Breaking News & LIVE THREAD- Egypt and Middle East

Various on the internet | 28 January 2011

[SE Mom]

From FOX:

DEVELOPING: Loud explosions and gunfire were heard in the Egyptian capital of Cairo Friday, as protesters demanding the removal of President Hosni Mubarak defied a curfew, Al Jazeera reported. Egyptian television reports the ruling party headquarters in Cairo are on fire.

From TWITTER:

WashingtonPost: Clinton: We urge #Egypt authorities to allow peaceful protest, reverse unprecedented steps it has taken to cut off communications less than 20 seconds ago

[Obadiah]

Gibbs: meetings being held about contingencies. Won’t discuss hypotheticals over who may take Mubarek’s place.

Uh oh. Obama is bailing on Mubarak.

[nascarnation]

I don’t think so (my opinion counts for zero)
I think Gibbsey is right in the middle of this and he’s very nervous about what is happening.

[HollyB]

Bingo, I think you are right.

[Crawdad]

“So the White House has called this press conference to convey with clarity and firmness its mixed feelings and uncertainty,” tweets former Bush administration speechwriter Joshua Treviño.

[CAluvdubya]

"I am unaware of any conversation the President has had with World Leaders on this topic."

That's because none of them will take his calls.

[bonfire]

WTH is going on????

This is crazy!

[sunmars]

Obama’s moved on, not content with people under the bus, he’s started on countries.

[NYRepublican72]

That 0bama. He’s a real world leader and statesman, isn’t he? Really taking the lead there, zero to promote peace and stability in the region.

Amateur.

[Art in Idaho]

Obama's out in backing The Brothers will be we're for democratic reform, the people of Egypt want changes, they want elections, they want reform, we'll back the people that want hope and change, blah, blah - while he's having talks with the Muslim Brotherhood leaders. . and Voila' - the new government in Egypt is a Fundamentalist Islamic State run by the Muslim Brotherhood. Then, look out Israel. .

[Padams]

Gibbs: Obama has not spoken to any world leaders about the situation. Not considering closing embassey at this time. Travel warning. Concerned about freedom of expression and assembly. Concerned about house arrest of el baradei. Paints him as good guy. Obama may still speak today. Reporter says Gibbs is equivocating. Ouch.

[jeltz25]

So Obama wants a Festivus like Airing of Grievances?

[SE Mom]

Loop? LOOP? What loop? They’re running around totally unprepared, uncertain and without cohesive contingengies. There is no damned loop!!!

[Gabrial]

They are reporting thousands are defying the dusk to dawn curfew.

two more dead - death toll at 10 confirmed

over 900 wounded

Protesters have captured Police equipment and showing boxes of rubber bullets and tear gas launchers printed with “Made in America” to the media

Armored vehicles (Army) are deploying across the city

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Gibbs;

“I am unaware that I have a nose on the front of my face.”

“Yes, I have consulted my Ouija Board and the results were conclusive.”

“The President is dealing directly with the situation and dedicated to establishing peace in the region, shortly after he locates his ball behind the bunker on the fairway.”

“NO! The President does not prefer Kiwi-Pomengranate flavored ice cream.”

[McGruff]

Is this one of those Sputnik Moments The Messiah was talking about?

[DoughtyOne]

He may be holding back on the military option to let things cool on their own. If he gets his back against a wall, he may go postal. I just don’t know.

He has a viable military. If anarchy seems imminent, I don’t see what else you do other than surrender to radical Islamic interest groups. He may be forced to put this down.

[Texas resident]

Our acting president hasn’t spoken to any world leaders?
He won’t come out and talk to the press, sending gibbs out there to get grilled?
Just this alone can lead to all kinds of speculation.

[PIF]

The ruthlessness, savagery and brutality required to force people indoors off the streets may be beyond the ability and more importantly, the will of the Army.

—

You are likely correct. The Turkish reponse to a simular situation in the 60s was swift and final. Napalm, strafing runs, and arty fire.

[Smogger]

Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Egypt

January 28, 2011

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing political and social unrest in Egypt. Violent demonstrations on January 28 took place in several areas of Cairo and other parts of the country, disrupting road travel between city centers and airports. Disruptions in communications included the interruption of internet and mobile telephone service. Given this situation, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Egypt at this time and advises U.S. citizens currently in Egypt to defer non-essential movement and to exercise caution. This Travel Alert expires on February 28, 2011.

In the event of demonstrations, U.S. citizens in Egypt should remain in their residences or hotels until the situation stabilizes. Security forces may block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, and U.S. citizens should not attempt to come to the U.S. Embassy or the Tahrir Square area at such times. The Embassy duty officer is available to U.S. citizens for emergencies at +20 1 2797-3300 during evening and weekend hours and the American Citizens Services Section can be reached at +20 1 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and at consularcairoacs@state.gov.

Demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage. While demonstrations have not been directed toward Westerners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, U.S. citizens should obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible. U.S. citizens resident in Egypt should monitor local news broadcasts and U.S. citizen visitors should ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit. U.S. citizens should carry identification and a cell phone which works in Egypt.

U.S. citizens in Egypt are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Egypt may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Egypt, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

The Embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo. For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300.

[nascarnation]

The Baraqqis have all the strategic and diplomatic ability of the Carterites.