Tension between pro and anti-Mubarak forces increases
Overnight demonstrations in Cairo, Egypt.
Watch live video from Tharir Square in Cairo. NY Times coverage of the violence and demonstrations in Egypt. In depth reporting from Reuters on the Egyptian crisis.
The calm that came with darkness in Cairo earlier in the week gave way to violence and retribution in the early hours of Thursday. Central New Yorkers who could hardly share a cogent line or two about the Middle Eastern nation are now seeing demonstrations unfold for extended stretches on our cable networks. The biggest names in television journalism are broadcasting from there. As the situation unfolds this is becoming an distinctly American story unfolding in a foreign land.
We are watching the quickening pace of policy adjustment from the White House each day. We are seeing the clash of supporters of Hosni Mubarak with his detractors. So far the Egyptian Army appears to be a bystander. How long will that last? When will further violence erupt? Other nations in the region including Jordan and Yemen are trying to give the appearance of stepping away from long time harsh leadership.
American leverage comes from more than a billion dollars in aide we've paid to Egypt to be a stable partner in the Middle East. The instability has forced Americans to look harder at who is being supported. It seems highly unlikely Hosni Mubarak will retain control of this nation, yet he's not volunteering to step aside for several more months.
It would be fascinating to know whether you are getting caught up in the story. Are you watching? Who are you reading? Are you using television? Social Media? Online sites? Share your opinions in the comment section below. What should America do?
Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com. I may even use some of your thoughts on NBC 3 News at 5:00, the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.
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