I fear what will happen next in Cairo. Regardless of which side you may "support," bloodshed seems likely. Mubarak did not resign, but instead transferred authority to his hand-picked vice president. Mubarak vowed to stay in Egypt and be buried in Egypt. Despite that the Army earlier told demonstrators that all their aspirations and demands would be met, the Army has also blockaded the presidential palace. There is talk of a "military coup" if the protests don't end. Meanwhile, the bus drivers have just gone on strike -- probably the precursor to a general strike that will bring what little economic activity remaining in the country to a halt.
Is the shooting of demonstrators next? Last week, Mubarak unleashed thugs on the protestors, who had been peaceful. It was clearly designed to provoke a violent response so that he could say that he was staying to maintain stability and avoid chaos. And that's what he did. But now, the stakes have grown higher.
The situation overnight will be tense, to say the least.
|