Update on the Egytian Crisis By Hope Wilkos, Blogger.
On Day 13 of the Egyptian crisis, there are some signs of normalcy returning to Cairo. Streets are less tense. Cars are back out and the city is beginning a clean up process. As banks reopen and discussions are underway as to whether teachers should return to schools, a bit of optimism is in the air.
Protestors are still camped out at Tahrir Square fearing that by leaving it would signify defeat and a reversion to the way Cairo had been prior to the protests. The atmosphere is more festive and prayers are being chanted for the 12 people that violently lost their lives last week. There is rumor that those individuals responsible for this action will be found, tried and justice determined as to their fate. Demonstrators are planning two large protests this week.
As a step forward in the peace process, Hosni Mubarak will stay in office until September but will not run for office again. Mubarak’s son, Gamal, was among those who resigned from party posts and is no longer eligible to take over for his father. Vice President, Omar Suleiman, and his senior officials are holding talks with the Muslim Brotherhood and representatives of key opposition groups. He is offering concessions such as future end to the military emergency law that has been in place since President Hosni Mubarak came into power in 1981. There is a promise of free speech and communication and a representative government. The new government will be a move towards democracy.
President Obama’s message is clear on behalf of the United States, “There needs to be a swift transition to power and the Egyptian people need to help this along”. He would like Vice President Suleiman to lead this new effort.
Although there are signs of hope, some feel that this is a trick to end the protests and it has a lack of sincerity and credibility. Only time will tell where Egypt will end up and when this situation will come to a peaceful end.
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