Egypt unrest

[CorvallisBMW]

Personally I'm hopeful that the protesters will be able to overturn the autocratic and authoritarian regime of President Mubarak. He's held the country in a "state of emergency" for over 30 years, allowing him to deploy security police and the army whenever, wherever and for whatever reason he likes. He can censor the media, shut down the internet, rig elections and basically control the country as if he were a dictator.

The revolution in Tunisia, while and important catalyst, was peanuts compared to Egypt. If the people are able to take back their country from Mubarak and his inner circle the ramifications for other dictatorial regimes in the region will be huge. Could this be the beginning of a new age of democracy in the Middle East? It would certainly result in better lives for the people of the countries that take back control of their governments, but what will it mean for US and other foreign powers when they no longer have an autocratic ruler to lean on and support their interests? Is their a risk that democracy could result in the election of radical religious groups that were outlawed under said regimes?

I find these very interesting developments and have been following them closely. With Egypt being one of out biggest allies (and sharing a large border with Israel) whatever happens there will have a significant impact here.

[z31maniac]

I'm with you 100%.

There have been lots of protest in Syria, Algiers, Jordan, etc as well.

I hope they can do it, but I wonder how long Mubarak with restrain from using serious force to quell the uprising.

[Farbin Kaiber]

They already shut off cell phones ant the internet, much like the power BHO is trying to gain. Mark my words.

[joshh]

Sounds a lot like what Obama wants to do.

[CorvallisBMW]

They already shut off cell phones ant the internet, much like the power BHO is trying to gain. Mark my words.

Sounds a lot like what Obama wants to do.

It's retarded comments like that that make any point you guys try to bring nothing more than a erroneous interlude in an otherwise intelligent conversation about reality. Go back to your tinfoil shelters.

[joshh]

It's retarded comments like that that make any point you guys try to bring nothing more than a erroneous interlude in an otherwise intelligent conversation about reality.

Can I remove your blinders? Oh wait, you can't see the blinders.

[CorvallisBMW]

If you can prove to me that the President is trying to plunge the country in to a 30-year 'state of emergency' while at the same time shutting down the internet and mobile phone system completely, while simultaneously rigging every election until 2041 to support himself to run as president for life, I'll believe you. Until then your accusations are on par with the Flat Earth Society for level of truth.

Go ahead, i'll wait here.

[joshh]

If you can prove to me that the President is trying to plunge the country in to a 30-year 'state of emergency' while at the same time shutting down the internet and mobile phone system completely, while simultaneously rigging every election until 2041 to support himself to run as president for life, I'll believe you.

Go ahead, i'll wait here.

No one said exactly did they....similar, like, .......

[CorvallisBMW]

Where's your proof little man?

[Farbin Kaiber]

Can you tell me I'm wrong, and the facts are not as follows; Egypt HAS shut down internet access due to "issue", BHO Administration REQUESTED the ability to shut down internet access due to "unforseen issues".

[CorvallisBMW]

Back OT, enough x-files tin foil hat bulllshit:

A BBC reporter was apparently deliberately targeted by the security police and severely beaten, having to be taken to a hospital.

" The BBC has condemned the assault of one of its journalists by Egyptian security officials during today's disturbances in Cairo. BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks said the attack on Assad Sawey was a deliberate assault by police. "The BBC condemns this assault on one of our correspondents by the authorities," said Mr Horrocks. "We shall be forcefully protesting this brutal action directly to the Egyptian authorities. It is vital that all journalists, whether from the BBC or elsewhere, are allowed to do their job of bringing accurate, impartial eye witness reports to audiences around the world without fear." "

Egypt's currency falls to a six-year-low, and the main stock exchange index dropping by nearly a third.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/28/us-egypt-markets-factbox-idUSTRE70R5CV20110128?WT.tsrc=Social%20Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_%20com&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter

[joshh]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html

[Farbin Kaiber]

Love it, deflect back to the original topic, instead of the conversation that is being carried on. Good way to avoid when you find you were wrong, it's ok, we have all done it.

[CorvallisBMW]

This reminds me somewhat of the revolutions in Eastern Europe 20 years ago that resulted in the downfall of the USSR. Is starts in one country and soon spreads to other, with each group of citizens taking back control of their own country from the regimes that ruled them with an iron fist.

[Farbin Kaiber]

One last question, then I'll leave the dead horse to rot...

Darin, Did you know about the White House's activity in trying to gain this power before I ever brought it up?