Winter Patriot Community Blog

Pro Gov't forces are 'commandeering' army vehicles that have been 'abandoned' to force their way into the center of the square (a position which they are holding).
Army soldiers say they have no orders to intervene.

3:37 pm UTC

Buildings on fire. Smoke can be seen rising from the Egyptian Museum which is being held by the 'pro' forces. Army standing by on top of the building.
Army is controlling the entrance and exits to the square. Pro forces on top of buildings throwing petrol bombs onto the 'anti' forces below.

3:45 pm UTC

UN reporting up to 300 killed or at least 500 injured.
Anti Mubarak supporter that was guarding the exit/entrance reported that they are finding police ID on 'civilians' trying to enter the square.
The fires that were reported as buildings on fire are wrong. The fires are the results of the petrol bombs that are being thrown. The reporter believe they are being thrown by the pro supporters in response the anti supporters gaining ground.
Emergency vehicles are trying to get into the square.
Peaceful anti supporters were charged by men on camels and horseback. Many of them were trampled.

3:54 pm UTC

Lots of gunshots heard. Reporters say they were the army firing warning shots. The 'anti' supporters were attacked with knifes, sticks and rocks etc.

4:03 pm UTC

Military denies firing shots.
The riot started when several hundred pro supporters entered the square. The anti supporters say these forces were sent in by Mubarak because they are taking police ID off of the pro supporters. They have these id's and have displayed them to the press.

4:11 pm UTC

Security forces now using water cannon in an attempt to control the fighting. It is not working. Lots more petrol bombs being thrown now.
Some talking head named Jackie floating the theory that the pro supporters have showed up now because the anti supporters had vehemently rejected the 'solution' that Mubarak gave in his speech last night.
Some witness says the army tried to position themselves between the two groups when the clash first began. Sounds like the pro group was made up of ordinary civilians who were there simply to demonstrate and a group of armed thugs (provocateurs/Mubarak security forces?) among them. He says he doesn't think the crowds are going to disperse as lots more people are trying to get into the square.
Some American reporter is saying that "today is exactly the day that the US Gov't was worried about" say what!!?? She says Obama was initially caught off guard but now there are serious things happening in the US Gov..
Good - she's gone now!

4:26 pm UTC

They still don't have any idea what has happened inside the square (I guess they mean injuries). Allan Fisher reporting says the army initially kept the two side apart and then they let the pro supporters in. I am assuming this is when the mounted charge began.
British PM Cameron says if they find out that Mubarak had anything to do with sending in security personnel to attack the peaceful protesters that this would be unacceptable.
Some European Union official saying it is essential that restraint be exercised and it is not for her to call on Mubarak to stand down.

4:33 pm UTC

The pro Mubarak crowd is massed near the Egyptian museum. Dozens and dozens of petrol bombs have been thrown at the anti supporters. Anti supporters can't leave easily because the pro supporters are blocking their exit. There are other ways to leave so they are not exactly trapped.
Lots and lots of debris on the streets. People seem to be cleaning it up or may be looking for something to throw? It's hard to tell.

Al Jazeera reporter talking to Mahmoud Ali Sabra (former Director in Mubarak gov) - Says "I would rather die than live under a dictator". Says he will continue to protest. Al Jazeera reporter keeps cutting him off and taking a pro supporter position.
Some witness now on phone saying that are lots and lots of injuries -says at least 60 in last half hour - as a result of the petrol bombs being thrown. There is no one to help.

4:51 pm UTC

There were thousands and thousands of pro supporters that entered the square initially. Their chants and mood were markedly different from the peaceful demonstrations that had been evident up until that time.
Right now the main square has thinned out but there are still thousands of people on the perimeters.
There was a fire at the Egyptian museum set by the petrol bombs. The military put it out.
Some man was captured and was being roughed up but now he looks to be getting injuries attended to. I think it is the anti Mubarak supporters that grabbed the guy but it is hard to tell.

5:28 pm UTC
A former general in the army (Mohar?? he was in intelligence) is being interviewed. He says the timing of the attack reflects the schizophrenic nature of Mubarak. The army did not engage because they did not have orders. They did not want to engage in the violence. The army is committed to protecting the people. He says Mubarak is no longer the legitimate leader of Egypt. Calls him paranoid, and a schizophrenic again. The army offered Mubarak a safe exit without any trial but he refused to go. Says we call on the people in the street to remember you are all Egyptian (think he wants them to get away from the the museum??) El Baradei needs to think carefully about what he is doing. Egypt has a big roll to play and he wants the opposition party to take this into consideration before causing trouble.

There soldiers now traveling through the streets in an open vehicle shouting at residents to get in their home. They are firing shots in the air?? There was a police van that has also entered the square moving towards the museum. Sound of a large explosion.

Some guy from the Brookings Institute (Martin?) being interview. Starts out whining that the reporter introduced him as a formerly having worked for AIPAC. Says Obama has been successful in getting the military to exercise restraint and get Mubarak to agree to leave but if this situation keeps on it is going to be difficult for them to do anything about what happens. Says Obama has come out (after a slow start) as a big supporter of the Egyptian people and democracy. The US Gov. position has changed dramatically over these fews days from when the demonstrations started. Rah Rah America and freedom and democracy etc. He hopes that what comes out of this is free and fair elections and there is good relations with the US and that they don't have to get into nasty discussions in Washington if this situation (ie anarchy) continues. This would be bad for Egypt and the region. Hopes the Egyptian military will act like the Tunisian military did. He is basically saying Mubarak has to go but I am not sure when he means. Talking about transition gov't and elections in Sept.

6:34 pm UTC

Ministry of health says 403 injured and 1 killed.
#'s of Pro Mubarak supporters increasing. Seem to be organized. They are handing out leaflets. A couple of streets have been barracaded. Petrol bombs still being thrown. Army still hasn't moved from their positions. Mosque has been set up as temporary hospital.

US Press secretary on now, is saying the time for transition has come and this time is now. If any of the violence has been instigated by the government it must stop now. I think he is saying Mubarak was involved in instigating the violence. A lot of political gobblygook to basically say Obama told Mubarak he has to go. A BS non answer to some question...yadayada...hedging on whether they will cut off aid to Egypt. It's constantly under review etc. Avoiding reporters direct question of whether Obama told Mubarak to go. Hahaha talking about universal rights needing to be respected. Events are happening quickly, they are planning for these events and there are going to be talks on a whole range of issues...entry points and moving aid (don't know what the fuck he is talking about here). Hedging on direct question of whether Mubarak is a dictator. yada yada events like this haven't happened in thousands of years, Obama is dedicating to watching and taking note of and responding to what is transpiring. OMG what bullshit this is...I haven't watched one of these for awhile smiling Governments have to be responsive to the people....even AJ has cut away from this crap and is now talking to Mark Ginsberg (former something or other now a talking head) to get commentary on it. hahaha He is noting that the press secretary didn't say when the transition should take place. Its a delicate balance yadayada freedom, democracy yadayda but not the Muslim brotherhood I take it as they are virulently anti American. He is a little testy over these questions about the MB. Transition, transition that's the word...but when is the question.

6:42 pm UTC
Witness says there is shooting going on. She is at temporary hospital. Says there are three dead. Had to hide from the violence as she made her way to the temp. field hospital. It is calmer on the streets right now. Reporter is asking if she can confirm that some building was set on fire. She didn't see it so doesn't know. She says there are rumours that the pro forces are gathering up to make another attack. She says the anti supporters won't leave and plan to stand their grounds. Ambulances havin a hard time making their way to the wounded. Field hospital is all volunteers. They have 5 doctors there. They are bringing in what medical supplies they have. Checkpoints are being manned mainly by civilians (anti supporters) but a couple are manned by the military.

Dialogue started between Suileman and opposition parties. Pro supporters being paid between 300 -500 dollars.
7 confirmed head many injured.

Petrol bombs still being thrown. Army is taking a little more active role. They have repositioned themselves.
Mood of the anti supporters has been dampened but their resolve is stronger. Holding the capital has been a huge achievement. More supporters heading to the square with medical supplies. Barricades have been set up.
Lots of movement of people now and chanting. They seem to be gathering. Very loud now.
Reporter from square - scene of recovery and defiance in the square. People are continuing to pour in. Everyone is bringing in supplies, med supplies, water food etc. They are using whatever they can find to build a barrier or can throw as a projectile. He says they believe yesterday the objective of the pro supporters was to break up the crowd. Only one entrance is left open to the square all the others have been blocked off. He says the anti supporters are saying that they refuse to be violent. They are still checking everyone who comes into the square for weapons. Wouldn't even allow a pair of scissors in. I think he is talking about the guy who was grabbed by pro supporters yesterday and roughed up. He was taken to the army where he was allowed to leave the square.

9:20 am UTC

Foreign journalists have been harassed and attacked by the pro supporters. Military did help some that were being attacked.

Reporter in square questioning who is behind the pro mubarak supporters. They were very organized. Had printed t shirts and posters, horses, camels, weapons etc. - asking why they came to the square - it has the hallmarks of the Ruling Democratic Party.

9:24 am UTC

Politicians scrambling for some resolution.
PM has apologized for what happened yesterday. Rumors that pm and vp may be resigning. VP meeting with opposition parties?? there is some confusion about this. meeting is apparently underway. Mubarak has asked cameras to accompany him to parliament today. Military saying government was not behind attacks yesterday. Stock markets to open on Monday - giving the impression things will be wrapped up by then. Any support pres had garnered with his speech giving concession has been wiped out by yesterdays events. Looks like he is scrambling to pull together some legacy before he has to go.

Thomas ??? , an Egyptian being interviewed. - The movement is gaining momentum

lost the AJ feed - it is trying to reconnect - ok back again

people are calling for departure Friday - says the protest may move by then to the parliament

some regular programming on now.

9:46 am UTC

According to Russia Today the army has started to arrest anti mubarak supporters.

10:00 am UTC

5 barricades have been erected to keep out pro forces. It is like a battle zone. Lots of wounded still being treated there. People know what is at stake here - it is not just politics but a matter of life or death. They would rather die than go back or loose an inch of what they have gained. That is why people keep moving into this battle zone. Violence is not deterring them. What the gov?/security forces?/ pro supporters tried to pull off yesterday did not work. The people are not deterred.

Witness says people were shot last night. Gunmen on a bridge? One person shot thru the head.

Politicians are scrambling in Egypt. Rumours that Mubarak and sulieman may step down are not true. It sounds like the Pres is acting separately from VP. The reporters are not clear what exactly is going on in the Gov. Calls for the VP to take charge by some Europeans ?? who are calling for Mubarak to step down.
Suieman says there will be no negotiations until the violence and protests end yet is talking to opposition members (MB??)

They are all praying now.

10:31 am UTC

News conference may happen soon? Govt denied being involved in violence yesterday and have called for an investigation. #'s of people coming into square continues to increase. Mood inside the square is tense. The actual pro supporters that caused all the troubles numbered only in the hundreds. They were all armed with knifes, sticks, fire bombs etc. = hired thugs mentioned.
Sanitation is a problem, there are not toilets or running water. The chances of running into violence are high when you leave the square. The pro supporters have moved outside the square - stopping people from bringing in supplies. People inside the square are concerned that the are area could become an area of siege esp with army or police not intervening to maintain control.

Lots of tension building outside of barriers of the squares. Concern that the violence will now move outside the square to the side streets. Lots of intimidation going against people who are coming in or going out of square by armed individuals. Shops in area are closed and residents are staying inside. People not participating in demonstration are becoming frustrated that their lives are becoming so difficult. People saying i can't even trust my own neighbour.

10:55 am UTC

Egyptian press slant is that it is foreign interference that is fueling the protesters. a private channel apparently interviewed a woman that said she was an American who had been trained in Israel to be a 'protester'. They are saying the protesters are anarchists etc. supported by Iran...

There were lots of reports yesterday that the pro protesters were brought in on govt trucks and buses.
The reporter is making the point that the pro supporters tactics follow the familiar tactics of the ruling national democratic party. Says the Egyptian media 'on cue' as the attacks started began reporting that the pro supporters were there to restore order from the anarchy of the anti protesters.

5:52pm UTC

Clashes going on all day between two sides. These are happening away from the square - 1/2 km. Army tank has moved thru the crowd firing warning shots every few mins. Snipers shooting anti protesters using high powered rifles. Pro supporters appear to have faded away. Journalists continue to be intimidated. AJ has had their equipment seized. Their feed is from internet satellite so pictures are not great quality. Reporter saying that authorities are putting out propaganda that Israelis have infiltrated the crowds and some are posing as journalists. Some journalists have been detained or arrested. They showed pictures from some clashes earlier. It looks like a war zone.

6:20 pm UTC

There are reports of up to 10 people having been killed by snipers using high powered rifles. AJ can't confirm but they can hear the shots.
Army is starting to intervene more.

AJ definitely has a tendency at times to side with pro gov propaganda, so to speak. (ie they are always posing the "be reasonable" side of the argument, "they got their point across, why don't they go home" etc.)

According to doctors on the scene. 10 people have been killed and 1000 injured. AJ can't confirm numbers.

Crowds in square have been able to organize early warning of trouble coming as well as reinforcing their positions.

Reporter thinks tomorrow (Friday for them which should start in a few hours) will be a big day because they have labeled it "The Day of Departure". They are looking to get the largest amount of people out tomorrow.

There were some incidents of small arm fires by the pro supporters. The witnesses say this is when the military began shooting warning shots in the air.

Reports of mobs hunting the opposition. Just actually seeing pictures of Suleiman speech he is looking very "presidential" sitting in a brocade chair, with the Egyptian flag behind him. smiling

A little side report on the Iraqi middle class leaving to go back to Baghdad because they are afraid of what is going on there. Interviews with them suggest they have seen the way violence can escalate and they don't want to stick around for it. They are actually feeling Baghdad may be safer right now.

6:50 pm UTC

Reports that some of the organizers of the anti supporters have been arrested - starter of FB page etc. The internet is coming back online across Egypt. This has been the biggest shutdown of internet in history.

Video from yesterday of pro supporters making petrol bombs.

Things are relatively calm right now.

6:02 pm UTC

Three AJ journalists have been arrested doing their job.

US Press conference with Cowley - says Wisner is back in Washington now after talks with Egyptian govt. Won't answer whether US told Mubarak to go. Says they are bracing for big events tomorrow with increased #'s of protesters on street. Spoke about the conditions journalists are working in. Journalists being harassed in their hotels, having their equipment and materials taken etc.

The anti supporters have set up an address system and are have witnesses come up and give testimonials. They are also giving instructions etc. The numbers of protesters are the largest tonight that the reporters have seen. Thinks that is because they are afraid to go home. I guess because they are being attacked when they leave. The atmosphere tonight is serious and sombre and they is more anger and passion.

Gov is saying they have started dialogue with opposition parties and representatives of the anti protesters. Protesters say this is not true. Egyptian ministry of health says 13 dead and 1100 injured. US Gov is said to be working on a proposal for Mubarak. Mubarak says he is "fed up" with public service. If he leaves there will be chaos (unlike now I suppose) haha. Clashes in Alexandria said to be instigated by pro government forces (armed thugs, security/police etc).

There is no live feed of the streets right now so I don't know if that is because they have special programming on now or if they have lost it.

AJ not naming any reporters over fear for their safety. They no longer have the live feed because it is too dangerous. Reporters are still there. They report it is really quiet at the time. Very few military vehicles left on the streets. Very few people on the side streets mostly people manning the entrances/exit. Reporter says it is the most peaceful scene since he arrived Cairo. (Calm before the storm?). Some commotion now. People running towards reporter. You can hear gunshots and shouting in the distance.

2:17 UTC
Gangs of thugs blocking every entry to the square. Photographer who had been at the square since the beginning says he had to leave (camera in backpack) because it was just too dangerous to stay there. Former protester on the phone now says that the protesters are completely different during the night than the daytime. I am not sure if he is saying they are different people but I think he is intimating that. Reporter presses him on this and he says the conversations are different, what the people are saying is different, the political talk is different. He has left the square.

2:25 pm UTC

Talking head or maybe gov official from Washington on now = he says the protesters are more radical now (or maybe he means there are more radical protesters there - I didn't really catch how he worded it.) US has finally, FINALLY, come to realization that Mubarak is a liability. Says you can't believe anything Egypt Gov is saying. Says Mubarak isn't listening and thinks he can ride this out.

Showing video of todays protests in Yemen. They look like large crowds. There were apparently 10's of thousands of pro goverment supporters in the streets. Talking about the Yemeni pres saying he won't seek reelection or have his son take over. They frequently refer to how these 'flower' revolutions are following the Tunisian model.

Reporter who worked for the state TV quit because they were censoring so much material. She had calls from state security. She was threatened, told she could disappear from the face of the earth.

Another reporter talking about how quiet it is inside the square. I don't think any of their reporters are inside the square any longer. They are all saying they are just on the outside of it.

Thousands of foreign citizens are leaving or trying to leave.

Talking about how the US position is in constant flux - showing clips of different officials making statements. Ends with US gov insists it never saw this coming. hahaha

2:42 AM UTC

Doing tweets now - bloggers have been arrested, detained and interrogated including Egyptian and foreign bloggers. Some journalists and bloggers still missing.

Tweet from inside the square says they are OK= things are peaceful now.

A lot of repeat stuff now, reports that I saw already this morning.

4:25 am UTC

Morning prayers are over. Dawn is breaking in Cairo. Below are some pictures of Tahrir Square (Liberty or Freedom square.) I have been trying to get a sense of what could happen today so I have been looking at some pictures of the area. According to AJ reports 5 entrance/exits to the square were blocked. I can't seem to figure out who is/was blocking these entrances the pro forces or the anti forces. I think maybe both. The pro forces were in the back streets stopping people from getting to the entrances which are manned by the pro supporters. The military is at at least one entrance. The orange/pink building you see at the far left of the first picture and the top of the last picture is the Egyptian museum which was the position held by the pro forces yesterday. They since have faded back and are roaming the back streets as armed gangs of thugs intimidating and attacking people trying to get in. The military is also said to have pulled back. So, I am thinking all those people could possibly be trapped in the square surrounded by the military and pro forces (police/security/paid thugs etc.). In addition, there have been reports of snipers positioned near the square (perhaps on the surrounding buildings and overpasses) that are/were shooting (random?) people. The pro forces were also positioned on what I think are the road overpasses just outside the square (towards the Qasr El Nil Bridge which you can see in the picture below). Towards the bridge, I am thinking, would be the only or most likely escape route if need be. It would just take a few people being shot as they exit towards the bridge to create mass panic. Hope this ends well.

7:00 am UTC

The curfew is lifted and people are starting to come to the square. Traffic picking up now. The night was very calm and it is a clear morning. No reports of clashes last night. Witness saying that this is the largest crowd yet for early morning. She is saying that this is the day they plan to march to the presidential palace but doesn't know if that will happen or if they can get out of the square. Says the army is confusing and she does not know where they stand. They have stayed relatively neutral but yesterday they were arresting people. They do not have any confidence in them. There are two field hospitals set up in the square as well as another on a side street set up in a mosque.

In an interview, Suleiman says they will not force the people to leave the square. Reiterates it when he is pressed by the reporter. I notice that he appears to be the spokesman for the gov. He is front and center in their coverage of the gov. The only coverage of Mubarak they are giving (over and over) is that he says he is fed up with gov. and had nothing to do with the attacks over the last two days. Says he doesn't want to see Egyptians fighting. Also reported that he has ordered an investigation into the attacks. I think yesterday it was reported that opposition parties refused to meet with him, however there were numerous reports that the opposition was meeting with Suleiman. I don't think AJ knows what is going on. They are giving conflicting and confusing reports.

There is lots of security this morning around the presidential palace.
They talked to a reporter at the airport saying that lots of Egyptian were coming into the country. In England, it is reported that many ex-pats are buying tickets to get to Egypt and attend the protests.

Joe Biden is reported to have told Suleiman to start the process of building a transitional gov.

The reporter says the pictures on the screen are live from the square. There are lots and lots or people there. I think they may have a live feed back but I am not sure. They are still also showing lots of pictures from the last couple of days.

Guy from the Hudson institute saying that the military doesn't make good rulers but may have short term role in the transition.

Former military general saying that something/someone outside the gov was behind the attacks, letting the prisoners out etc.. He is saying that some other country is messing around in Egypt. No shit Jack! He seems to be blaming Hezbollah because there were Lebanese prisoners that were let out of prison that are now in Lebanon. A political analyst is saying it is forces within the government - part of the regime (ie security forces). Says it is a dilemma for the military which side to take. General talking now - he is very hard to understand because of his accent I don't really know what he said. Hudson institute guy is saying that Egyptian army would be taught that it is illegal to fire on the citizens. The General is saying the military will be there to protect the infrastructure, buildings etc. but they may intervene to push people away if they start destroying things (I think that is what he said anyways ). Analyst saying that the VP and the PM will be important in the transition and they will have to work with the military. Transition, transition, transition...same old actors....Suleiman, the PM, el Baradei, MB the military etc to direct the transition show.

8:00 am UTC

Tens of thousands gathered in the square already hundreds of thousands expected. It is 10 am Feb 4 there. Rallies are also planned in Yemen, Syria and Jordan. The army has positioned themselves (they say) to keep the two sides apart. Looks like they are in riot gear.

A guy near the museum speaking via telephone now. Says people are flooding into the square. He says there is not much resistance given to people getting into the square. He is about to go thru another checkpoint as he is not yet into the square. It is very noisy. He says people are being very cautious as they try to enter. There is a feeling that this will come to a head today but he is concerned the army will not be able to stay neutral for long. He is not being allowed in thru the entrance he is trying. He has to try and get in another way. Says they are only letting people in thru a few entrances. There are barricades to keep people from entering from some areas.

AJ reporter in the square talking now - saying people flooding in. Says the army has much larger presence today (about 40 or 45 soldiers armed and in riot gear) turning people away near the Egyptian Museum. The official march is was to begin after Friday prayers (in about two hours). The social network traffic is saying that they are going to stay in the square and the march has been called off because they are concerned there could be trouble if they try to march. ( hmm interesting in light of Aangirfans post at link: http://aangirfan.blogspot.com/2011/02/mubarak-supporters.html) There are long lines at the entrances (think she is talking about the entrance from the bridge) where people are being allowed into the square and they have to go thru two physical checks to get in. Lots of army presence there. She says journalists are getting in. It is the pro supporters that are doing the checks.

Large shift in political back story in last 24 hours. There is a split in the government between those that want to hang onto the gov and those who want the transition. They are reporting that back room deals are happening and the demonstrators are being represented. The protesters are saying that they don't know who is supposed to be negotiating for them. The reporter is saying it is secular factions within the MB and that they are bringing in several people who are not currently within the country and that the demonstrators would not know them - Someone named Usaf Nadah?? (best I can do on spelling) who is currently in Switzerland (Italy??). These people were involved in gov or were activists many years ago (1960's ?). Main thing is that whoever is 'negotiating' for the pro democracy demonstrators are people who are not known to them.

He says the Minister of the Interior, Head of organization of the ruling party, the minister of housing and minister of tourism -are said to have funded the pro gov mob - they have had their bank accounts seized and are not permitted to travel. This is the split in gov he is talking about. I couldn't get their names he was talking to fast.

The European Union along with the US is calling for Mubarak to step down now and move to transitional gov. Egyptians are not paying any attention to them. They are falling over themselves to look as if they are not trying to interfere with a sovereign government.

9:00 am UTC

Huge huge crowds gathered now. Lots of signs and flags etc.

I think that guys name i mentioned earlier is Yusuf Nada (aka Youssef Nada). He is the one that is supposed to be coming back to Egypt to represent the interests of the pro democracy supporters via the MB. Maybe someone could look further into this guy who is allegedly being brought back to Egypt as a result of these back room deals.

From an article I found on him at link: http://globalmbreport.com/?p=207 . Nada is "the self-acknowledged “foreign minister” for the Brotherhood, is most well known for his role as head of the Al Taqwa Bank. Al Taqwa, which had both a Bahamas-registered bank and a Swiss corporate office, was set up in 1988 on principles of Islamic finance and had a shareholder list comprised of many Muslim Brotherhood figures including the family of global Muslim Brotherhood leader Youssef Qaradawi who also served as the bank’s Sharia advisor. Very little is actually known about the Al Taqwa’s operations but it, along with with Nada and the other directors, was designated in November 2001 as terrorist entities in connection with the financing of Al Qaida. As recent posts have discussed, terrorism charges against Nada and his associates have recently been dropped in Switzerland and Italy for lack of evidence. Nada was recently named by the Egyptian government as a terrorism financier and is being tried in absentia by a military court. He continues to reside in Campione di Italia, an italian enclave inside of Swiss territory where he has lived in a luxurious villa for many years."

From a NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/08/world/a-nation-challenged-the-banker-i...
"From a building with copper-colored windows, they run an empire that had a Bahamas bank and shares of business throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with cement plants, drydocks, textile and brick factories and a division that trades steel, wheat, oil and other commodities. The lone sign for the sixth-floor office is a red placard with one word, ''NADA.'' All others ''were taken down because of the reporters,'' said a banker from another floor.
..."His investment house, Al Taqwa, meaning piety or fear of God, offers 3,000 clients investments in accordance with shariah, or Islamic law. That tenet forbids charging interest or owning anything to do with alcohol, weapons, gambling or adultery."

10:00 am UTC

Friday prayers to start any minute. Hundreds of thousands of people said to be there. It is very loud. Lots of chanting.
Reporter talking about the situation beyond the walls being ripe for an outbreak of violence. Lots of people and weapons positioned on the side streets surrounding the square.
One thing I notice that all of the reporting about the anti supporters focuses around Mubarak. He has to go etc. His leaving will signal that the people have won, democratization can start etc. There is little or no coverage on the regime as a whole. Do these people truly believe that just getting rid of Mubarak is going to make a difference. AJ never broaches this question or airs any comments on this. It is very much a black and white issue they present. Muburak against the pro democracy supporters. I am sure the people's thinking on this must be much more nuanced.

10:20 am UTC

Prayers have started. Much quieter now. The bridge is described as a human carpet. Anyone who looks remotely suspicious is taken away and handed over to the military.

The calm before the storm? Prayers going on over the address system in Arabic. The prayers are demanding regime change, a release of the prisoners and a change in the constitution. Prayers will last about 15 minutes of so (don't know if I will last, getting tired )

10:40 am UTC

Prayers over now. It is really really loud now. They are chanting something. They are shouting "he's leaving" or "he must leave". The sound is deafening according to reporter in the square. The crowd are holding hands in show of unity.

10:53 am UTC

Huge demonstrations in Alexandria as well.

Egyptians of other religions formed huge guards around the Muslims as they said their prayers.

Scuffle broke out in the crowd but it didn't seem to amount to much. I think it may have been at the Alexandria protests which are also
huge.

6:50 PM UTC

Still massive crowds in the square this evening in Cairo.

Four former ministers detained in Egypt pending investigation of violence perpetrated by the pro forces.

Huge demonstrations in Yemen on their "Day of Rage". Demonstrations in Jordan and Syria. Demonstrations planned for Algeria, Syria and Bahrain.
Egyptian health minister says as many as 5000 people injured.
The anonymous hackers that have been attacking anti Wiki Leaks sites are now attacking Egyptian sites.
They are showing pictures from the demonstrations during the day they really are extraordinary.

7:50 am UTC

A witness on the phone now - says that the Anti Mubarak supporters are handing over anyone who looks suspicious or like they are a foreigner to the army who are arresting them. This is the second witness report I have heard about this today. He is also saying that armed pro Mubarak gangs are still roaming the backstreets with long daggers, sticks and other assorted weapons. The reporter asks him how they are being kept out of the square and he says it is the large numbers of people in the square that are keeping them out. He says the atmosphere outside the square is very tense and he also made a comment that sounded like he was contradicting himself re: the military. I didn't quite catch it but I thought he was saying that it was the army that were allowing these gangs to roam around.

Pro Mubarak rallies are taking place a few kilometers away from the square. Their are a few thousand protesters at these rallies. They deny allegations that they are being paid to stage the protests.

I am thinking there is a lot of throat slitting and backstabbing going on in the backrooms. I am wondering what the evil f**kers next move is. Are they thinking this will all fissel out? waiting for the protesters to leave and attack them on the back streets? The ordinary citizen (ie those not participating in demonstrations) will get fed up and turn on the protesters?

Reporter saying the mood today had more of a festival atmosphere. She said their were lots of new protesters today, people who had been reluctant to believe the protests were sincere until now.

The curfews have been eased but no one seems to being paying attention to it. The reporter is saying that the situation on the outside of the square is not as bad as in previous days. Neighboring areas are doing their own security. Egyptians are starting to feel the pinch of businesses and banks being closed - no money, little food etc. Some shop owners are becoming angry because their businesses are going bankrupt. She makes the point that the protesters need to bear in mind the effect of the protests on the lives of ordinary Egyptians. Says the govt has a very effective and persuasive propaganda machine and ways to influence the actions of these 'ordinary' civilians (the public opinion) so they are feeling very conflicted about what to think about the protests. The gov lost credibility after the violence over last 2 days and she says that is why you heard the gov apologizing to the people. She says that has never happened before. It was damage control by the gov recognizing they were loosing the propaganda war after the public perception that they had unleashed the violence.

8:40 pm UTC

Obama/Harper news conference on now. Obama taking way too much time to lay down the talking points - Mubarak has said he will step down, must be orderly transition, US can't tell him what to do, democracy and freedoom blah blah blah.
Hahaha they cut away as soon as Harper started talking.

Witness on the phone saying that the pro Mubarak supporters are numbering only in the hundreds. Says the army is not doing anything about the armed thugs roaming the streets. It is the anti Mubarak protesters who are capturing these people and handing them over to the army. He said they (the anti protesters) had captured some that had Israeli passports and passports from other foreign countries (didn't say [or know??] which ones).

European countries calling for the Egyptian army to diffuse the tension.

9:20 pm UTC
hahaha - Berlusconi describes the Egyptian Pres as wise and a role model for the area.

Showing a clip on the Pro Mubarak rally. The pictures are of average looking Egyptians shouting and chanting in support of Mubarak. These look to me like they may have been organized for domestic consumption/propaganda (no wide shots and lots of tight shots on people's face and signs etc.). Witnesses have said they number only in the hundreds and not in the thousands like is being reported.

10:33 pm UTC

Report that one of the persons killed over last 2 days was a 36 year old reporter who was taking pictures from his balcony of the Pro Mubarak forces positioned on the top of buildings. He was killed by a sniper shot to the head.

haha PM Stevie Harper says same thing Obama said just doesn't take as long to say it. Transition, transition, Egyptians must decide for themselves. We can't intervene (read we can't be seen to be intervening.)

Mubarak hasn't got any friends left. The Europeans think he is a "Dead Man Walking".

Lots of repeat reports being broadcast now.

12.40 am UTC

Reports now of heavy gunfire. Reporter on the ground is saying he thinks it is the military firing to warn off Pro forces who are approaching the square. Cheers and chants in the background. Says there are reports there are more "Pro Mubarak" protests planned for tomorrow. Says the people on the streets (the ordinary citizen) is saying that while they agree with the need for change they don't know how much longer they can hang on with out access to money as the banks are closed, with shops closed and little food etc. hmmm - why are all the banks closed?? I can see that makes sense in the center of the city near the protests but why are closed all over the country?

7:00 am UTC

Reporter on the phone saying it looks likes the pro and anti sides are setting up for confrontation. Many people left the square last night. Not nearly as many people this morning. He thinks today may be a "telling day".

A number of army troops in riot gear, marching, looking like they are moving into position.

Reports of a blast and fires in El Arish(sp) in Egypt's north Sinai (near a gas pipeline). Reuter's is reporting that Egyptian state television says terrorists have targeted a pipeline in Egypt's Sinai. AJ can't confirm this yet. I

There is a good analysis of the situation from The Angry Arab called 'Some Other Perspective' at the link. http://arabwomanblues.blogspot.com/2011/02/another-perspective.html

Here we go..... The pipeline is apparently on the Egypt/Israeli border and supplies oil to Israel. I think they said this is the area where the Bedouins have taken contol. Residents are reporting it was explosion and there is a massive fire.

A somewhat related and interesting link on Gazans feeding the Egyptian army stranded in the Sinai at link http://microblogbuzz.com/redirect/94264726

7:30 am UTC

AJ is confirming the explosion in el Arish in the Sinai. The pipeline is a crucial to supplying Israel. It goes via Jordan into Israel. They are reporting that a group of "masked men" were able to set off the detonation. Egypt has a 25 year agreement to supply Israel. Last year it supplied 25 million $$ of gas to Israel. The reporter is asking 'who does this benefit'. He is struggling to understand it as it clearly would not benefit Egypt with the loss of income. hahaha

7:40 am UTC

People are tweeting that the army is trying to take down the barricades that the anti supporters constructed.

Arab Gas Pipeline in El Arish
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Gas_Pipeline

Any guesses who blew up that pipeline? Poor reporter he just doesn't have a clue.

It is the Arish to Ashkelon Undersea Pipeline. The fire has now been contained. No causalities and no infrastructure damage.. The gas line is intact.(Well that is fortunate!! and convenient as well. There will be no significant loss of supply to Israel - whew... but danger, danger for them....they may need to send in the troops to protect that crucial gas supply.

Those behind the attackers were trying to send the government of Egypt a message - ya think - they are suggesting it was disgruntled local Bedouins This is the indications there are getting from "unofficial sources".
No group has claimed to have done this at this time. hmmm I wondered how they can conjecture this if the perpetrators were masked...

Arish–Ashkelon pipeline
The Arish–Ashkelon pipeline is a 100 kilometres (62 mi) submarine gas pipeline connecting the Arab Gas Pipeline with Israel. Although it is not officially a part of the Arab Gas Pipeline project, it branches off from the same pipeline in Egypt. The pipeline is built and operated by the East Mediterranean Gas Company (EMG), a joint company of Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC - 68.4%), the Israeli company Merhav (25%) as well as Ampal-American Israel Corp. (6.6%).[10] The pipeline became operational in February 2008. Initially Egypt and Israel had agreed to supply through this pipeline 1.7 bcm of natural gas per year for use by the Israel Electric Corporation.[11] This has since been raised to 2.1 bcm per year to be delivered through the year 2028. In addition, by late 2009, EMG had signed contracts to supply through the pipeline additional 2 bcm per year to private electricity generators and various industrial concerns in Israel and negotiations with other potential buyers were ongoing. In 2010, the pipeline is supplying approximately half of the natural gas consumed in Israel, with the other half being supplied from domestic resources. The total physical capacity of the pipeline is 9 bcm/year and agreements between the two nations provide a framework for the purchase of up to 7.5 bcm/year of Egyptian gas by Israeli entities, making Israel one of Egypt's most important natural gas export markets.

Note to self- use html tags sparingly - that's a private joke to amuse myself

8:45 am UTC

They are showing pictures of the pipeline that was blown. There were taken from Gaza. They are now saying it is not the Arish-Asheklon undersea pipeline but is the pipeline that goes to Jordan. The flames were huge.

Some Egyptian official is quoted as saying there are foreign elements behind this attack on the pipeline.

The narrative there are pursuing here is the tension between the Bedouins and the Egyptian gov in the northern Sinai because they say the gov has not invested the gas revenues back into the area. The Southern Sinai is ok apparently because of tourist revenue. They keep talking about there being a security vacuum in the area and about the smuggling tunnels to Gaza.

It took 3 or 4 hours to get the fire under control.
This is not the first time this pipeline has come under attack by the Bedouin tribes.
They don't know yet who did this but THE BEDOUINS DID IT....
This is a fore taste of things to come for Israel. Security is very, very important to them. They (Israel) are now talking about having to go back in and take control back of the Sinai. They are very concerned about the shrinking security area. Jesus Christ on a stick!!! This is hard to listen to.

People in Israel are very jittery. The fears of Israel have been compounded. A good friend is on there way out and they don't know what will replace it. The Muslim Brotherhood has always said Egypt should not be exporting them their oil. Reporter is questioning how they (Egypt) could be without the revenue if they quit selling the oil. The guy reporting from Jerusalem isn't giving that a coherent answer just agrees with him and then goes on to talk about Israel's fear. This explosion has just increased Israel's fear. yadayadayada

9:15 am UTC

Sunday has been designated a "Day of Solidarity" with Egypt.

9:56 am UTC

Israeli Bureau chief says the most important economic import from Egypt is gas so there is concern about that. Egypt is Israel's biggest trading partner in the region. They see the economic ties being shaken by qiz zones (Qualifying Industrial Zones) being affected (some kind of trading agreement (manufacturing??) between the two countries set up by the US ). Instability in Egypt would be bad for Egypt as well as for Israel.

Telegraph reports assassination attempt of VP Suleiman via Aangirfan - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353934/Egypt-protests-Assassina...

10:38 am UTC

Suleiman said to be meeting with opposition members including MB (I think??). MB has been the forefront of the opposition. They will be in the picture and they can not be left out. The reporter is saying doesn't the MB needs to step up into leadership of the demonstrators?

AJ keeps questioning if the demonstrators resolve is waning. The guy they are interviewing is saying it is a government strategy to wear the protesters out.

Hillary Clinton is warning of a "perfect storm" in the middle east and broad sweeping changes.

Solidarity demonstrations going on around the world.

Reporter at the Rafah crossing saying that the security there is not good. Police have been attacked and are being protected by the military. They are staying indoors. Residents are forming their own neighborhood security as they have no police protection. This is being blamed on the Bedouin who are also responsible the smuggling trade to Gaza.

Showing scenes of demonstrations in New York. Lots of people, signs and chanting. Free, Free Egypt.

They are airing a documentary on Mubarak. Mubarak was (is?) very loved by the military/airforce. He was considered a brilliant military man. "He remembered the names of everyone in the air force and even new about their personal problems". He appeared unlikely to move into power as he never showed any interest in challenging it. After Sadat was killed and Mubarak took power he started off with 'acts of compassion". In the early days he was well liked by the people and not seen as someone who would naturally want to be a dictator.

Egypt was/is an autocratic democracy. He was easily elected 2 times in a row and never appointed a VP. He mended relationships with the Arab nations after the peace treaty with Israel. He was known to be highly intelligent and able to control his emotions - a good diplomat.

In 1995, an assassination attempt was carried out against him in Ethiopia. This caused the Egyptians to ask what would happen to Egypt if Mubarak were to die or be killed. Within the Egyptian system without a VP there would be no one to transfer power to and it would create a power vacuum.

The Egyptian economy started to take a downturn after this time and was very effected by the sanctions put on Iraq as much money had been coming into the Egyptian economy from Egyptians working in Iraq. Egyptians are not inclined to become involved in politics as long as there is food on the table."

back to news coverage....
6:00 am UTC

MB in talks with the government. Stand off is turning into a test of will power. Government is trying to get the people back to work. Banks and businesses set to open soon.

Talking to a protester who has been in the square since the start of the demonstration. He is vowing to stay there. The reporter is pushing him to say the protesters are fed up and want to go home. He is saying the government is putting pressure on the people to go back to work by threatening to have them fired, violence in the backstreets etc.

Alexandria is getting back to normal life. Some protests are continuing there and throughout the country. People are surprised that the MB is negotiating with the government. It will be seen as a sign of weakness and a huge concession because the MB had vowed not to negotiate unless Mubarak left. On the flip side, this is the first time that the gov has acknowledged the MB. The people are clear that it is their demands that matter and not whether or who the government is negotiating with.

There have been mass resignations in the ruling party including Mubarak's son. Head of the army met with the protesters in the square yesterday.

Demands of international community have changed again. Surprising comments by US Ambassador backing off of demands that Mubarak needs to leave right away to their needs to be an orderly transition. Suleiman said to not want to ask Mubarak to leave. hahaha

The gas pipeline explosion has now been blamed on a gas leak. hmmm I wonder what happened to those "masked men" and all them Bad Bedouins.

MB has been in Egypt for 80 years. It did not win a single seat in the last election.

Ok - so after a few minutes of watching, it is obvious that the story here is the protesters are loosing steam and the transition is underway. Nothing more to see everyone go on about your business.

The word is that if you want a seat at the table (of power) you have to get in now which is presumably why the MB has capitulated on their demands that Mubarak must leave.

They are showing pictures of a couple who got married in front of the barrier in the square.

Lots more international coverage.

hmmm This seems to be all over from AJ's perspective. Mubarak has held on to power ?? Transitional period led by Suleiman and backed by the army??

So lets see, they emptied out the prisons, got rid of a whole bunch of government members and influential people within the NDP ruling party including Mubarak's son (the heir apparent), forced Mubarak to agree to leave in Sept., had Suleiman installed as VP (who within the Egyptian system naturally assumes presidential powers from the president when he leaves or dies), left the military 'appearing' neutral in all this, started the 'Israel may need to move militarily into the Sinai dialogue', demonized the Bedouins, harassed killed and imprisoned a whole whack of people (no doubt many who were influential - journalists, enemies, dissidents etc.- but we don't know who or where they are- quote: from someone in the CIA I think - if you want someone interrogated you send them to Jordan, if you want them tortured you sent them to Syria, if you want them to disappear you send them to Egypt), started dialogues with the Muslim Brotherhood who rolled over on their demands, shut down the banks and the internet (a good test and taste of things to come?) for several days leaving the economy in a more impoverished state, and started the "orderly transition process" whatever that means. Kinda sounds like a coup d'etat to me or is it just more of the same old...? Nothing for the people yet...cue the talking heads and analysts...we shall see.

It's been an heroic effort by the people.
Viva Egypt!

I will leave you for now with this video of dramatic pictures from the protests and I'll get back to this if there are any further developments.

2:50 pm UTC

The square is still filled with people. The protesters are organizing for what to do next. They have selected about 20 people to head this effort. There are also others who are cleaning up the square as they are not wanting to be accused of destroying the public space. In other words, they are concerned with their image and how it is playing in the streets - so to speak.

Official governments figures are 11 dead however the official UN figures and estimates on the ground are 300 dead. AJ is showing footage of battles on the streets and on the bridge from a couple of days ago. You can hear all the gunfire and see that several anti Mubarak supporters being shot with others dragging them away. They also showed footage of someone who looks to have been shot by a sniper. The witnesses said it was the military.

Reports that today that the Coptic Christians were praying today alongside the Muslims in a show of solidarity.

Al Jazeera reporters are still being harassed and detained. One of their more famous reporters has just recently been taken they report "by the military" and they do not know where he is.

Reports now that the crowds in Alexandria going to move towards the Alexandria train station. Not as many people today but still many thousands despite bad weather.

Protesters in Tahrir square are going to form a coalition of 5 different groups to represent their demands. Those in Alexandria are tending to take their directives from those in Cairo but no official organization.

Someone on the phone now saying that for the first time they are confirming that it is the army that are conducting the detentions of protesters and journalists. This is a disturbing and alarming precedent. Doesn't sound good....

They had to hang up on that guy because they had someone from Israel (Tel Aviv University) on the line -:P
If Mubarak falls there will be a different policy towards Israel and the strategic partnership and special friendship are probably gone. They are shocked over the events they are witnessing and Israel is worried that the MB may be taking over and the Israelis expect great changes. Not happy about the government meeting with the MB. God forbid, if we lose the peace agreement with Egypt, we are back to square one with the Arab world. He thinks they might end up with a Turkish kind of scenario re:economics and politics. They are worried about the gas that Egypt sends them.

Just want to note here that the meeting with opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood that they are continuously reporting today was with the VP Suleiman. There is no sign of Mubarak and it is Suleiman's picture they are constantly showing. So, considering the day's developments I'm leaning towards the 'transitional period' led by Suleiman and backed by the army with Mubarak been kept around for whatever propaganda purposes they may have for him. However....(remembering that in Egypt the president has absolute power over everyone and everything and that Suleiman has been reported to have said recently that he does not want to ask Mubarak to leave) the army hereto for have been very loyal to Mubarak (and said to love and respect him) so I am not sure what to make of the developments today that the army appears to be moving on the people - has Mubarak managed to stay in control and Suleiman is just being sent out to conduct sham meetings with the opposition while the army 'quietly' cracks down on the protesters in the background. hmmmm

AP from Twelfth Bough has posed an interesting conjecture.
http://twelfthbough.blogspot.com/2011/02/sabotage-adds-new-dimension.html
"How is Mubarak managing to hold onto power through all of this? He must have some powerful allies. However, is his general Suleiman one of them?
Suddenly Mubarak has no intention of transferring power to Suleiman, his Ratzinger?
Suddenly they are not so close after all?
Suleiman seems very close to the ISRAELIS.
Are we seeing a proxy battle between Rothschild and Rockefeller interests unfolding in Egypt?"

Mubarak = Rockefeller
Suleiman = Rothschild
I presume