Here’s a bulleted list of points you should know about Egypt: The former Tunisian president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has been in power since 1987. His regime was run by him and his family members more or less exclusively. Major corruption in that regime. After being mocked for having a poor job (street vendor) by a member of parliament, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire infront of her office in the city of Sidi-Bouzid. This sparked massive protests that spread like wildfire across the country, soon reaching Tunis, the capital. During these protests, the army sided with the people (which is a miracle in an Arabic country). President Ben Ali made several speeches, promising the people reform and more civil liberties (such as complete freedom of press and unrestricted internet) and disolved the government, but it was too late. On January 14th, at around 5.30pm local time, Ben Ali delegated the presidency to Mohamed ElGhannouchy and secretly fled the country. This marked the success of the ‘Jasmine Revolution’. Bouazizi’s act was viewed as heroic, and several other young Arabs proceeded to ignite themselves infront of their parliaments (notably in Egypt). Egyptian opposition has long been growing in Egypt, especially seeing that the Egyptian government is considered corrupt (1 in ever 4 Egyptians lives in poverty). President Hosni Mubarak (in power since 1981) has been facing fierce political opposition from Mohamed ElBaradei. People in Egypt are sick of Mubarak’s rule and, among other things, his foreign policy towards Israel. Egyptian youth have been working against the Egyptian government visibly since the death of Khaled Sa’eed. After mass organizations per Facebook and SMS, Egyptians have taken to the streets in protest. Today, Friday, is the marked ‘big day’, labelled as “Jum’at Ghadab” (or: The Friday of Anger). Last night, Egypt has turned off all internet and mobile carrier services. As we speak, Egyptians are on the streets, clashing with police that is using force and tear-gas. There have been fatalities the past few days, and live ammunition has been used. You can follow along live here: Al Jazeera English Feed Guardian Live Updates Mother Jones Here is Noam Chomsky’s take on the general situation: Noam Chomsky on Tunisia
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Here’s a bulleted list of points you should know about Egypt:

  • The former Tunisian president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has been in power since 1987. His regime was run by him and his family members more or less exclusively. Major corruption in that regime.

  • After being mocked for having a poor job (street vendor) by a member of parliament, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire infront of her office in the city of Sidi-Bouzid. This sparked massive protests that spread like wildfire across the country, soon reaching Tunis, the capital.

  • During these protests, the army sided with the people (which is a miracle in an Arabic country). President Ben Ali made several speeches, promising the people reform and more civil liberties (such as complete freedom of press and unrestricted internet) and disolved the government, but it was too late. On January 14th, at around 5.30pm local time, Ben Ali delegated the presidency to Mohamed ElGhannouchy and secretly fled the country. This marked the success of the ‘Jasmine Revolution’.

  • Bouazizi’s act was viewed as heroic, and several other young Arabs proceeded to ignite themselves infront of their parliaments (notably in Egypt).

  • Egyptian opposition has long been growing in Egypt, especially seeing that the Egyptian government is considered corrupt (1 in ever 4 Egyptians lives in poverty). President Hosni Mubarak (in power since 1981) has been facing fierce political opposition from Mohamed ElBaradei. People in Egypt are sick of Mubarak’s rule and, among other things, his foreign policy towards Israel.

  • Egyptian youth have been working against the Egyptian government visibly since the death of Khaled Sa’eed.

  • After mass organizations per Facebook and SMS, Egyptians have taken to the streets in protest. Today, Friday, is the marked ‘big day’, labelled as “Jum’at Ghadab” (or: The Friday of Anger). Last night, Egypt has turned off all internet and mobile carrier services.

  • As we speak, Egyptians are on the streets, clashing with police that is using force and tear-gas. There have been fatalities the past few days, and live ammunition has been used.

    You can follow along live here:

    Al Jazeera English Feed

    Guardian Live Updates

    Mother Jones

    Here is Noam Chomsky’s take on the general situation: Noam Chomsky on Tunisia

(via thecultureofme)

Source: english.aljazeera.net