’ demonstrations.”
The protesters, ringed by the horse-riding attackers and their pedestrian accomplices, dug up paving stones. As fears of a blood bath rose, the people began praying
Even after two and a half hours of clashes, with many injured, the military stood aside. Although equipped with tanks and armored vehicles, the army allowed the 60 or so horse and camels into the square.
Many are looking to the international community to apply pressure to stop the assaults.
The regime propaganda machine, especially government television, has been in full swing, frightening the populace while calling for calm.
Deceit works
The combination of unprecedented concessions, campaign of disinformation, and staged confrontations have had their effect. Those less sophisticated—especially poor and uneducated—are beginning to support Mubarak, partly for the stability he promised and partly because of the deference they traditionally feel for their leaders.
When King Farouk was deposed by a military coup in 1954, his exile was accompanied by a 21-gun salute.
The only good news
Rumors say that Ahmed Ezz, a friend of the president’s son and a parliamentarian, has been prevented from leaving Egypt. Habib Adli, the notorious Minister of Interior is said to be being held for investigation by army, which wastes no affection on him.
Amal Sedky Winter, PhD
www.myeyeonegypt.net
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