hosni-mubarak

Four Weeks in Tahrir Square

Max Read · 02/16/11 01:27AM

The Egyptian military cleared Cairo's Tahrir Square of protestors on Tuesday, freeing the plaza for traffic for the first time in weeks after mass demonstrations eventually led to the end of President Hosni Mubarak's regime. Tahrir, which means "Liberation," had been the epicenter of the anti-government protests, with an elaborate occupation camp staffed by volunteers—from doctors and nurses to people running a lost-and-found stand. (The BBC has a nice interactive map.) Here's a collection of photos from the month-long protest and occupation, beginning in late January and ending last week with the announcement of Mubarak's departure. All images courtesy AP.

Mubarak Reportedly in Coma

Max Read · 02/14/11 09:34PM

What's former Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak up to? According to an Egyptian newspaper, he's been in a coma since Saturday and is "currently receiving medical treatment." The Egyptian government says that Mubarak has been in the resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh (and not in Germany or Saudi Arabia, as has been rumored) since his Thursday speech, during which, according to rumors, he fainted twice. Mubarak is 82, and underwent gall bladder surgery in Germany in 2010. [al-Arabiya]

What's Next for Egypt?

Jim Newell · 02/11/11 04:25PM

Egypt has finally dumped its arrogant, paternalistic dictator of three decades in the largest country in the Arab world. That's quite an achievement for a suppressive police state after only two to three weeks of protests that weren't very organized to begin with. But what comes next? Will pure democracy just kind of "appear"? Or does an impossible process of constitutional negotiations between the people, the army, the Muslim Brotherhood, business leaders, and foreign powers need to take place over the next year before anything even approaching a stable and responsive political system emerges? Unfortunately it's that second scenario, the "impossible process of constitutional negotiation" one, that's realistic.

Mubarak Steps Down

Jim Newell · 02/11/11 11:37AM

The story in Egypt has taken another hairpin turn—but for the better this time. The protesters have finally kicked out their old man, (ex-)President Hosni Mubarak. He's stepped down and retreated to his estate at Sharm el-Sheik, on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.

Egyptian Military Backs Mubarak

Max Read · 02/11/11 05:02AM

Who thinks Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's hilarious fake-out announcement that he's staying in office was good idea? Well, Mubarak, probably, and his vice president, Omar Suleiman. And, apparently, Egyptian military leaders, who, in a statement read aloud on national television, backed Mubarak's "plan" for a peaceful transfer of power, encouraging protestors to go home.

Hosni Mubarak Could Step Down Tonight

Jim Newell · 02/10/11 11:07AM

Various reports are swirling around about Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak planning to step down from power in the very near future. NBC News' Richard Engel hears from two independent Egyptian government officials that Mubarak would leave tonight, under an agreement with Army leaders.

Government Officials Join the Protesters in Egypt

John Cook · 02/04/11 12:59PM

Re-energized protesters kept up the pressure on Hosni Mubarak in the 11th day of massive demonstrations across Egypt today. The violence of the past two days seems to have abated, and prominent government figures have taken to the streets.

Egypt Turns Violent

Jim Newell · 02/02/11 06:20PM

The Egyptian protests took a surprisingly ugly turn in Cairo today. Mobs tied to the Mubarak regime emerged to beat back protesters and journalists. Here are some somewhat graphic images of the clashes, so turn away if you're easily disturbed.

Leave Our Katie Couric Alone!

Jim Newell · 02/02/11 01:02PM

America's news anchors, most notably Anderson Cooper, are getting beaten up left and right by pro-Mubarak troublemakers today. Here's "America's Girl," Katie Couric, narrowly escaping as the mob circles her. Don't threaten our national lady-mascot, Egypt. Just don't.

The Last Days of Hosni Mubarak

Jim Newell · 02/01/11 05:53PM

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak spoke on Egyptian TV today and, as expected, announced that he wouldn't seek reelection. But he will stick around through an ill-specified "transfer of power," and may torture a few more people along the way.