Live: Al Jazeera coverage of Egypt’s growing revolution

[vanlose kid]

follow Hosni Mubarak on twitter:

Busy day today! Have to pack for quick weekend trip to Saudi, and need to call my Swiss banker to make sure all accounts are in order #Egypt
16 minutes ago via web

All right another day in power! Thank you people of #Egypt! #Mubarak #jan25
26 minutes ago via web

Just had a terrible nightmare! I dreamed that a million people were marching in Cairo saying they wanted to kill me! #Egypt #Mubarak
27 minutes ago via web

I too share American politicians' fears of Egyptian democracy freely choosing leaders who disagree with it. #Mubarak #Egypt #jan25
about 11 hours ago via web

I can now reassure the people that I have absolutely no problem with being included on the ballot of this year's election. #Mubarak #Egypt
about 11 hours ago via web

Does anyone know if the million person march scheduled tomorrow will be blocking the airport? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei #Mobarak
about 11 hours ago via web

Except for high unemployment, lack of opportunity, vast corruption, terrible pollution, I've done quite a bit for #Egypt. #Mubarak #jan25
about 12 hours ago via web

Why aren't the people more grateful? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei #Mobarak
about 12 hours ago via web

The opposition party I formed is adamant that I remain in power, but that I join the opposition. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 12 hours ago via web

I have decided to form an opposition party and will begin negotiating with it, effective immediately. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 12 hours ago via web

@berlusconi And I thought you had problems! #Egypt #jan25 #ElBaradei #Mubarak
about 14 hours ago via web in reply to berlusconi

@BarackObama Do I get on the plane to Saudi now or tomorrow evening? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 14 hours ago via web in reply to BarackObama

Contrary to popular belief I am open to new ideas. As long as those ideas are coming from the President of the US and the PM of Israel
about 14 hours ago via web

Why do I have to pay my supporters while the opposition's supporters work for free? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 15 hours ago via web

I do have supporters in #Egypt, it's just that they only come out at night and carry guns and rob people's houses. #Mubarak #jan25
about 15 hours ago via web

The people want rights, but what about my rights? Don't I have the right to oppress? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 15 hours ago via web

Might be time for the wealthy of #Egypt to start a counter revolution! Who's with me?!?!? #Mubarak #ElBaradei #jan25
about 15 hours ago via web

I wonder if I should let the internet back on in #Egypt. Then I might get more followers on Twitter. #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 16 hours ago via web

I think the crowd in Tahrir Square said LET MUBARAK EAT A PIE not MUBARAK SHOULD DIE. #Egypt #ElBaradei #jan25
about 17 hours ago via web

I think the crowd in Tahrir Square said WE ARE THRILLED BY MUBARAK not WE WILL KILL MUBARAK. #Egypt #ElBaradei #jan25
about 17 hours ago via web

Whose stupid idea was it to name the main square in Cairo, Liberation Square!?!? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 18 hours ago via web

I have decided to rename Liberation Square to Enslavement Square to reduce its appeal to protesters. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 18 hours ago via web

When is Al Jazeera going to do a story on the struggles of Egypt's ruling class and upper classes? #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 18 hours ago via web

You know since this all started that not one person has asked how I'm feeling? Not one person. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 20 hours ago via web

This all might slow down my plans to build an amusement park next to the pyramids. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 20 hours ago via web

Obama has reassured me that he is listening to his closest American and Israeli advisers on what is happening in the Arab world. #Egypt
about 20 hours ago via web

I will now begin negotiations with the opposition. First, I demand the resignation of the opposition. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25 #ElBaradei
about 20 hours ago via web

I think it's time for Al Jazeera to start showing re-runs of the A-team. The people are tired of live footage. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25
about 20 hours ago via web

Would the people stop protesting if I changed outfits? A military uniform? No? How about a crown and cape? #Egypt #jan25 #Mubarak #ElBaradei
about 21 hours ago via web

Just finished a biography of Ivan the Terrible. Not as good as the one on Genghis Khan, but better than the one on Pol Pot. #Egypt #jan25
about 21 hours ago via web

I have authorized the US military to bomb Liberation Square. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25
about 21 hours ago via web

My puppet master err I mean US State Dept has just asked me to let Al Jazeera journalists free and I have complied. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25
about 22 hours ago via web

Rulers of Israel, Yemen, Syria and Saudi Arabia have just phone me their support. Still waiting on Tunisia. #Egypt #jan25 #Mubarak
about 22 hours ago via web

Just got off the phone with Netanyahu and he is giving me his full support! #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25
about 22 hours ago via web

Just warned Obama that if Muslim Brotherhood comes to power #Egypt will be led by a Muslim for first time in 30 years! #Mubarak #jan25
about 23 hours ago via web

Ok new cabinet in place, that should stop the protests. #Egypt #Mubarak #ElBaradei #jan25
about 23 hours ago via web

All right, back again! Another day in power! Thank you people of #Egypt and Egyptian military. #Mubarak $jan25 #ElBaradei
about 23 hours ago via web

Time for bed! My bed has silk sheets, I wonder what the average Egyptian sleeps on? Just kidding, I could care less. #Egypt #Mubarak #jan25
January 31, 2011 6:26:22 AM via web

Getting bored. Any good films out there about brutal tyrants who win in the end? #jan25 #Mubarak #Egypt
January 31, 2011 6:13:47 AM via web

http://twitter.com/TheReal_Mubarak

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[vanlose kid]

Jordan protests: King Abdullah names Marouf Bakhit PM


King Abdullah of Jordan has dismissed his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister amid large street protests.

New PM Marouf Bakhit has been charged with carrying out "true political reforms", said the palace.

The thousands of protesters had demanded the resignation of former PM Samir Rifai and action on rising prices and unemployment.

But the country's powerful Islamic opposition movement has said it is not seeking to oust King Abdullah.

The palace statement said the king had accepted Mr Rifai's resignation.

It said Mr Bakhit's mission was "to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12336960

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Jordan king fires govt, names new PM after protests

(AFP) – 1 hour ago

AMMAN — King Abdullah II of Jordan on Tuesday sacked the government of Samir Rifai and named Maruf Bakhit as prime minister with orders to carry out "true political reforms," the palace said, after weeks of opposition protests demanding change.

"King Abdullah II designated Maruf Bakhit to form a new government to replace the government of Samir Rifai," a palace statement said.

"Bakhit's mission is to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians."

Jordan's powerful Islamist opposition said on Monday that it had started a dialogue with the state, saying that unlike the situation in Egypt, it did not seek regime change.

Opposition demands included "the resignation of the government, the amendment of the electoral law and the formation of a national salvation government headed by an elected prime minister," a member of the Islamic Action Front's executive council, Zaki Bani Rsheid, told AFP.

The Islamists have also called for constitutional amendments to curb the king's power in naming government heads, arguing that the premiership should go to the leader of the majority in parliament.

The constitution, adopted in 1952, gives the king the exclusive prerogative to appoint and dismiss prime ministers.

Despite recent government measures to pump around 500 million dollars into the economy in a bid to help improve living conditions, protests have been held in Amman and other cities over the past three weeks to demand political and economic reform.

Tunisia's popular revolt, which ousted veteran strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has inspired dissidents across the Arab world.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Egypt for eight straight days calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down after three decades in power.

Rifai, 43, formed a first government in December 2009, and reshuffled it in November 2010.
Bakhit, who was born in 1947, served as prime minister from 2005 to 2007.

He was appointed in 2005, two weeks after a triple suicide bombing against Amman hotels, claimed by Jordanian-born Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed 60 people.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... 48949d.6b1

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[vanlose kid]

...

America do ya realize
That the taxes that u pay
Feed the forces that traumatize
My every living day

So if I won't be here tomorrow
It's written in my fate
May the future bring a brighter day
The end of our wait

Oh let's not cry tonight
I promise you one day it's through
Ohohoh my brothers
Ohohoh my sisters

Oh shine a light for every soul
That ain't with us no more
Ohohoh my brothers
Ohohoh my sisters

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edit:

0923 GMT: Has world leaders' reluctance to support democracy in Egypt in the face of the protests had a negative effect? You bet! Khaled elbaydani, an Egyptian calling Speak 2 Tweet, has this to say:

Hello. We don't want people from the army or the airforce or the navy to rule the country. We only want civilians to rule the country. We are sick of this problem. We have learned our lesson and have woken up, really woken up. This is our country and we are free to do what we want. We don't want Americans to discuss [this issue] with us or anyone. This is an Egyptian issue, only. Not Israeli or American or any European country or any Jewish countries'. This is an Egyptian matter. When another country elects someone, we don't get involved. Why are they getting involved with us? They are in the black list. In the black list and they should not enter Egypt, ever.

http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/201 ... march.html

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[Jeff]

"'From each according to his ability, to each according to his need,' this is something that is being played out in real time on the streets of Cairo today." (AJ just now)

[vanlose kid]

"'From each according to his ability, to each according to his need,' this is something that is being played out in real time on the streets of Cairo today." (AJ just now)

yay!

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[nathan28]

This is an Egyptian matter. When another country elects someone, we don't get involved. Why are they getting involved with us? They are in the black list. In the black list and they should not enter Egypt, ever.

Somebody should let this communist know that democracy is too important to entrust to the masses.

[vanlose kid]

RT @AymanM: #egypt military has heavy presence but non-confrontational. Checking id's but letting all protesters in #feb1 #jan25 (via phone)

RT @AymanM: Ppl still flowing into tahrir sq in largest gathering yet. Atmosphere festive & defiant #Egypt #jan25 #feb1 (via phone)

RT @Ambitionissta: Loving @AymanM emphasis of the cameraWOMAN he has there! Loving the coverage, stay safe guys! #Jan25 #Egypt

RNN: In Manufeya, the birth place of #Mubarak, 250,000 are roaming the streets #jan25 #egypt
RT @bencnn: Yes, I'm tweeting like Jack Kerouac on Red Bull because I don't know when can tweet again, thanks to communications crackdown. #Jan25 #Egypt

RT @AhmedAlaa_SJ: 30 Years of corruption, 10 Different governments, 1 President and 80 Million suffering. #jan25 #Egypt #Cairo #Mubarak #Freedom


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[vanlose kid]

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[vanlose kid]

ALIVE IN EGYPT: transcribing the voices of Egypt

voice-to-tweet from inside egypt http://bit.ly/huuwjH

–––––––


I’m a doctor from Demitta. I’m living the happiest moments in my life. I feel I’m alive! I drive my car in my city feeling very happy! I don’t meet police officers and I’m not stopped in police ambushes. I also want to say my opinion. That man (Mubarak) is trapped. He doesn’t know how to leave or stay. He’s scared that if he leaves, he will later be arrested and sentenced, like other corrupt politicians. He doesn’t know how to stay. He’s looking for an exit. He’s like a mouse trapped in a mouse trap. I want to say to my Egyptian brothers who protest in Tahrir square to not leave, and to be strong. If I was with them, I’d protest with them. But, we’re going to protest here tommorow in Demitta. Everyone here will protest. God help us to get our freedom.

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I’m an Egyptian and I ask the help of every human being on the face of Earth. Not only us should hold this tyrant accountable. The whole world should. He is killing human beings. And we’re all human beings. All of us on this Earth are human beings. And he is killing us all. The whole world must hold him accountable. All human beings. Because he kills human beings like them. He is killing us. Please, hold him accountable.

*

Please I am an Egyptian citizen and I have something to say. I am going out to the protests with all the Egyptians. First of all I have to say, if today was successful (inshaallah), Mubarak has to step down. But before that happens we need, as the people, to elect a new president for the transitional period. Or else there will be mass chaos, so please, Egyptians, we first need to lay out our plans. But Mubarak has to announce his promises to us that he will step down.

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If the people one day wish to live destiny cannot but respond, And the night cannot but disappear and the bonds cannot but break. And whoever fears to climb mountains will live forever in the ditches. We don’t want to live in the ditches again. We don’t want to live in the ditches again. We salute you from Egypt. Long live Egypt!

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Peace upon you. In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate.I want everyone to hear me. Lots of talk I can’t say- we don’t know the different. You have to stay in it. Regardless of what happens. Regardless of what happens. Whatever happens can’t be worse than if we went backwards. The road is one, we have to follow to the end. So we can’t go backwards, we must go forward. Regardless of what happens, regardless of what they say. Even if they say there is going to be hitting, but even that will be important and good for the people of Egypt, Muslim or Christian, that we are able to continue and to make our country better. And things will be better than before. We have to continue and we are all with you. Even the people who are sitting at home, we are with you. I feel like we are with you. I feel like , even the wind, the wind is new and the wind is different. We were living in confusion. We were living in darkness. Hello? I mean, even the wind and the ground we walk on has changed. We have to continue. We have to continue. Don’t listen to the talk of anyone who says the opposite. There are no issues with the people sitting at home. You keep going, and do what you are saying. We have to stay on one path, we must keep going.

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edit: just some picks from page 1.

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[Jeff]

Looters included undercover Egyptian police, hospitals tell Human Rights Watch

By Leila Fadel
Tuesday, February 1, 2011; 8:36 AM

CAIRO - Human Rights Watch confirmed several cases of undercover police loyal to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's regime committing acts of violence and looting in an attempt to stoke fear of instability as demonstrations grew stronger Tuesday against the autocratic leader.

Peter Bouckaert, the emergency director at Human Rights Watch, said hospitals confirmed that they received several wounded looters shot by the army carrying police identification cards. They also found several cases of looters and vandals in Cairo and Alexandria with police identification cards. He added that it was "unexplainable" that thousands of prisoners escaped from prisons over the weekend.

"Mubarak's mantra to his own people was that he was the guarantor of the nation's stability. It would make sense that he would want to send the message that without him, there is no safety," Bouckaert said.

...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00903.html

[JackRiddler]

.

The voices of the old people who have been fighting this for decades move me the most, in case you haven't noticed.

Richard Cohen. What a dick! Always. Hateful. Even more the face of the Ugly American than Friedman, which is saying a lot.

It occurs to me the US gvt really does know things we don't. They may be prepared to go a very long way down with Mubarak, depending on what his government's files may reveal about CIA or Israeli control of him and his government's policies, likely orders or collaborations over the 30 years that paid out directly in deaths of people, likely pressures over the years on policy toward the rest of the Arab world that will get people angry to hear, plus of course the participation in renditions and torture (which may include direct documentation of CIA running the interrogations), their role in suppressing the Palestinians... the possibilities are many.

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[MacCruiskeen]

It is a joy to behold, not least because it's come so suddenly and unexpectedly. But sooner or later those demonstrators are going to have to decide how far they will go to eject, not just Mubarak, but the whole pack. It remains to be seen what chance they will have - what chance they will be "allowed" - to institute real (rather than cosmetic) political reforms and achieve real justice, i.e. socialism.

If the protests stay entirely peaceful (that weasel word), I fear they will also remain ineffective. I really hope it won't just fizzle out with El Baradei or whoever administering a transition to "stability", i.e., More Neoliberal Turbocapitalism With Slightly Less Torture.

And I hope most of all that people all over the world will take an example from the incredible courage of those Egyptians. It's not their peacefulness that impresses and moves me most, but their militancy and determination and their raging impatience with bullshit:

"Every morning I have anxiety about what it will look like, whether we can keep up the numbers," he remarked, standing with his 12-year-old son who wore an Egyptian flag as a cape.

"But the people are leading with utmost efficiency. This is a real people's movement.

"You see them with smiles on their faces. They are discovering their own strength."

In the past, taking part in political rallies meant risking the attention of the security services and possibly being placed on a watchlist. Now, ordinary Egyptians are expressing their views more freely.

Many want to convey messages to the outside world and carry signs written in English.

They declare: "I'm free" and "Game over" but also demand policy changes from Western countries that have supported the Mubarak government.

"US: we hate your hypocrisy" read one banner, referring to the disparity between American calls for human rights and democracy and its support of their president.

"Listen to the Egyptian people," another demanded.

Despite an official curfew, the numbers in the square swell in early evening and the chants increase in volume.

Protesters are only too aware of the government's hope that by delaying its response to their demands it will drain their energy.

But they say they are determined to prove otherwise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-africa-12328506

[MacCruiskeen]

cceia‎ Egyptian heard on NPR:
"#Mubarak is our Berlin Wall. Once he goes, they all go, like Eastern Europe."
Twitter - 1 minute ago

- Yeah, and the BIG task then will be to keep out the same kind of bastards who ate (and are still eating) Russia.

[tazmic]

National Geographic does it's bit...

"With Egypt descending further into chaos by the hour, I've been fielding a lot of questions from readers about what to do."

Intelligent Travel

[Jeff]

It is a joy to behold, not least because it's come so suddenly and unexpectedly. But sooner or later those demonstrators are going to have to decide how far they will go to eject, not just Mubarak, but the whole pack. It remains to be seen what chance they will have - what chance they will be "allowed" - to institute real (rather than cosmetic) political reforms and achieve real justice, i.e. socialism.

I've been thinking about how I hate being an armchair revolutionary, but also how it seems the time to take the national broadcaster and Interior Ministry.