Clashes Erupt In Cairo

Clashes between Egyptian Army forces and groups loyal to deposed President Mohammed Morsi were reported today near the Republican Guard headquarters, where Morsi is reported to be detained.

There's a growing sense that this episode in Egypt's experiment with democracy will be a bloody one, as a democratically-elected, albeit authoritarian, regime is toppled by the armed forces with the ostensible goal of installing a more democratic regime.  U.S. military and economic aid are the only major leverage we have over the situation, which is unstable at best.  What's clear is that the Muslim Brotherhood will be on the losing end of this current upheaval.

The Heat's On Hosni

UPDATE: Hosni's history. He has stepped down from the Presidency and turned power over to the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces, who will supervise the transition to democratic reforms. Egyptians are celebrating in the streets.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is reported to have left Cairo for his residence in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheik. His speech to the nation last night infuriated the demonstrators who have been calling for his resignation and the implementation of reforms. Hundreds of thousands have been massing in the center of Cairo this morning to continue their protests. This action on Mubarak's part would seem to be an effort to demonstrate his turnover of power, as well as to protect him from the swelling crowds, although the Egyptian Army seems to be supporting the "transition" announced by Mubarak last night.

Vice President Omar Suleiman, who was appointed by Mubarak, is no more trusted by the demonstrators than his mentor, and certainly won't be accepted as the de facto President. Keep those plane engines warm for Omar.

(photo: Ben Curtis, AP)

Reports: Mubarak Stepping Down?

The New York Times reports that Egypt's strongman President Hosni Mubarak may step down as early as today. The Egyptian Army, a respected institution in Egypt, is reportedly brokering a deal with Mubarak to cede power, perhaps to his Vice President, Omar Suleiman, although it's unclear. According to the report:

"...the military’s chief of staff, Sami Anan, made an appearance in Tahrir Square, where he pledged to safeguard the people’s demands and their security. Thousands of protesters roared in approval.

Gen. Hassan al-Roueini, military commander for the Cairo area, also appeared in Tahrir Square and told the demonstrators, 'All your demands will be met today,' the Associated Press reported."

As the report states, there is confusion how the military would interact with civilian authority. But it seems evident that Mubarak's departure is imminent, and that's good for Egypt's long-term political and economic viability.

UPDATE: Looks like Hosni needs a heave-ho. He's turning some power over to Suleiman, but staying on until September. Doesn't look good for tomorrow.

"Day of Departure"

Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians are gathering peacefully in Cairo's Tahrir Square to demand that Hosni Mubarak resign immediately. Calling it the "day of departure," the demonstrators have been joined by Egyptian government figures, among them Arab League secretary general Amr Moussa. Largely absent are counter-demonstrators, who have clashed violently in past days with the anti-government crowds.

Mubarak and his inner circle are reportedly furious at the U.S. and its western allies for siding so quickly with the demonstrators, and insisting on his immediate resignation. The U.S. is walking a tightrope in signaling to the pro-democracy forces that we support their aspirations, while not appearing to play kingmaker for the Egyptians. These next few days and weeks are going to be historic for the Middle East and the world.

Clashes in Cairo

We're watching the unfolding chaos in Cairo, where pro-government and anti-government crowds are exchanging rocks and Molotov cocktails in Tahrir Square. Pro-government crowds reportedly have been roughing up news reporters (including Anderson Cooper) as the tension has grown considerably and the Egyptian Army has thus far declined to intervene.

In one bizarre scene before nightfall, several pro-government protesters rode into the anti-government crowd on horses and camels. (While we're not minimizing the seriousness of the situation, we had to smile at the use of camels -- their breath alone can be a weapon).

(photo: A.A. Dalsh, Reuters)

Uprisings in the Arab World

After a popular uprising toppled the government of Tunisia, it may have only been a matter of time before the frustration with strongman rule in the Arab world boiled over. Now demonstrators in Egypt and Yemen have taken to the streets, in Egypt to demand an end to Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, and in Yemen to protest the government of Ali Abdallah Saleh. Spearheading the protests in both countries are thousands of students and young people who are angry at a lack of economic progress and dictatorial rule. The Egyptian government is employing thousands of police and security forces to control the demonstrations, which have spread from Cairo to Suez, and the situation is extremely tense. Yemen is a new "ground zero" for expanded al Queda operations, and the government there has been cooperating with U.S. efforts to disrupt their activities.

Developments in Egypt and Yemen bear close watching given the strategic importance of these Arab nations. Will it be a failed "Prague spring" moment or will democracy take root in these important Arab countries?