Saw some twitters before about protestors swarming army trucks and shaking hands with the army troops. Also, army units and protestors are both reported as defending the National Museum from looters and the fires.

Not looking good for Mubarak if those reports are true

Al Jazeera has the best live stream coverage of all channels.

Yes, it is that Al Jazeera. Sue me.

Link to live stream.

Aljazeera was just showing footage of looting. People carrying furniture and stuff.

If he doesn't have the support of the military, then it looks like the military is about to select one of its own to replace him.

re: #3 Killgore Trout

2015: An Italian worker in a Cairo hotel tells the BBC: "The protesters just broke into the hotel! They managed to open a big iron gate. We are all on the fourth floor. Really scary scenes outside and no sign of police. Just hotel security and staff trying to send away."

The problem with the army rolling is nobody really knows their intent. Defuse? Defend Mubarak? Join the People? It could go any way still, regardless of the reports of signs. I'm not sure people aren't expressing wishes rather than reality with those reports.

re: #5 lawhawk

2015: An Italian worker in a Cairo hotel tells the BBC: "The protesters just broke into the hotel! They managed to open a big iron gate. We are all on the fourth floor. Really scary scenes outside and no sign of police. Just hotel security and staff trying to send away."

Yikes. That has to be scary as hell.

Wow, seeing those protesters hucking rocks and such at the police vehicles as they careened around that corner was... wow.

With the Army Chief-of-Staff heading back early to Egypt, I expect the Military to have an announcement in regards to the near term... at this junction, I don't expect to see Mubarak address the Nation at all but be replaced and spirited out of the country.

re: #39 simoom

CNN Video iReport: Cairo Kasr Al Nile Bridge 3:30 pm

Protesters, on what looks like the same bridge, kneeling in prayer, as they are sprayed with a water-cannon by the police:
[Link: twitpic.com...]

re: #1 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Saw some twitters before about protestors swarming army trucks and shaking hands with the army troops. Also, army units and protestors are both reported as defending the National Museum from looters and the fires.

Not looking good for Mubarak if those reports are true

If the army says out, he goes out. To Paris, with lots of cash, but out.

Of course, if the army is in control, where does that leave the Muslim Brotherhood?

re: #10 SanFranciscoZionist

If the army says out, he goes out. To Paris, with lots of cash, but out.

Of course, if the army is in control, where does that leave the Muslim Brotherhood?

out shivering on the back porch

re: #6 Thanos

The problem with the army rolling is nobody really knows their intent. Defuse? Defend Mubarak? Join the People? It could go any way still, regardless of the reports of signs. I'm not sure people aren't expressing wishes rather than reality with those reports.

I'm assuming that at this point the army's main objective is to keep their own power intact, and prevent things from getting too out of control.

What that will look like probably depends on a lot of factors. But so far, they seem to be using some hard common sense.

re: #10 SanFranciscoZionist

The Brotherhood is going to take advantage of images like this one to show that the security forces don't care about religious beliefs and are far too secular. I would expect that they'll try to make a power play of their own as the security forces try to exert their own control.

I finally got the video from WSJ/Fox It is a very fluid situation that may change many times in the next few hours. Gee you think? //

I've often been critical of George W. Bush, but I must say that his vision of democracy in the Arab world may have been a good call. I would also compliment President Obama for his inspiring speech in Cairo, about a year ago I think.

No one can predict how these democracy flashes in Iran, Tunisia, or Egypt will evolve, but there is hope for some improvements.

It's a pattern we've seen in the past ... army pushes Islamic ruler out (e.g. Turkey, Pakistan 2X, etc.) The outcome of that can vary, so be careful what you wish for since we sure as hell don't need a Zia Al Haq equivalent in Egypt.

This answers the question I was asking myself: " Is Cairo burning?"
No good will come of this.

The army would never allow the Muslim Brotherhood to take over.

Secondly, the Egyptian army has not fired on civilians in over 60 years. The security services are another matter though.

Interesting developments to say the least.

[Link: www.whitehouse.gov...]

It's quite amazing what's happening in North Africa and the Middle East. I'll bet the Saudi royal family is sweating bullets right now.

I hope this resolves into more democratic societies, instead of violence and chaos. There are some powerful forces in those areas that have no interest in seeing more democracy take hold.

Interesting times.

Wow...
I don't think Mubarak is long for ruling Egypt.
Crazy times.

re: #4 lawhawk

If he doesn't have the support of the military, then it looks like the military is about to select one of its own to replace him.

re: #4 lawhawk

If he doesn't have the support of the military, then it looks like the military is about to select one of its own to replace him.

in that event, I hope it's not that hater ElBaradei...it's likely his dreams are dashed

re: #19 000G

Robert Gibbs, White House press secretary, is up on stage. He confirms that Obama has not spoken with President Mubarak.

"The legitimate grievances that have festered for quite some time in Egypt have to be addressed by the Egyptian government immediately," says Gibbs.

What can the president do? Gibbs is asked. "First and foremost, this is a situation that will be solved by the people in Egypt," says Gibbs. "We will be reviewing our assistance posture based on events in the coming days" – that's a reference to the US's $1.5bn in aid to Egypt, as mentioned earlier.

Gibbs is also asked if Obama "stands by" Mubarak – and he makes no response.

What's the US doing about aid? "Obviously we will be reviewing our assistance posture based on the outcome of events, now and in the coming days," intones Gibbs.

Who else, what other allies, has Obama talked to about Egypt? "I am unaware of any calls at this point that have been made," says Gibbs.

Why hasn't Obama made personal contact, because of the weight that would have? Gibbs has no substantial answer.

[Link: www.guardian.co.uk...]

re: #20 Charles
Very Interesting times indeed.

re: #15 Ming

I've often been critical of George W. Bush, but I must say that his vision of democracy in the Arab world may have been a good call. I would also compliment President Obama for his inspiring speech in Cairo, about a year ago I think.

No one can predict how these democracy flashes in Iran, Tunisia, or Egypt will evolve, but there is hope for some improvements.

At the moment all I'm hoping for is a new and different kind of wrong... if indeed the Muslim Brotherhood takes over then things will either have to get better or they too will be eventually ousted by the rage of the people, right?

So it goes...

Protesters across Egypt defy curfew

"The armed forces started to deploy forces in the governorates of Cairo, Alexandria and Suez as a first stage in implementing the decree...imposing a curfew starting from 6pm," state media reported.

Some 2,000-3,000 people thronged around a military vehicle near Cairo's Tahrir square, a Reuters witness said. They climbed on it, shaking hands with the soldiers, and chanted: "The army and the people are united" and "The revolution has come".

Shots were heard near parliament and the headquarters of the ruling party was in flames, the blaze lighting up the night sky.

In the eastern city of Suez, site of the strategically crucial canal, armoured cars deployed in front of the charred remains of a police station, a Reuters witness said.

Dozens of protesters climbed on the military vehicles in Suez. They talked to soldiers who attempted to wave them off.

re: #23 000G

That Obama does not in any way endorse Mubarak is massive news, as is the implication that he has not spoken to him. Good news if you are out on the streets of Cairo right now.

re: #13 lawhawk

The Brotherhood is going to take advantage of images like this one to show that the security forces don't care about religious beliefs and are far too secular. I would expect that they'll try to make a power play of their own as the security forces try to exert their own control.

I think that the inroads the MB will try to make by using this and other similar images will be that these heavy actions were taken by the Police/security forces and not the Army.

If the Army takes control and establishes calm and fairness in the interim, then the MB will loose steam in it's claims to be part of the government.
I still read the majority of those protesting are not because of their ideology or beliefs but rather due to their wishes and desire to be heard and to be part of their governance.

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

BreakingNews

Army secures Egyptian Museum in Cairo, protecting pharaoh treasures including death mask of boy king Tutankhamun - Reuters

re: #29 Charles

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

Sky News reporter in Cairo was approached by an Egyptian asking if he was American, he said no, he is British. The Egyptian showed him a can of teargas with "made in America". He was not best pleased to say the least.

re: #13 lawhawk

The Brotherhood is going to take advantage of images like this one to show that the security forces don't care about religious beliefs and are far too secular. I would expect that they'll try to make a power play of their own as the security forces try to exert their own control.

That doesn't look like prayer so much as an unusually disciplined defensive posture. Those in the back , out of range of the water, aren't praying.

I fear/suspect that this is much bigger than we think, much bigger than just Egypt.

Thomas Jefferson supported the French Revolution, but he expected a different outcome and ignored the enormities of what was occurring.
I hope for the best in Egypt.

re: #20 Charles

It's quite amazing what's happening in North Africa and the Middle East. I'll bet the Saudi royal family is sweating bullets right now.

I hope this resolves into more democratic societies, instead of violence and chaos. There are some powerful forces in those areas that have no interest in seeing more democracy take hold.

Interesting times.

The problem is that I can't see anything other than a democratically elected Islamist state given the current trends. It will be trading one set of thugs for another brutal set of thugs who are even more backwards.

re: #20 Charles

It's quite amazing what's happening in North Africa and the Middle East. I'll bet the Saudi royal family is sweating bullets right now.

I hope this resolves into more democratic societies, instead of violence and chaos. There are some powerful forces in those areas that have no interest in seeing more democracy take hold.

Interesting times.

The big danger is what happens when the revolution is "over" and the civilians/citizens go home. Then the pigs move in. The Soviet Union was formed in that fashion, and later, the Islamic Republic of Iran. And before them, The Committee for Public Safety and their encore, Napoleon.

Revolutionaries who want liberty must secure their gains.

re: #31 HAL2010

Sky News reporter in Cairo was approached by an Egyptian asking if he was American, he said no, he is British. The Egyptian showed him a can of teargas with "made in America". He was not best pleased to say the least.

Yeah, over a billion dollars annually in military aid. It goes somewhere. I am not surprised one bit.

re: #32 Decatur Deb

That doesn't look like prayer so much as an unusually disciplined defensive posture. Those in the back , out of range of the water, aren't praying.

Exactly. A non-violent human wedge telling the police, "We are not your enemy."

re: #35 LudwigVanQuixote

The problem is that I can't see anything other than a democratically elected Islamist state given the current trends. It will be trading one set of thugs for another brutal set of thugs who are even more backwards.

I am thinking Iran 2.0...

re: #36 lostlakehiker

The big danger is what happens when the revolution is "over" and the civilians/citizens go home. Then the pigs move in. The Soviet Union was formed in that fashion, and later, the Islamic Republic of Iran. And before them, The Committee for Public Safety and their encore, Napoleon.

Revolutionaries who want liberty must secure their gains.

Uh. No. The October Revolution of 1917 that brought about Soviet Russia (later to become the Soviet Union) was not a popular revolution, but from the start a project undertaken by professionals.

re: #37 000G

Yeah, over a billion dollars annually in military aid. It goes somewhere. I am not surprised one bit.

I am surprised they still keep the "made in America". But yes, Egypt is the second largest recipient of aid from the US after Israel.

re: #25 jamesfirecat

At the moment all I'm hoping for is a new and different kind of wrong... if indeed the Muslim Brotherhood takes over then things will either have to get better or they too will be eventually ousted by the rage of the people, right?

So it goes...

I think that is overly optimistic. I feel very sorry for the subset of educated and modern Egyptians. They are essentially caught in a shootout between two mafia families. Either wins, everyone looses.

re: #39 brookly red

I am thinking Iran 2.0...

me too.

re: #35 LudwigVanQuixote

The problem is that I can't see anything other than a democratically elected Islamist state given the current trends. It will be trading one set of thugs for another brutal set of thugs who are even more backwards.

The protesters in Egypt are college students in western clothing, not Wahabis in prayer robes.

Via NYT:

CNN's Cairo correspondent, Ben Wedeman, reported something similar from the street outside the burning headquarters of Egypt's ruling party, saying that the reason a relative calm had descended on the city was that the Egyptian government had mostly withdrawn from the streets, leaving security to the military.

Question about MB in Gibbs' briefing – he just responds that Egyptians are not monolithic, want more rights, and that the White House has "obviously not been in touch with the Muslim Brotherhood".

Heh.

My husband recently got offered a job in Katameya, Cairo that he seriously considered. I asked "is it safe?" And he said. Cairo?. Oh yeah!. nothing ever happens there anymore"

re: #43 LudwigVanQuixote

me too.

they have their fingers in a lot of pots... I am hoping the "populist" thing turns around and bites their asses.

Mubarak still has not appeard on TV, implying that he may not even be in charge at the moment. Analyst on Al Jazeera convinced that the next leader won't be ElBaradei, although he might be a temporary solution whilst they sort the mess out.

re: #44 darthstar

The protesters in Egypt are college students in western clothing, not Wahabis in prayer robes.

Protesting for the MB. It is a dangerous and tricky time.

re: #45 lawhawk

Via NYT:

Napoleon gave Paris " A whiff of grapeshot."

re: #29 Charles

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

Gosh, that's considerate to include the first aid instructions on the can. Maybe they could have printed them in a few more languages, though.

re: #52 wrenchwench
or Please refer to instruction booklet #234 and make sure that there is no booklet.

re: #29 Charles

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

"Made in the USA"...Doesn't help with messaging very much, does it?

[Link: www.enduringamerica.com...]

Tell me one Arab regime which would now dare criticize the protests?
Genuine? Most likely
Moving? Certainly
A killer picture? Hell yeah

re: #51 EdDantes

Napoleon gave Paris " A whiff of grapeshot."

oh gawd/ I love the smell of grapeshot in the morning...

no seriously, this could get real ugly if the decide to restore order Iran style.

re: #50 LudwigVanQuixote

Protesting for the MB. It is a dangerous and tricky time.

Your speaking for a lot of people there. I guess I am optimistic that the MB are only a minority in this coalition against the current government.

re: #54 darthstar

"Made in the USA"...Doesn't help with messaging very much, does it?

Bad messaging and bad reality in this case.

re: #57 Alexzander

Your speaking for a lot of people there. I guess I am optimistic that the MB are only a minority in this coalition against the current government.

I think I have no choice but to hope the same way you do. It is certainly out of our hands.

re: #29 Charles

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

Ah, Al JAzeera mentioned that earlier. Not good.

re: #57 Alexzander

Your speaking for a lot of people there. I guess I am optimistic that the MB are only a minority in this coalition against the current government.

I hope your right, but I fear that you are wrong.

"2042: Jim, from the US writes: "I have a friend in Dearborn, home to one of the largest Muslim communities in North America. I've been told police are on alert for possible rioting this evening and this weekend. Local TV stations in Detroit, US have summoned-in off-duty news staff for possible coverage of rioting there."
[Link: www.bbc.co.uk...]

What a bunch of rubes - wrong Arab nationality, bro.

Is that you, Pam?!

re: #33 brookly red

I fear/suspect that this is much bigger than we think, much bigger than just Egypt.

What next? Brooklyn?

Good point by the man on Al Jazeera. The Egyptian army and most of the police services are conscripts ("70 - 80 percent who have nothing to do with the government").
So when their families suffer, they suffer to.

And Tunisia was an inspiration.

re: #62 Ericus58

"2042: Jim, from the US writes: "I have a friend in Dearborn, home to one of the largest Muslim communities in North America. I've been told police are on alert for possible rioting this evening and this weekend. Local TV stations in Detroit, US have summoned-in off-duty news staff for possible coverage of rioting there."
[Link: www.bbc.co.uk...]

What a bunch of rubes - wrong Arab nationality, bro.

Is that you, Pam?!

American wingnuts love making this (or any foreign disturbance) about them and their own fears. Fucking pussies.

re: #63 ryannon

What next? Brooklyn?

Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia...

The Jordanians are having a peaceful protest. [Link: online.wsj.com...]

11 people reported killed in Suez, 5 in Cairo.

The HQ of the National Democratic party (the ruling party's) has been burned down.

re: #63 ryannon

What next? Brooklyn?

First We Take Manhattan...

re: #61 brookly red

re: #63 ryannon

What next? Brooklyn?

Why would anyone want to take over Brooklyn!?!?!

//

Revolutions can be good or bad. Usually they are bad because they open a route to opportunism by despots. As I said earlier I'm hoping for the best for Egypt and the middle east, but I am not optimistic.

re: #68 HAL2010

11 people reported killed in Suez, 5 in Cairo.

The HQ of the National Democratic party (the ruling party's) has been burned down.

Watch for Palin and Bachmann to misinterpret what that phrase means.

re: #69 Decatur Deb

First We Take Manhattan...

I have $24 worth of beads I can offer!

re: #70 sattv4u2

For the beer!

re: #63 ryannon

What next? Brooklyn?

No sleep till.

re: #72 darthstar

Watch for Palin and Bachmann to misinterpret what that phrase means.

Wingnut heads exploding at the thought of muslims wanting an open, free and democratic society in four, three, two ..

re: #69 Decatur Deb

Manhattan can be fenced. /

re: #29 Charles

Wow. This is not good.

Image: ZZ0183B5C0.jpg

This dictatorship and crackdown brought to you in part by the US.
Awesome message we send, no?
9_9

don't laugh, Iran wants it's empire back.

re: #77 lawhawk

Manhattan can be fenced. /

Snake Pliskin can get over any fence you build there.

re: #74 lawhawk

For the beer!

I'll stick with [Link: www.google.com...]

re: #77 lawhawk

Manhattan can be fenced. /

/shit I might have to pawn my bridge and flee to Paris...

re: #80 darthstar

Well, I could sell you the island too...since I'm the Duke of New York...

re: #77 lawhawk
Didn't that happen in a movie?

"29 years of support for Mubarak and for its $1.2 billion in annual military aid to Egypt?"

Has it really been more than a billion each year for all of those years? Or is that adjusted for inflation?

re: #83 lawhawk

Well, I could sell you the island too...since I'm the Duke of New York...

Mikey? is that you?

re: #82 brookly red

/shit I might have to pawn my bridge and flee to Paris...

I've got a nice tower I can sell you...

re: #81 sattv4u2

I'll stick with [Link: www.google.com...]

Real men drink Old 38

re: #74 lawhawk

Beer has been traced back to ancient Egypt. So they got that going for them.

re: #87 ryannon

I've got a nice tower I can sell you...

right now I am thinking oil futures...

re: #83 lawhawk

Well, I could sell you the island too...since I'm the Duke of New York...

You have 10,000 men!

re: #77 lawhawk

Manhattan can be fenced. /

We used to have a saying about Somerville Mass

"Put a fence around it and give everyone 10-15 years"

re: #89 EdDantes

Beer has been traced back to ancient Egypt. So they got that going for them.

Since the alternative is drinking out of the Nile, are you not surprised?

re: #85 000G

Has it really been more than a billion each year for all of those years? Or is that adjusted for inflation?

From the Camp David peace accords in 1978 until 2000 (the latest year for which figures are available), the United States has subsidized Egypt's armed forces with over $38 billion worth of aid. Egypt receives about $2 billion annually--$1.3 billion in foreign military financing and about $815 million in economic support fund assistance --making it the second largest regular recipient of conventional U.S. military and economic aid, after Israel.
[Link: www.fas.org...]

re: #90 brookly red
Oil is spiking because of the protests in Egypt.

re: #93 oaktree

Since the alternative is drinking out of the Nile, are you not surprised?

And you know, there are probably fewer cocodiles in the beer than in the Nile ..

@bencnn:

Saw boys with massive seal of the republic looted from State TV. If this isn't the end, it certainly looks and smells like it. #Jan25 #Egypt

AJ: "Still no word from the President as tanks and soldiers do nothing to prevent the protesters from defying the curfew on the streets of Cairo tonight."

re: #85 000G

Has it really been more than a billion each year for all of those years? Or is that adjusted for inflation?

iirc,, it's been just about the same that we "give" to Israel ever since Egypt and Israe signed the peace

re: #99 sattv4u2

iirc,, it's been just about the same that we "give" to Israel ever since Egypt and Israe signed the peace

Some peace accord...we'll give you both all the military aid you want if you promise not to shoot each other.

re: #94 darthstar

One begins to understand why Rand Paul wants to cut US foreign aid entirely.

In any case, Egypt has given us a pretty poor return on investment.

"Protesters cheer as they welcome the army on the streets of Egyptian Capital"

Rolling screen on Al Jazeera

re: #101 ralphieboy

One begins to understand why Rand Paul wants to cut US foreign aid entirely.

In any case, Egypt has given us a pretty poor return on investment.

Those who get the most in military aid traditionally give the least in return. Military aid does nothing to promote peace or prosperity. It merely serves as a way of controlling one's own population.

re: #93 oaktree

Since the alternative is drinking out of the Nile, are you not surprised?

In Europe and England in ancient times beer was a an alternative to drinking from "natural" waterways.

re: #100 darthstar

Some peace accord...we'll give you both all the military aid you want if you promise not to shoot each other.

I know

That always struck me as very odd,

AND ,, WE get to pay for it!!

re: #100 darthstar

Some peace accord...we'll give you both all the military aid you want if you promise not to shoot each other.

If your goal is a stop to Arab-Israeli wars and relative stability along the route of the Suez Canal it appears to have worked out fairly well in only costing you money.

re: #89 EdDantes

Beer has been traced back to ancient Egypt. So they got that going for them.

think I might need to go to the store about now...

re: #106 oaktree

If your goal is a stop to Arab-Israeli wars and relative stability along the route of the Suez Canal it appears to have worked out fairly well in only costing you money.

I think the goal was to stop the Arab-Israeli wars from disrupting the oil supply to the US.

What's really weird to me: Seeing Guy Fawkes masks, on the streets as well as on Arab twitter accounts.

Damn meme cross contaminations.

re: #107 brookly red

think I might need to go to the store about now...

Might I recommend St. Pauli Girl Special Dark.

My theory:

Mudbarak claimed he would speak to the people on national TV, and still no sign of him. In the time people are waiting, he is getting the hell outta there as quick as his fat little legs will carry him.

re: #106 oaktree

If your goal is a stop to Arab-Israeli wars and relative stability along the route of the Suez Canal it appears to have worked out fairly well in only costing you money.

Instead of the BILLIONS spent how about we just insist they honor the peace accord they signed on $5.00 worth of paper!!

re: #111 HAL2010

See #97 – it looks like the National TV HQ has been sacked.

re: #110 Dreggas

Might I recommend St. Pauli Girl Special Dark.

By a strange coincidence I am familiar with St. Pauli girl. and Spaten Optimator.

re: #109 000G

What's really weird to me: Seeing Guy Fawkes masks, on the streets as well as on Arab twitter accounts.

Damn meme cross contaminations.

You just don't get it, do you?