Popular Uprising in Egypt Topples Mubarak Regime

An uprising in Egypt, the most populous nation in the Arab world, has succeeded in toppling the government of Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled the North African country for 30 years. Beginning on January 25, Egyptians poured into the streets of Cairo and other cities, expressing anger about conditions of poverty and political repression. Clashes between protesters and security forces left dozens dead and many injured. The extraordinary protests, which were mostly peaceful, were sustained over more than two weeks in defiance of government attempts to enforce a curfew. The protesters insisted that President Mubarak step down. The army at first remained loyal to Mubarak, tightening security in the capital, while military police arrested activists and foreign journalists. Then violence escalated as armed supporters of Mubarak fought prodemocracy demonstrators in the streets.

Although Mubarak vowed he would not seek reelection and warned of “chaos” if he resigned, the demonstrations persisted until Mubarak finally left office. The Egyptian army has assumed control of the country, to oversee a transition to a new government. The military dissolved Egypt’s parliament, suspended the country’s constitution, and promised new elections in six months. Leaders of the reformist movement see the military’s role as a caretaker, and much uncertainty remains within government ministries.

The demonstrators’ endurance, persistence, and eventual success have given Egyptians hope for a more democratic future. Some observers fear that greater democracy in Egyptian politics may result in further unrest, perhaps even the rise of an Islamist-dominated government. The Muslim Brotherhood, banned from political participation for many years, could gain influence. Others see reason for optimism. Watching as events in Egypt unfolded, President Obama cautiously encouraged the changes taking place in this longtime U.S. ally.

Image credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Related Links

• Egyptian Military Dissolves Parliament
  This article examines the early steps taken by the Egyptian military after protests forced President Hosni Mubarak from power.
  (Source: BBC, February 13, 2011)
• BBC News: Middle East
  This BBC Web site features live coverage of the popular uprising in Egypt; includes streaming video reports, a Twitter feed from journalists in on the ground in Egypt, and links to other stories on the revolutionary events.
  (Source: BBC News; accessed February 14, 2011)
• Egypt’s Military Dissolves Parliament, Suspends Constitution
  This article focuses on steps taken by Egypt’s army in the aftermath of the successful popular uprising in Egypt; includes a video and links to related stories on events in Egypt and the wider region. (Source: VOA News, February 13, 2011)
• Factbox: Protests in Middle East and North Africa
  This Reuters Web page reports on the revolutionary protests in Egypt, as well as those in Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, and elsewhere in the Arab world.(Source: Reuters, February 13, 2011)

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Summarize What role have social media such as Twitter and YouTube played in the uprising in Egypt?
2. Make Inferences What impact have the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt had on other Arab governments in North Africa and the Middle East?
3. Form and Support Opinions Should the United States maintain alliances with countries that have authoritarian governments?