Egyptian here.<p>What I can't believe is the irresponsible behavior with taking down the Internet in a civilized country smack-dab in the middle of the World. That reckless behavior only goes to show how out of touch the current regime really is. There's no thinking whatsoever in how catastrophic (economically, politically, morally) such an action really is.<p>Yet beyond that, I'm just worried. I'm terrified actually. While the regime needs to change, I'm not yet sure about the future. Will Islamists seize power? Will another corrupt official do that? Will Chaos and Anarchy ensue?<p>The trouble with Tunisia is that we've yet to see the results of the revolution. Things are developing...but we don't yet know if it's successful or not.<p>Not to mention that certain events are making me very sad. I do realize it's hard to mass-protest in a very sane manner...but something like lighting up the National Democratic Party's HQ on fire, when it's across the street from the National Museum (King Tut + 100,000 other priceless treasures) and there's a huge threat of the fire spreading...just worries me. I remember when Iraq was first attacked; the first things that were looted were priceless treasures from Mesopotamia.
Al Jazeera is more and more a resource of quality, it's gotten to the point that when you want news that is relatively spin free that you can go to the BBC or to Al Jazeera. The interesting part for me is that they are a better source of real info on the US and Europe than most local media.<p>The chances are though that that is because they're not reporting on their 'home turf', does that extend to them reporting on Arab affairs as well?
What has happened so far: A curfew was put in place, it has done absolutely nothing, the streets are full of people everywhere in the country. There are reports of dozens of deaths. The headquarter of president Mubaraks party is on fire for hours, no firefighter are there. The headquarter is next the most important Egyptian museums. The police has no control over the streets, the army was ordered in to enforce the curfew. The people are actually cheering as the military is moving in. It is still unclear what the military will do. Hillary Clinton has issued a statement to the Egyptian government to restrain security forces and avoid violence.
I'm an Egyptian National.<p>This has been a long time coming for Egypt and this revolution will most likely succeed as well.<p>The only concerning outcome, which is to be determined, is if Egyptians are up to the challenge of establishing a respected level of checks and balances. Without this, all is lost.
There's also a liveblog going on, if you can't watch video: <a href="http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/01/28/liveblog-egypts-protests-erupt" rel="nofollow">http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/01/28/liveblog-e...</a>
You know, the egyptian people want freedom and stability. The US is mainly interested in stability. Which makes stability kind of an important point.<p>Now everybody is asking "who will be the next president". Now that's the wrong question considering the importance of stability. ElBaradei will not grant stability. Somebody else will not grant stability. The only way to have stability is to have an institutionalized system of checks and balances where not a single member can override the system and become single leader.<p>The lack of such a system was what allowed the rise to power of a dictator in the first place. And without such a system it will happen again.<p>To really fix Egypt and bring lasting freedom - checks and balances. Because the right question to ask is: How will they implement multiple sources with power.<p>Let's see if the protesters can figure this one out.
You know who else won't sleep well tonight? US leaders. Basically, the arab youth is overthrowing the US puppets and overturning US influence in middle east. Joe Biden has voiced open support for Egyptian president today, but Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been tactful so far.<p>As an American, I am glad that the arab youth is escaping the imperialistic shadow that US has casted over the middle east. As an American, I lament that this is the end of the US dominance. As an American, I fear that the revolution around the world will force US into a totalitarian government. As an American, I hope that true democracy will ultimately triumph.
Preconditions of Revolution in the USA Today
<a href="http://www.phibetaiota.net/2011/01/reference-preconditions-of-revolution-in-the-usa-today/" rel="nofollow">http://www.phibetaiota.net/2011/01/reference-preconditions-o...</a>