The issues in Tunisia, Lebanon, and Egypt differ, but yesterday anger boiled over in all three countries as grievances were brought to the streets.In Tunisia, where protests have already overthrown President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, continued demonstrations sought to depose his allies still in their positions. Meanwhile Tunisia's interim government has issued an international arrest warrant for the former president and members of his family.
In Lebanon, Sunni supporters of ousted Prime Minister Saad Hariri took to the streets in a "day of rage", burning tires and blockading roads in Tripoli and Sidon.
It was in Egypt where the most dramatic events unfolded as the largest protests in a generation rocked Cairo. Demonstrators, many inspired by events in Tunisia, called for an end to nearly 30 years of rule by President Hosni Mubarak.
Protesters in Egypt Defy Ban as Government Cracks Down
By KAREEM FAHIM and LIAM STACK
Protesters marched against President Hosni Mubarak for the second straight day. In Suez, protesters set fire to a government building.
Photographs
Egypt's Young Seize Role of Key Opposition to Mubarak
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and MICHAEL SLACKMAN
Hosni Mubarak's traditional foes have been displaced by the leaderless tens of thousands of young Egyptians who turned out this week to demand an end to his 30-year rule.
I'm at first, very excited to see pro-democracy boom in the Middle East (whoa, isn't that what George Bush said we were fighting for over there, and EXACTLY what would happen if we took out Sadam?!) My hesitation to get really super excited is that, well, who's to say they won't 'elect' a crazy imam to replace their totalitarian masters?
Of course, this author is quick to note that the GOP has backed crazy imams (Pat Robertson, Mike Huckabee) too!
Eh, screw it: Viva Revolution!
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