Clashes Between Protesters Grow Increasingly Violent

photo courtesy of CBS News

Supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak have begun confronting each other in Cairo as the nine-day revolt by the city's residents takes a deadly turn. Today, 3 have died, including a teenager, and another astounding 600 have now been injured since stones and "petrol bombs" have moved through the crowds. CNN's Anderson Cooper and his camera crew, ABC's Christiane Amanpour, and a CBS crew, as wells as multiple foreign journalists have been charged by protesters and either been physically beaten or had camera equipment taken.

According to BBC News, the supporters of Mubarak arrived in Tahrir Square today in organized groups, some in buses, and descended upon anti-government protesters. Chants like "We won't go" ring throughout the city.

The level of violence has risen dramatically since pro-regime activists have taken to the streets, and police have resumed more aggressive tactics to attempt pushing people back.

Gunfire and flames have erupted into the evening and early morning, and no one is certain what the next few days will bring in casualties and destruction to public property.

Under pressure form his countrymen, as well as the statements made by foreign governments urging him to relinquish power, Mubarak announced yesterday he would decline running in the next presidential election. However, he has stated he will complete his term, staying in office for the next 8 months. This has upset many Egyptians, and President Obama has also urged Mubarak to bring the date of political transition forward.

photo courtesy of breakingnewsdir.com

Protests began last week when Egyptians demanded Mubarak resign after three decades in office and allow for free democratic elections. Mubarak initially refused to step down and the government shut down internet access for days to deter protesters. Regardless, people continued to gather in Tahrir square and demand a new government.

People initially began mobilizing with the help of social networking cites, and grassroots organizers brought many out to Tehrir Square last week. Unlike the protests in Tunisia a few weeks ago, Cairo's events are thanks to a large variety of citizens and unrest is expected to grow as long as Mubarak refuses to remove himself from office.

The effects of the chaos have also begun to radiate outside the country. In Washington, Amnesty International gathered in front of the Egyptian embassy, asking Mubarak to step down.

Key factors like a tradition of political monopoly and fraudulent elections, mass unemployment, and opposition from a Muslim majority, have contributed to the protests. However, many fear this could have a effect on other populations, specifically in the United States.