Similar to change of attitudes in Tunisia, the soldiers in Egypt are now taking a stance with the protesters. Whether it be a friendly smile in recognition and agreement or allowance of protesters to take over soldier vehicles, the soldiers seem to be turning against President Hosni Mubarak.
On the other hand, the police force and Interior Ministry stay tied to the president. The police and Interior Ministry are assumed by protesters and soldiers to be allowing looters to destroy museums, stores, homes, etc. of Egyptian residents. Also, it's believed these looters are under command of President Mubarak. Egyptian civilians are told to protect themselves and their properties by any means because these looters are armed and dangerous.
There stands a debate as to why the soldiers are siding with protesters. Some say it is because they genuinely agree with the rest of the country. Another argument is that the soldiers are doing this to kill time for Mubarak so he can come up with a plan for what he should do.
I happen to believe the soldiers are assuredly in agreement with the protestors. Just as every citizen has had enough of President Mubarak, the soldiers have as well. Soldiers and protestors alike are aiming for positive, progressive change.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/29/AR2011012903283.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2011012806535
Samantha Khalifeh
TA: Armel / Friday 1-1:50 pm
I agree with you in that the soldiers want the President to step down. Just as the pressure was placed on the soldiers to agree with the protesters, I have recently read in another article that pressure is also being placed on the U.S. to claim its position. Mohamed ElBaradei is placing pressure on the U.S. for President Hosni Mubarak to end his regime. This President has been in power for thirty years and Egypt wants change. There have been protests in Chicago, New York and many other states agreeing with people of Egypt.
ReplyDeleteSana Jaber
T.A. Armel/Friday 1-1:50pm
I agree that soldiers are not fighting with the protestors. Though, they once may have supported the Presidents, with the appointment of his son, the military no longer agrees with him. In fact, Professor pointed out that the head of the military forces of Egypt was in America during a majority of the rebellion.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin Arena
TA Armel