A man reads a newspaper while waiting for market customers, Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Right before our eyes, some very big changes are taking place around the world. In Nepal, they're still struggling to form a government, after years of corruption has weakened the country's infrastructure. Numerous talks among the three main political parties have repeatedly failed to reach agreement.
But the real sea change is taking place in the Arab World. This week anti-government protests in Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria and Libya follow on the heels of Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohamed El-Baradei has returned from his home in Vienna to join the protests in Cairo. No doubt the deeply-unpopular Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is wondering whether he can maintain his 30-year grip over an impoverished nation of 80 million people. Mubarak's recent attempts to quell dissent by silencing the press and limiting internet access have inflamed discontented Egyptians, who long for freedom and democracy.
Egyptian police have used deadly force against some protesters, while secret police wearing civilian clothes have been filmed arresting and beating protesters in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and Sinai. At least three protesters were shot dead.
Further anti-government demonstrations are planned after Friday morning prayers, with the opposition Moslem Brotherhood expected to participate.
Updates at noon (Paris time) Friday:
The day that Egypt unplugged the internet
El Baradei says Egyptian government on its last legs
Live updates: Protests in Egypt
Cutting internet, mobile phones, landlines and assaulting and/or arresting protesters will not stop Egyptians intent on change. The genie is out of the bottle.
Cutting internet, that is beyond awful...shooting protesters?
Even more disgraceful. Power to the people!
I take so much for granted. Watching the video reinforced that for me. It is well done for an amateur videographer!!
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 31 January 2011 at 06:00
It's probably good we are not traveling to Jordan in March. I hope they can resolve their political issues quickly.
Posted by: Marilyn | 29 January 2011 at 05:34
man there is some CRAZY stuff going on in the world right now. a lot more unrest it seems. perhaps 2011 might be one of positive change? or is that being terribly optimistic? (probably...)
Posted by: leonie | 29 January 2011 at 05:05
Thank you for this. So far I have written to three bloggers in Egypt. No one has replied.
Change is good. The people are speaking out. Change comes at a high price. Freedom has no price tag! Still and all, this makes me happy/sad/glad for those with courage, faith, and determination. The people should be able to determine their own fate, and not some cruel egotistical baby having a tantrum.
Thank you.
Posted by: Limner | 28 January 2011 at 23:03