Egypt in Crisis (By: Danyal Younus)

Similar to World War One, all that was necessary was a spark to set off the rage of Egyptian citizens, tired of the dictator-like ruling of 82-year old President Hosni Mubarak. The Egyptian rebellion against Mubarak’s rule began in January; the spark being the Tunisian revolt against Tunisia’s President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, whom, after numerous protests, was forced out of his presidency. Living under Mubarak’s rule for over 30 years, Egyptians took the Tunisian example as an inspiration to change the current state of their beloved country. Many say that they have been subject to rule from a dictator, who has repressed other political parties, used police state tactics against the media and suspected enemies, and banned the major Islamic opposition group, all the while allowing corruption and poverty of all sorts to thrive. Now, after many years of living under a dictator, protesting Egyptians now seek what was taken from them all these years, the main demand being the resignation of Mubarak. After peaceful assembly, a few violent protests involving the destruction of police vehicles, and encouragement from President Obama and David Cameron, Mubarak stated in an address on February 1st that he will not run in the next election, yet will continue to stay in power until that time. However, this statement failed to satisfy protestor demands, and more strikes ensued. Through all the pressure from President Obama and David Cameron, his ministry stated that the West was “inflaming” the situation through its interference.

Other changes demanded by protestors include a three-decade emergency law that restricts governmental interference, the purge of corruption, democratic elections, more jobs, increased salaries, peaceful assembly and an end to police state rule. The protesting parties include the poor and middle classes, consisting of citizens of all ages. To accomplish their goals, protestors have both attempted at peaceful strikes, with few violent riots, the latter resulting in a small number killed and more than one hundred injured. Despite having their vehicles vandalized, Police have stood their ground, utilizing methods such as hoses and riot shields to combat the rarely occurring riots. To complicate matters even further, citizens supporting Mubarak’s regime also participated in strikes and riots against protestors themselves, resulting in injuries and deaths. The countries’ army has been called to action, yet members refuse to solve matters though taking sides. The government has shut off the countries’ telephone and internet capabilities, to prevent protestors from posting their events, opinions, and videos onto social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Things such as these are what had aided in the mobilization of the rebellion, thus being a main source of the participant’s ability to organize themselves. The withdrawal of these capabilities angered Egyptians even further, adding unto an already large number of things Egyptians are insisting for. Amiss all this, Mubarak and his government have yet still to find a peaceful resolution to protestor demands. However, Egyptian citizens seek change now, as oppose to the time of the next election.