Egypt,and more Middle East turmoil

[kamlowsky]

Then Mubarak had the internet and facebook shut down. There was a small company in the US that configured something to get them all back on line.  During this time the Tunisians were in contact with the Egyptian activists telling them to us lemon, garlic for the tear gas. Us milk or pop to wash out their eyes. Cut up plastic and cardboard and cover their bodies to protect from the rubber bullets.

The initial turnout were middle upper class youth who had access to computers but as it grew they would say things like, "I can't afford to buy stuff for my family" and other things that all Egyptians could identify with. Then they called on strikes. etc.

In America, Obama called Muback and told him he needed to prepare his country for change. If you have ever seen a picture of Mubarak and Obama together you can see the eliteness and the fingerpointing of the elder to the new young punk. He also called  the neighboring countries leaders. I don't know exactly why  the former ambassador was sent to Egypt. It is probably a Clinton connection but he blew the whole thing apart and spoke in Munich.  Frank Wisner, told the conference via videolink that Mubarak must remain in office, despite protesters' call for his resignation. Clinton followed up about the needs for the transition. When Obama heard this he blew a gasket and sent John Kerry onto the Sunday talk shows to say that  U.S. officials emphasized that Wisner was speaking for himself, as an expert on the region, and not for the Obama administration.

President Obama called Mubarack again.  Mubarack said he was doing what he thought was right and for Obama to call him back in 3-4 days and he will see the Mubarack was right.

[kamlowsky]

Robert Gibbs when answering a question about Mubarack leaving said, he needs to be gone yesterday.
In total there were 38 phonecalls.
  
Christine Amorpour was speaking with then new VP Omar Suleiman who said this is going to be fine. She asked well what about all those protesters? He raised his hand as if shaking it all off and said "Who? Them? They don't mean anything. They are hooligans, foreigners just causing trouble, they don't count?

Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi was on the phone with Gates at least 6 times. The military counsel told the protesters that they were in continuous meetings. The Field Marshal in his last call said something like Will the US stand behind Egypt if we do this? Gates responded  emphatically that we would. I believe that this was about the military coup. The military spread the word that day that Mubarack was stepping down and then the bombshell. Mubarack speaks arrogantly and doesn't mention anything specifically. The army was stunned. Some believe that his son prepared that speech. That's what is took and it was over. They flew him to his villa on the Red Sea.

So there it is in bits and pieces.  I pray that Egypt can go through this transition smoothly and over the bumps. The thing that really makes me smile is when they all say. "I am no longer afraid. I am a proud Egyption." Amazing.

[Lucien]

Great posts Kamlovsky,that's pretty much the clearest picture!!Thanks for that!!
I'm with you all the way!

The start of the protest,the "works" of the all hated police and their cowardice
practices,I saw Khaled Said's face,unrecognisable,the oppression,it had to come
to this.The resilience,persistance and braveness of the Egyptians left everyone in awe

"The eliteness and fingerpointing of the elder to the new young punk"!!

A masterwork in syllables that had me roaring as that was exactly what it was, ,
but what a great punk he is!And,in the most difficult tiptoeing situation anyone
in his position has been since decades.I wish him strenght and wisdom,a clear
head on the whole picture in order not to screw things up in the entire region
as more and more arab nations,and Iran,take to the streets in protest of their
respective oppressive regimes.An immense challenge indeed.

[Lucien]

The Forces have set a Constitution reform deadline,within 10 days reforming Egypts Constitution should be completed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12466893

Meanwhile protests in Manamah,Bahrein gain momentum after two protesters were killed,apparently as police fired at the crowds.
The Bahreini's have re-named the main square into "Tahrir Square" and demand reforms for the King to lift restrictions for parliament.
The Al-Khalifa Dybasty rules Bahein for centuries now,but the first and last word in any matter is with the King,inspite of parliament
which really only is a farce.Not that the Bahreini's are not well off,no,it's a prosperous mini Kingdom on a not too large island off the
coast of Saudi-Arabia.The Sjijite majority feels discriminated by the sunnite minority to which the Al-Khalifa's belong.The King offered
the demonstrators the equivalent of 2000 euro's,but the protesters refused to accept the offer.They demand more freedom of speech.
Bahrein also is a reasonably "liberal " muslim state where liquor is allowed in hotels,and,it's a playground for Saudi's since decades
in their leisure time as they can do everything,and I mean e-ve-ry-thing,they are not allowed at home.Boozing,and cavorting with any
gender they prefer for that moment as long as it has a heartbeat,if you catch my drift.Only then to return to their kingdom in gold-lined
dresses with serious faces condemming western life-styles,iow,the most backward of folks in the entire region.Your name has got to be
Bush to like 'm,no-one else,unless on their pay-roll,likes 'm down there,really.But yes,ok,oil......

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12468336

Protests in Iran do not stop either,even tho members of parliament called for the executions of the opposition leaders in a badly directed
theater performance where some,not all,were jumping while screaming their dismay over the protests and "how dare they".Totally rediculous
critters trying to by the best boys in the ayatollahs eyes,what idiots!!These "holyer then thou" backward critters will have to learn their lesson
as I don't think the Irani rulers get away with it this time,therefore the protests
are too wide- spread and Egypt gave all hope.Again it's FaceBook used to contact each and everyone in Iran,and again people are fet-up
with their restrictive idiot regimes and demand freedom and a decent life.I do not doubt for one second they will succeed,inspired by the
perseverance and resilience in Egypt.And I also do not doubt that any restrictive rule will replace the present one,no fanatic
muslim nonsense,people really are sick and tired of that,it didn't bring them anything except for the worst oppression.Not that I pity them,
they inflickted this ayatollah regime upon themselves,the worst of regimes ever anywhere and it made the late Shahinshah's SAVAK look like
a kindergarten.But they've come to their senses by now,after 31 years,and again take to the streets,and this time Amedinidjad knows too well
what can happen due to protesters.There were heavy protests a few months ago and they were crushed with force,now the force of change
rules the middle-east and that can not be crushed,not this time!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12462491

Protests in Iran,regardless the restrictions we get the picture anyway:

http://www.anp-photo.com/search.pp?mailingid=22269&flush=1

Courtesy ANP

[kamlowsky]

Lucien, thank you for starting this post and your new additions. . It's a great place to keep our fingers on the situations as they arise.

My fear is these other countries might not have a protector like the Egyptian army when things get rough. I am afraid that it will be like Iran protest after the elections. But you say that Iranians are getting braver again. I need to pay attention to see the whole picture.

Al Jazeera English is a good internet site for the Middle East news a lot ofl the info our media doesn't.

[Lucien]

It is,sometimes I put a question mark with that.

Al-Jazeera gives the clearest picture:

http://english.aljazeera.net/

I have the same caution for Iran as you do in terms of will they,and other countries in the region,
really be better off,and protected,like fe in Egypt.Thing is that once the forces,or present gov leaders,
get a notion from where the wind starts to really blow,they choose the side that they think will win.
But they do not have the same popularity with the people like the Egyptian army has,not by far,so
there might be a vacuum if top brass doesn't make up their mind quick enough.Can be dangerous.
Opposition leaders Moussavi and Karoubi demand democratic changes.If they would in any way be hurt,
or killed even,as some in the Iranian parliament demanded yesterday,then all hell will break loose
regardless the consequences for the protesters.I can only wish them strenght! The present regime backed
the protests in Egypt,but prohibits demonstrations in Iran for the very same.They hoped for a "islamic" revolt
in Egypt,funny thing was that due to the closure of all stations by Mubarak,that message never got anywhere,
brainless lot....

Even Lybia,the country ruled by the baboon of baboons,sees clashes now:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12477275

Look at that guy....did he run into a truck....?...Or a bad make-over....??

[Lucien]

Egypt detained three ex-ministers,one being the former Interior Minister who's held responsible for
the violent clashes a few weeks ago.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wprld=middle-east-12500968

Meanwhile clashes in Bahrein called for restraint from the US.Bahrein is home to the Fifth Fleet.

http://bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12501277

Reports from Lybia state that over 50 to 60 people have been killed during protests yesterday,
and the baboon walked with "pro-government " (read payed!) demonstrators himself

Meanwhile there's a revolution in Egypts major news-paper-agency.Al-Ahram,a struggle worthwhile

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12498705

Right in the middle of a heap of debry and dirt on Tahrir Square,a boy found one of the artifacts stolen
from the Egyptian Museum,a small golden statuette depicting Farao Achnaton,making this the fourth
artifact retrived again out of eight.

Meanwhile Jemen saw its seventh consecutive day of protests:

http://bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12498147

The Arab world is in for a bumpy ride this spring.Except for the UAE and Qatar & Oman,there's protest
against the way all the other countries are lead.The Emirates and the other two above have no need for
a change as life is good for its nationals,and who would want to change that.None.Their Heads of State
and governments might not meet up with our sence of democracy on every issue and all that,but they
rule prosperous nations,every single one,with free healthcare and education for all,and booming businesses
in the financial- offshore and top airlines/tourist field.Especially beautifull Oman,a paradise on the edge of the peninsula.



http://english.aljazeera.net/

[kamlowsky]

Lucien your post are great. I haven't been able to keep up with the ME today so I appreciate all your work.  One thing I don't know how to  link. There has been a request to Egypt from Iran to  allow two ships to pass though the Suez Canal.  Later, I read the request was later withdrawn without an explanation. Maybe there will be more on it tomorrow.

Also, Bahrain is the home base of the US Naval Force Central Command and Naval 5th Force.  They have been following all the activity and brainstorming where to send the fleet if Bahrain falls into anti US hands.

[Lucien]

Lucien your post are great. I haven't been able to keep up with the ME today so I appreciate all your work.  One thing I don't know how to  link. There has been a request to Egypt from Iran to  allow two ships to pass though the Suez Canal.  Later, I read the request was later withdrawn without an explanation. Maybe there will be more on it tomorrow.

Also, Bahrain is the home base of the US Naval Force Central Command and Naval 5th Force.  They have been following all the activity and brainstorming where to send the fleet if Bahrain falls into anti US hands.

Yes,that's right,the Fifth Fleet is there,very tricky.Qatar might be an option.No protests to be expected there due to
good rule and full bellies.Besides,the country already hosts the largest logistics center for the US outside the US
as most,if not all,troops and material for Afghanistan flies via there,is deposited from there.

There was another request to let the Iranian vessels pass the Suez Canal today after conflicting reports yesterday.
They will probably be allowed to pass as they're apparently on a cadet training mission.They are in International
waters and no restrictions should be in place for peacefull missions,regardless what Jerusalem says.Iranian top might
be hit by a brick but they won't do any harm,they're not that suicidal I'm sure,there would be a few nukes
from a "textile plant" at the neighbours popping in...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12493614

Cairo will see the "Victory March" today,a week since the fall of the Mubarak regime:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12502189

Meanwhile the Bahrein Royal Family have come under fierce attack by protesters
after the shooting at protesters and brute force.The shiete majority will not let go,
a bit of a frowning worry thing as they are Iran - oriented in their "faith-supplement"..
It's double,to say the least,that earlyer this week the King appologized for the dead
demonstrators,only to have the next couple gunned down...  
Meanwhile our Foreign Office issued the advice not to travel to Bahrein unless strictly nesse(s)cary....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12502820

And all of this unrest and changes due to one man,a student,,26 year old Mohammed Bouazizi,who
ignited himself in the Tunesian town of Sidi Bouzid on december 17th,two months ago,thus protesting
against high unemployment and the corrupt government in Tunesia.Mohammed Bouazizi died on january 4th.
His action is what it all started with,set about the succesfull protests against the Tunesian government,
which in turn inspired protests in Egypt where protests also started with a man igniting himself in front of Parliament.

Meanwhile the protests have spread from Tunesia to Egypt,Jordan,Lybia,Algeria,Bahrein,Iran and Jemen.

Prince Talal of Saudi Arabia,one of the most succesfull businessmen globally,has urged his half-brother
the King Abdullah to implement reforms asap before any protest might start in that country too.According
to the Prince it;" is not too late yet for drastic steps towards reforms".I don't see that happening too fast tho,
to them it's like " cursing in church"...Prince Talal raised a voice already decades ago for more freedom of speech
in the Kingdom,he was then made clear by the people around then King Faisal it would " be best to leave the
country for a while" so he was in exile some years.

[Lucien]

One of the causes for the present turmoil in the Middle-East,hedge funds,there should be a ban on this greedy lot,as we have here.
We can not have creeps speculating in food and stock large quantities so prices go through the roof,it is criminal!Or should be as millions
are deprived of the basic needs for living by a few bastards fiddling in hedgefunds.Irresponseble!!Hmm....

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/europe/2011/02/2011217204028299430.html

Thousands and thousands took to the streets,and Tahrir Square yesterday for the Victory March:

http://www.anp-photo.com/search.pp?mailingid=22323&flush=1

Courtesy ANP

Meanwhile in Bahrein things run completely out of hand,and the (shiiete) crowds scream for the (sunni) Royal Family to leave.
Protests ,OK,but the retaliation is too harsh and will backfire on the Al-Khalifa family,no doubt regardless which fraction
wants them to leave the country.Crown Prince Salman is now asked by the King to open a national dialogue,a little late maybe.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/20112184122210251.html


More news :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/middle_east/

[Lucien]

One of the causes for the present turmoil in the Middle-East,hedge funds,there should be a ban on this greedy lot,as we have here.
We can not have creeps speculating in food and stock large quantities so prices go through the roof,it is criminal!Or should be as millions
are deprived of the basic needs for living by a few bastards fiddling in hedgefunds.Irresponseble!!Hmm....

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/europe/2011/02/2011217204028299430.html

Thousands and thousands took to the streets,and Tahrir Square yesterday for the Victory March:

http://www.anp-photo.com/search.pp?mailingid=22323&flush=1

Courtesy ANP

Meanwhile in Bahrein things run completely out of hand,and the (shiiete) crowds scream for the (sunni) Royal Family to leave.
Protests ,OK,but the retaliation is too harsh and will backfire on the Al-Khalifa family,no doubt regardless which fraction
wants them to leave the country.Crown Prince Salman is now asked by the King to open a national dialogue,a little late maybe.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/20112184122210251.html


More news :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/middle_east/

Chinese authorities have arrested several activists after calls through the internet to gather in 13 cities across China tomorrow
for a "Jasmin Revolution" ,named after the change in Egypt.

[Robert_Hall]

The Jasmine Revolution was in Tunisia, it is their national flower.  Also,  the song "Jasmine Flower" is  almost a nationall song of China.  There are hundreds of recordings of it. Hence the link between  protests.

[Lucien]

The Jasmine Revolution was in Tunisia, it is their national flower.  Also,  the song "Jasmine Flower" is  almost a nationall song of China.  There are hundreds of recordings of it. Hence the link between  protests.

And the very word "Jasmine" is blocked on the web in China since friday,so authorities do have a frown and a worry there.

Meanwhile Lybia's protesters are getting seriously wounded and get killed as sniper troops fire into the crowds at the city of Benghazi:

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011219232320644801

There have been riots in Morocco now too and today will see large protests in Rabat and Marrakech against the corrupt government
and their not being in touch with the people,they demand reforms and less power for the King.Even tho this King,Muhammed VI,
is a reformer but goes step by step to raise a backward medieval society into the 21st century.The country was under severe
oppression under the present Kings father's rule,Hassan II,but now is more liberal and prosperous then it ever was.Also largely due to
the fact it seems that more Moroccans live abroad in Europe and thus form a huge source of income for the Moroccan gov as most,
if not all,have their houses build in their homeland with what they earn here,or get here with welfare,billions of revenue.They never
had it so good,yet it is a corruption infested society at all levels.Something very difficult to get rit off as it ruled society for centuries .

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011219163145111944.html

[Lucien]

Slaughter in Lybia,too awful.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/middle_east/

Bahrein & other troubled nations:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12508666

[Lucien]

One of Khadafi's sons appeared on national tv and what the screen showed was a fully detached from reality guy with
the most idiotic and laugheble speech ever,he takes after his dad in that respect too....

The most influential of Lybian tribal leaders has called upon Khadafi to leave the country,if not,oil exports will be halted
within 24 hours.Good!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12520586

http://english.aljazeera.net/

Sunday saw peacefull protests all over Morocco,hardly any police in sight.
It seemed protesters from all different walks of life all wanted something different in forms of
protest,they will have to organise better but all agreed on one thing,they want corruption to stop.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/201122013428971616

Meanwhile in Bahrein,Crown Prince Salman contacted all leaders of political parties in the country
and talks will start soon,maybe as soon as today,monday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12517291

More from North Africa and the Middle East,country by country:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12482313