Internet down, police counterterror unit out in Egypt

[Trino]

US family finally was able to make phone contact with my niece who lives in a Cairo suburb. Although citizens cannot call out, apparently it's possible - with much perseverance - to call in. They are afraid to even leave their house. However, her husband is going to try to walk about a block today to try to get airline tickets out. (He has some "pull," but we'll see.)

She and her family live in an allottment. It's not legal to own a gun, but two of the men in the compound have them. They have barricaded the entrance to the area, are manning it, and are prepared to shoot looters.

About 6000 prisoners were let out of prison by protestors. I cannot imagine why. Think about it. If you were a prisoner, would your priority be to protest the government, or would it be to reconnect with family/friends, or possibly engage in looting?

 

[essies]

[video=youtube;G6rYbDXQIVw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6rYbDXQIVw[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_T5Mzmn7d8&feature=player_embedded
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vodaf...one-Global-Boycot-And-Protest/126026640800268
Mubarak’s Secret Police “****s” Try to Disrupt Revolution
snip-

Since Tuesday, protesters have been reporting that government ****s, NDP party ****s, have been acting initially as provocateurs and now as looters. There were widespread reports Thursday night for example that plain clothes police were spreading petrol on cars and otherwise preparing chaos.

Now the reports of ****s breaking into homes, hospitals and threatening neighborhoods are increasing.

Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin is reporting that ****s in one neighborhood were seized and found to have state security id and carrying state issued weapons. The same pattern was seen in Tunisia. He notes that these are Mubarak’s police but in plain clothes.

As he says, with the police off the streets – they know there is no one to keep order and so they are taking advantage – and “attempting to steal away the momentum of the protests.:

http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/29/m...on/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

 

[mankato64]

Wow, thank you everybody for posting links, articles, pictures, and personal knowledge. I did not realize the severity and possible ramifications going on in Egypt. Just read an article on the BBC mainpage and it says the body count of the protesters and that about 500, yes FIVE HUNDRED, people are missing and they are mostly women.

Prayers to you Egypt and to all. good coverage here, better than CNN or Fox at least for MST, www.english.aljazeera.net, live coverage

 

[Trino]

Tweet on Aljazeera said the Army has announced it will not go against the protestors. Another tweet said there are protests in Alexandria.

 

[belimom]

I hate to ask, but the media often spins things. Is that picture actually of those at prayer being hosed down, or did they simply take a protective posture when the hoses came on? I have no idea why this matters to me, considering the scale of this issue, it shouldn't, but I can't get that picture out of my head.

I think it's a combination - they were attacked and took a protective posture that also would make a statement, IMO.

 

[MLE]

About 6000 prisoners were let out of prison by protestors. I cannot imagine why. Think about it. If you were a prisoner, would your priority be to protest the government, or would it be to reconnect with family/friends, or possibly engage in looting?

There were 80,000 political prisoners in Egypt. These are the ones lucky enough to not be victims of Mubarak's death squads sponsored by my American tax dollars at the behest of the Israel lobby.

 

[not_my_kids]

I think it's a combination - they were attacked and took a protective posture that also would make a statement, IMO.

It sort of struck me the same way. Thanks for the insight.

 

[belimom]

It's really difficult to watch the brutality on the streets... especially if you look at the Al Jazeera photos posted by porkchop. The news there is different: we saw images like that nightly on TV.

These police officers are not like the ones here in the US. They are among the lowest paid govt workers and most come in from very poor rural areas and live in barracks, much like run down dorms. The station in our neighborhood (Maadi) looked like an abandoned cinder block building. Housing is part of their pay. I'm not exactly sure what they do as we never saw them really in action. When we arrived, we were given bright yellow cards with Arabic on one side and English on the other. It said something to the effect of, "I am an American citizen. Please contact the US Embassy at ....". If we were ever in an automobile accident, we were given strict instructions to toss a few of those cards out, roll up the windows, lock the doors, call the Embassy, and wait -- and not to open the door for anyone, not even the police.

From what I could tell, the people of Egypt do not have much respect for LE (even ten years ago when we lived there). It's not like here where you would turn to them for help. They don't arrive when you have an accident or someone breaks into your home. You're on your own basically.

I hope that puts it into perspective if the only experience you've ever had is with LE here in our country.

 

[songline]

Thanks for sharing all the videos. It breaks my heart. DH and I were talking about it over supper this evening and how we wish for peace for the people there. We were there with DH's job and he worked on a contract with the Egypt gov't so he obviously knows way more than I do about it all.

When we were living there 10 yrs ago, there were riots in downtown Cairo. We lived a few miles from downtown in an area called Maadi. We had no idea riots were going on. My mom called and so did my FIL: "Get inside! Are you okay? Lock the doors!"... I looked out the window and said, "The sun is shining and butterflies are on the flowers in our garden. Kids are playing in the street. I have no idea what you're talking about." When I looked on the internet, I saw CNN playing the same loop of video over and over - and it was of a folks turning over a few cars in downtown Cairo, etc. Cairo is HUGE -- almost as big as NYC - but from the video you would have thought it was widespread.

So I'm embarrassed to say that it has taken me until today to realize how big this really is and that it's not just another case of the media blowing it out of proportion.

The enormity of it is that whatever happens will have far-reaching effects on the region. Egypt has played the role of 'peacekeeper' between the Middle Eastern countries and the Western world, with Mubarak being an important part of peace talks. (Again, DH knows much more than I do about this).

Anyway, the picture of the folks getting hosed on the bridge brought me to tears. God bless them...

I am curious about what your DH thinks of 30 years in office, because IMHO maybe the people there feel that 30 years is enough? But I dont know.
IMHO the people DO deserve a better leader that CARES about the people.

 

[songline]

Long live democracy and bless those that have died and are willing to sacrifice everything---even their own life---so that democracy can be enjoyed by their fellow countryman.

I do have an opinion about this as you can tell and my support is resolutely with the pro-democracy demonstrators.

I'm with you in heart and spirit and you will never know that but I just wanted to type that in public forum as well as say it outloud.

All JMHO and heartfelt post.

GREAT POST ITA :clap::clap::clap:

 

[Trino]

Aljazeera reporters on ground (in English)

http://audioboo.fm/AJEnglish

 

[songline]

Aljazeera reporters on ground (in English)

http://audioboo.fm/AJEnglish

thanks, I hope he can deliver a speech that will begin to send the people home.
I pray that Egypt will get a new leader who is FOR the people.
I pray for NO MORE dictatorship for them, let them know peace.


WOW thank you all for the photos and videos it is definitely alarming, and has now spread to Alexandria

 

[belimom]

I am curious about what your DH thinks of 30 years in office, because IMHO maybe the people there feel that 30 years is enough? But I dont know.

Let me preface my response by clarifying that DH's job is not a political position and he doesn't have a political background. He has studied the Middle East and worked there for many years. His knowledge of Egypt and his viewpoints come from what he needed to know before being sent there for his job, combined with what he learned while we were living there - from reading/learning on his own to the close friendships we formed with other expats in Egypt as well as with Egyptian nationals.

His viewpoint is that 30 years is enough, especially when the govt has zero transparency and elections appear "controlled". And if nothing was done, Mubarak's son probably would have "taken over" in the upcoming elections this year. (He also feels uncomfortable when I keep asking him questions so I can post his response b/c it has been a decade since we lived there -- we were there on 9/11 and left a couple of months later-- and he is very humble/honest about what he knows and what he doesn't know.)

Personally? I think Mubarak is holding out hope that if he makes enough concessions then he can stay in office and his son can still be "elected". Otherwise he would go ahead and step down (that is JMO, not DH's). But there's not a chance of his son entering office now. The people won't have it. I think Mubarak has no choice but to leave office. Others have even said to leave the country:

http://en.harakahdaily.net/index.ph...t-up-and-leave-egypt&catid=37:world&Itemid=59
In an extraordinarily belligerent speech on al-Jazeera Saturday, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi (pic) said history was currently being made in Egypt, calling on the president to leave the country at once.

"He doesn't live in our world. He doesn't feel the anger and hunger of this people," al- Qaradawi charged. "He's detached from reality. Mubarak must give up his position and leave Egypt. There is no other solution, except for Mubarak's departure."

 

[Snick1946]

Has anyone else experienced problems with email on the internet the past 48 hours? I live in the US and am unable about half the time to get into my Email- I use Yahoo. Also slow loading screens when I do, messages to addressees even in the US are failing to go through. I dont know if this is related but the timing seems interesting. If related all the more reason that our government needs to give Murbarak a swift kick in the behind and tell him to get the hell out NOW. If this all continues we are looking at $10 per gallon gas prices here and now apprently disruptions in internet commerce.

 

[songline]

Let me preface my response by clarifying that DH's job is not a political position and he doesn't have a political background. He has studied the Middle East and worked there for many years. His knowledge of Egypt and his viewpoints come from what he needed to know before being sent there for his job, combined with what he learned while we were living there - from reading/learning on his own to the close friendships we formed with other expats in Egypt as well as with Egyptian nationals.

His viewpoint is that 30 years is enough, especially when the govt has zero transparency and elections appear "controlled". And if nothing was done, Mubarak's son probably would have "taken over" in the upcoming elections this year. (He also feels uncomfortable when I keep asking him questions so I can post his response b/c it has been a decade since we lived there -- we were there on 9/11 and left a couple of months later-- and he is very humble/honest about what he knows and what he doesn't know.)

Personally? I think Mubarak is holding out hope that if he makes enough concessions then he can stay in office and his son can still be "elected". Otherwise he would go ahead and step down (that is JMO, not DH's). But there's not a chance of his son entering office now. The people won't have it. I think Mubarak has no choice but to leave office. Others have even said to leave the country:

Thank you belimom, ITA with your DH views and opinion. It is time for the people to have some more freedom, more rights, better policy. I wish them a quick resolve - bless them.

I read your personal encounter about the phone bill but was not at all surprised, I have enough knowledge about the region.

 

[songline]

Has anyone else experienced problems with email on the internet the past 48 hours? I live in the US and am unable about half the time to get into my Email- I use Yahoo. Also slow loading screens when I do, messages to addressees even in the US are failing to go through. I dont know if this is related but the timing seems interesting. If related all the more reason that our government needs to give Murbarak a swift kick in the behind and tell him to get the hell out NOW. If this all continues we are looking at $10 per gallon gas prices here and now apprently disruptions in internet commerce.

Yes, in the past few days I get kicked off, or I can sign on whatever.
I thought it had to do with the snow, but what do I know?

 

[songline]

Americans advised to leave Egypt amid protests Fighter jets buzz Cairo and tanks enter central square where thousands of demonstrators have gathered

CAIRO — The United States said Sunday it was offering evacuation flights to Europe for U.S. citizens who wish to leave Egypt, which has been rocked by violent protests seeking an end to President Hosni Mubarak's rule and an outbreak of mass looting.

The U.S. warned that Americans should consider leaving as soon as possible came on the sixth day of unprecedented protests against Mubarak's regime that have rocked the Arab world. More than 100 people have been killed so far.

>>>>>>more at link.

From the link:
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. expects that the protests in Egypt will lead to free and fair elections as part of an "orderly" transition to "real democracy." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41334512/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

 

[Kat]

I keep in mind that Al Jeezera is a media outlet much like CNN or Fox. They do have a bias as does their American Counterparts. It is usually from what I can tell a bias that slants against USA at any given opportunity to report in that manner.

It's a good media outlet. IMHO. But I approach it as I do with CNN and Fox. KWIM?

Has Obama made a statement to the Egyptian/Americans? (Who may have family...etc?)

I'm not looking for one, no particular reason I'm not looking for one either.LOL

I just read in a couple of articles (the comments sections) that some of the Egyptian Americans were hoping he would have some words of comfort and support for them.

I wouldn't find it remiss if he didn't say anything specific. Just asking.

JMHO.

 

[gitana1]

I hate to ask, but the media often spins things. Is that picture actually of those at prayer being hosed down, or did they simply take a protective posture when the hoses came on? I have no idea why this matters to me, considering the scale of this issue, it shouldn't, but I can't get that picture out of my head.

You know how Muslims are supposed to pray 5 times per day? Well I heard that the group in this picture were pious enough to stop and pray even though they were protesting. The cops there are notoriously brutal. They don't care if people are praying. There is cell phone video somewhere of a violent sodomy with a stick by Egyptian cops of some poor guy they arrested years ago. They are known for that kind of thing. It's horrible.

 

[belimom]

I keep in mind that Al Jeezera is a media outlet much like CNN or Fox. They do have a bias as does their American Counterparts. It is usually from what I can tell a bias that slants against USA at any given opportunity to report in that manner.

It's a good media outlet. IMHO. But I approach it as I do with CNN and Fox. KWIM?
.....

I agree - just like Al Jazeera. But I do believe it's just as important to read the viewpoints of others, particularly those in a culture different from ours, kwim?
I'm not in any way saying that you are saying that we shouldn't - not at all - but I think the truth is often somewhere in the middle of everyone's interpretation of events --- as far as the reason 'why' especially.

ETA: Sorry - I mean to say 'just like Al Arabiya'... http://www.alarabiya.net/english/