Violent unrest in Egypt continues as droves of protesters flooded the streets of the capital city Cairo, and the coastal city of Alexandria Friday, in an effort to oust President Hosni Mubarak. The unrest in the Arab world's most populous country comes in the wake of the uprising in nearby Tunisia, where protesters recently forced their president into exile. Banks and schools in Cairo remained closed as furious crowds in the tens of thousands continue to battle the tear gas and rubber bullets set-off by police. Buildings have been set on fire and looting has ensued in a number of corridors throughout Cairo.
''We are fed up with the regime! This is a corrupt regime! We are fed up with the regime," shouted protesters on the streets of Cairo.
Mubarak has asked for his cabinet's resignation, but has not shown that he will recede power. Mubarak has ruled the North African nation for nearly 30-years following the assassination of former President Anwar-el-Sadat in 1981.
"There's a fine line that separates freedom and chaos. I'm absolutely on the side of freedom of each citizen in expressing our opinions. And, at the same time, I am on the side of the security of Egypt," said Mubarak in an effort to ease tensions.
The United Stated is keeping an eye on the protests in Egypt, as the country has been its closest ally in the Middle East. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for "real democracy" in Egypt and praised the "great outpouring of desire" expressed by protesters.
Quotes
"I asked the government to submit their resignation today, and I will tell the new government starting tomorrow, in very specific goals, to work with the current situation." --Hosni Mubarak
"We are fed up with the regime. This is a corrupt regime. We are fed up with the regime. The regime is a failure." --male protesters on the streets of Cairo.
"We want to see free and fair elections and we expect that that will be one of the outcomes of what is going on in Egypt right now." -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Egypt? What do you know about Egypt?
2. What is the difference between a revolution and a protest?
3. What is democracy?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Egyptians are so angry with their current government?
2. What are some reasons people might protest a government?
3. What stand should the U.S. take regarding Egypt?
4. How does the U.S. balance support for democracy with support for stability in the Middle East
Additional Resources
Tunisia's Upheaval Resonates in Arab World
Obama Administration Taking Cautious Approach to Unrest in Egypt
As Egypt's Protests Spread, All Eyes on Army's Allegiance, Next Moves
