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Mosaic Blog

Egypt Takes Next Steps While Unrest Spreads

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, tasked with running Egypt since former President Hosni Mubarak stepped down, met today with the new constitutional amendment committee. The Supreme Council has given the committee, headed by Tareq al-Bishry, ten days to complete its task. Meanwhile, protests continue in the streets as the Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution call for a civilian interim government to be created by next month.

 

Iran's ruling government, rocked by protests in the summer of 2009, again faces fierce opposition. Demonstrators in the capital of Tehran clashed with police, leaving one protester dead and nine officers injured. The Iranian parliament has just reconvened, and conservative MP's have come down hard on opposition leaders.

 

On to Lebanon, where thousands commemorated the sixth anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. His son, current Premier Saad al-Hariri, joined the crowd in a Muslim-Christian prayer aimed at attaining peaceful religious coexistence within Lebanon. Al-Hariri is promoting dialogue to strengthen national unity.

 

Activists in Yemen organized demonstrations in the capital of Sana'a today to demand the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Saleh has promised to step down in 2013 when his term expires, and has declared his office is open to Yemeni citizens. Various international human rights organizations have condemned the Saleh government's treatment of protesters.

 

Bahrain too has been rocked by violence in recent days. One person was killed and 20 hurt yesterday, while security forces killed another protester today. Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, extended his condolences to the families of those killed. Demonstrations were centered on Manama, the capital, but extended into rural areas as well, resulting in the shutdown of most of the country.

 
 

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Mubarak Stands Defiant

As the sun set on the 17th straight day of protest, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak refused to cede to protesters' demands to step down, deciding instead to remain in power while delegating various responsibilities to Vice President Omar Suleiman. In a speech broadcast on state-run Egypt's Nile TV, he said he has laid "down a clear vision to resolve this crisis."

 

Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel reports that the Egyptian army issued "Communiqué Number One," saying it will protect the people, their interests and the country.

 

BBC Arabic interviews Dr. Amr al-Shobaki of the Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo. He believes that the first phase of the revolution will end soon with Mubarak stepping down or handing power over to someone else. He also discusses the transitional phase after Mubarak is gone and what role the army will play.

 

Meanwhile, Lebanon's New TV reports that Egyptian protesters are working hard on their slogans in order to accomplish their goals without losing their sense of humor. Watch these stories and more, tonight on Mosaic.

 
 

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Human Rights Watch Reports 300 Killed as Egyptian Protests Continue

On Wednesday, Egyptian protests continued for the 16th consecutive day. Protesters have forced the evacuation of some government buildings including the People's Assembly and the Shura Council, according to Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel. They also report that Human Rights Watch and the United Nations announced 300 people have been killed so far in the protests.

 

Iran's English language channel, Press TV, reports violence erupted in the Egyptian city of Kharga. Protesters attacked police and government buildings after police fired live rounds at demonstrators.

 

Dubai TV brings us the story of merchants in Tahrir Square who have closed their shops or have extremely limited business. Merchants are divided on the protests; some say they need the protesters to leave so business will return while others support the protesters.

 

Lebanon's New TV takes a look at the youth who helped ignite the revolution, while Al Alam, Iran's Arabic language channel, recaps all 16 days of demonstrations.

 

BBC's Arabic language channel reports that three car bombs went off in quick succession in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, killing eight and injuring 70.

 

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Protesters Re-Energized in Tahrir Square

Today on Mosaic: Egyptian protesters held one of the largest demonstrations thus far in Cairo's Tahrir Square, according to BBC Arabic. It was also reported that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the formation of new committees to amend the constitution and implement reforms.

 

Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel reported that Israel Defense Force Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi has warned that Israel must prepare for an "all-out war." The statement was made in reference to the protests in Egypt.

 

Iran's Arabic language channel, Al Alam, relays information that protesters are gathering in front of the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo.

 

BBC Arabic reports Bahrain activists have called for a "Day of Revolution" on February 14. Protests continued in Tunisia as well, as the United Kingdom pledged support for reform.

 

Lebanon's New TV recounted Egypt's three modern revolutions: the "Orabi Revolt," the "Free Officers Movement," and the "Bread Riots."

 
 

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Protests in Egypt Continue on 14th Day

Protests continue for the 14th day in Egypt. Al Jazeera's Arabic language channel showed protesters saying they will not leave Tahrir Square in Cairo until Mubarak steps down and reported that the army is trying to close off the square.

 

Iran's Arabic language channel, Al Alam, reported that protest leaders have formed a unified group called the "Youth of the Egyptian Revolution." The group said they will continue protesting until all of their demands are met, including Mubarak's resignation. According to Al Alam, the Muslim Brotherhood said their talks with the regime had failed.

 

Egyptian state television, Nile TV, reported that Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Shafiq believes it would be "unacceptable" for Mubarak to step down and that the regime was necessary to maintain stability for the next few months. He also said the army is not disturbing the protests and is only there for security. Nile TV also reported that the government approved a draft bill that would increase military and government employee salaries by 15 percent by April.

 

According to the BBC Arabic channel, U.S. President Barack Obama told Fox News that the Muslim Brotherhood is not the majority in Egypt. Press TV, the English language channel from Iran, showed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's first speech since the demonstrations began in Egypt. He supports the Egyptian protesters, saying they are "restoring the dignity of Arab people," and criticized the United States for supporting dictatorships.

 

Lebanon's New TV looked back at the life of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. They recount his career and the protests that led up to his 1981 assassination, which left his Vice President Hosni Mubarak in power.

 

Dubai TV reports that violence has erupted in Tunisia, including in the northwest city of Kef where youth set a police station on fire and the army was deployed in the streets. They also said protests broke out in Algeria, where youth unemployment is 20 percent.

 
 

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