After a massive day of uprisings, Egypt's leader, Hosni Mubarak, announced late Friday he would fire his government and bring on a new Cabinet to try to meet the nation's cry for change.
Within minutes of his nighttime televised appearance, protesters took to the streets of Cairo anew, chanting "down with Mubarak!''
The White House and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have taken a harsher stance on human rights against Mubarak, 82, a longtime U.S. ally. The issue has been driving massive demonstrations that culminated Friday with protesters pushing back police and police tearing off their uniforms to join the people.
The uprising follows a popular movement earlier this month that toppled Tunisia's longtime leader, accused of repression and widespread corruption.
Egypt had tried to halt all transmission of the Internet from its country in an effort to stem the rising civil unrest. But the photos and videos from the nation on Friday showed miles of ordinary people taking to the streets in an attempt to end Mubarak's rule. Here's a selection of the most popular videos on YouTube.
U.S. officials urged calm -- but also supported the drive for human rights, includijng access to social media and the Internet.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama was closely following developments but had not spoken with Mubarak. He added that officials would be reviewing the $1.3 billion in military aid the United States gives Egypt each year. The U.S. also has provided more than $28 billion in economic and development assistance since 1975.
“The people of Egypt are watching the government's actions. They have for quite some time. Their grievances have reached a boiling point. And they have to be addressed. We will watch the actions of government. I reiterate the urging of restraint for the security forces and for the military. All of that will go into that review,” Gibbs said.
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment