Sticks and Stones, and Molotov Cocktails: Weapons of War in Egypt
by It was just supposed to be a peaceful demonstration…
Inspired by the “Facebook Revolution” in Tunisia, Egyptians hoped they could convince Hosni Mubarak, their president of 30 years, to leave peacefully. Tunisia’s President Ben Ali fled after just a few days of a people’s revolution.
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So Egyptians gathered en masse in Tahrir Square for what began as a peaceful demonstration. For seven days, they marched and chanted in ever increasing numbers. Mubarak finally made a public appearance, and offered to recuse himself from the next elections, scheduled for September. The people want him out now, so they continued to gather in the Square.
On Day 8, supporters of Mubarak showed up in Tahrir Square. There were so many of them, and gathered so quickly that the protesters of Mubarak suspected him of hiring them. Many came on horses and camels, armed with sticks and other makeshift weapons. The Mubarak supporters rushed the Square and started fighting the protesters. The army mostly stood by, shooting above the heads of the protesters, but kept to their pledge of not firing on their compatriots.
Supporters and opponents quickly took sides and began to throw rocks and Molotov cocktails at each other. Makeshift barricades were assembled, and a no-man’s land developed between the two sides.
By Day 9 (today) reports are that there are at least 10 protesters dead and more than 800 wounded. Fires are burning all over Cairo.
Journalists are allegedly being targeted by the Mubarak supporters; their cameras and equipment confiscated.
I will be watching the news to see what happens tomorrow.
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Post CommentPenNameEM
On February 4, 2011 at 4:41 am
Nice article my friend
Bruce Officer
On February 4, 2011 at 5:24 am
I’ve visited both Egypt and Tunisia a few years ago, and it’s strange to see places I’ve been to being to being shown on the news in such different circumstances.
Betty Carew
On February 4, 2011 at 8:17 am
Excellent write Karen but so sad to see another country torn by political uprisings. The people must have been pushed to the end to want this man out immediately. When crowds gather in protest there is always a good chance of someone getting hurt no matter how peaceful it starts out. Great post Karen..
albert1jemi
On February 4, 2011 at 11:15 am
Thanks for sharing
Brenda Nelson
On February 4, 2011 at 11:58 am
When I was a kid I didnt know what a Molotov Cocktail was, I thought perhaps a fruity drink with pineapple…
PR Mace
On February 4, 2011 at 10:51 pm
It’s hard for me to imagine the terrible things going on there, oh but then I turn on the news. Good post, Karen.
Inna Tysoe
On February 5, 2011 at 8:28 pm
IMO, at the end of the day the Army will decide who will govern Egypt…
tiffi
On February 6, 2011 at 12:52 am
Very interesting share! I hope Egypt solves its issues soon