After warning in his speech last night that the opposition is attempting to drag the country into violence and anarchy, Mubarak has set out today to do just that. After a week of peaceful protests and the blossoming of civil society – with anti-government protesters taking responsibility for civic duties such as cleaning the streets - it appears by all independent accounts that Mubarak has decided to send his National Democratic Party thugs into Tahrir Square in an attempt to break up the demonstrations and prove that only he has the power to bring order, or disorder.
According to most independent eye-witness reports, the pro-Mubarak supporters were bussed into Cairo and came prepared for violence, carrying clubs, knives and other small weapons, indicating that the violence was clearly orchestrated in an attempt to stamp out the protests. Journalists and others have also recognised some of the pro-Mubarak supporters as plain clothed policemen. It is uncertain what role the military has played here, but it has so far not intervened. This appears to indicate that the generals are happy to let this situation continue and there have been some accusations that the military actually facilitated the entry of the pro-Mubarak forces into the square.
This appears to be a final throw of the dice by Mubarak to create as much disorder as possible and sow fear among the Egyptian population in a desperate attempt to hold on to power. It is unlikely to work. International condemnation at the turn of events is beginning to build momentum. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and others have condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters. Yet the US State Department is still calling on all sides “to show restraint and avoid violence”, adding that “Egypt's path to democratic change must be peaceful.” But it was peaceful until Mubarak’s thugs attacked the protesters. What has to happen before the US finally reins in Mubarak and calls for him to go?
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