Egypt is Shut Off
Approximately 16 hours ago Egypt's government has completely shut down the Internet and cell phone coverage.
http://www.arabist.net/blog/2011/1/28/urgent-egypt-has-shut-off-the-internet.html
Police are struggling to control protests by using tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. I have heard rumors of a few police officers shooting and killing people while it was all video taped. Whether or not it is true, I am unsure. I've only read blogs from activists posting via satellite internet.
You can follow the updates on the protests in Cairo through the NY Times:
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/latest-updates-on-protests-in-egypt/?hp
posted by The Bear at
7:18 AM
5 Comments:
Since the protesters seem to be entirely committed to non-violent action, and the military does not (yet) seem willing to interfere, what's to stop Mubarak from simply hunkering down and waiting out the storm? After all, he only has to do it for seven months. What kind of pressure could be brought to bear upon him?
8:53 AM
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8:54 AM
It is interesting to me that when several hundred Iraqis turn out to watch US Marines topple Saddam's statue we call it a referendum against tyranny. But when thousands of protesters turn out in Cairo, the United States has second thoughts about the viability of democracy in the Middle East. Either we are disingenuous when we speak of "promoting democracy" abroad, or we do not think Egyptians are capable of handling our freedoms. The first reason is cynical and self-interested and the latter is plain condescending.
8:55 AM
I'm trying to remember how the TV news pitched the 1979 Iranian revolution (long before the internets, 24-hour cable news cycle, etc.) I think it was played as an unmitigated disaster for US interests; many references to Henry Kissinger assuring everyone that the Shah was the most stable and reliable ally, etc. The coverage this time around, at least from CNN's POV, is clearly on the side of the protesters. What worries me now is VP Suleiman - the de facto head of Mubarak's secret police and Our Man in Rendition - as the indispensable figure during the transition. It's a lesson in, perhaps, a. the limits of American power to shape events as we want; b. the cynicism of US foreign policy that continually deals with such ugly figures; c. the sorry state of governments in the Middle East.
So, is the Saudi royal family quietly tripling spending on their domestic security?
9:52 AM
I'm glad to see that Mubarak has resigned and turned his power over to some military leaders. I think Egypt needs someone who isn't a military leader though...
8:32 AM
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