1st Current Event Article: Crisis in Egypt Continues

Steven Quast
February 9, 2011

PSC 105: TR 5:00-6:15; This was my first current event article for this EXCELLENT class, taught by an EXCELLENT professor!

Crisis in Egypt Continues

The on-going crisis in Egypt has brought "thousands of state workers and impoverished Egyptians" to strike and protests about their money troubles on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Meanwhile, the anti-government protesters are expanding their efforts to remove President Hosni Mubarak, despite threats from Vice President Suleiman, who says that he will not tolerated the protests much longer.

According to the recent headline from the Huffington Post, about 8,000 protesters, mostly farmers, placed flaming palm trees up as a barricade to the main highway and railway leading from Asyut into Cairo. They did this to complain of the current bread shortages ravaging the city.

Protestors also attacked the van of the governor of Port Said, Mustafa Abdul Latif, causing him to drive off. His headquarters in the city of Port Said was set ablaze in protest over lack of housing, by local slum dwellers.

Vice President Omar Suleiman had recently tried to increase efforts to discuss reform with the protestors, but they have broken down since the weekend, with protesters being suspicious of Suleiman's plans for reform. The protesters believe that the plans are superficial and do not promote real democracy, and will not continue talks until the President steps down.

Suleiman also told Egyptian newspaper editors on Tuesday that there could be a "coup" unless the demonstrators agree to enter talks. He also stated that the current government will push forward with their political agenda, despite the ongoing crisis.

American President Obama once again called Saudi King Abdullah to discuss the situation in Egypt. Obama stressed the importance of an orderly transition that is important for the people of Egypt. He also stressed the long-term commitment of peace and security in the Mid-East.