Thousands of protesters in major Egyptian cities are now entering the fifth day of public demonstrations calling for the military leadership to step down. The streets of Cairo around Tahrir Square have been flooded with tear gas, as riot police and members of Egypt's military clash with protesters. The two sides have advanced and retreated, hurling stones, tear gas canisters, and other debris at each other, and security forces reportedly continue to fire rubber bullets and some live rounds into the crowds.
The international community has stepped up criticism of Egypt's military leaders, and has expressed anger at the violence used against the protesters. Human rights groups have now raised the estimated death toll to at least 38. The recent unrest has led to the resignation of the interim civilian government, but other concessions from Egypt's Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi have not satisfied the crowds who remain in the streets fighting what they see as an unfinished revolution.
An Egyptian riot police officer fires tear gas during clashes with protesters near Tahrir square in Cairo, on November 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) |
Click to read more »