February 11, 2011

Violent protests in Egypt affecting Iowans

The concept of democracy in western Asia is different than western states like the U.S. Wiig said. Egypt and the Mubarak administraGlobal crisis has risen tion are more pro-western, like in Egypt over the past three Iraq and Jordan, than a pure weeks in response to the democratic state. current president, Hosni Egypt is a special conMubarak. This revolution cern because it is the only affects Egyptians, Arabs and Arabic state to officially have is now hitting America. a peace deal with Israel. This The uprising began on Jan. peace deal was established in 17, when a man lit himself 1947 after a war and a shift in on fire outside Egypts parlia- power, Wigg said. ment in protest of the governSince Jan. 25, marches ment, according to Associated have been held everyday in Press (AP). Cairos Tahrir Square. It has On Jan. 25, thousands been nearly impossible for marched across Egypt to let protesters to organize rallies their voices be heard in protest after cell phone and Internet of Mubaraks 30-year reign. usage was cut on Jan. 28. It Young people, who are not was then restored by Mubarak only protesting the president, on Feb. 2 to try to slow the but the unemployment rate, uprising. According to CBS high food prices and repres- news, until Mubarak is out sive government, started the of office, the Egyptian people rebellion. In Egypt, a large will continue to protest with number of violence. college-eduAljazeera cated youth News reportjoined the ed Mubarak rebellion, refuses to step It looks like according down. After to Aljazeera M u b a r a k s the situation News. c a b i n e t will become Douglas stepped down under Wiig, profeson Jan. 29, he sor of politihired a new control,but cal science at vice president you just Grand View, and premier. said this event never know. On Jan. 31, he was waiting to filled the rest happen. The of his cabinet. Douglas Wiig 30-year reign According professor of political of Mubaraks to United science government N a t i o n s has been reports, over a stable dictator democracy 300 people have been killed in Egypt. The economy and in the protests and thousands employment rate has declined have been injured. in the past decade. CBS news reported last
STAFF WRITER

Kevin Waldron

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.12 Feb. 4, up 5.4 cents just in one week. Analysts expect prices to stay above $3 a gallon, and most likely go higher until the conflict in Egypt is resolved and Mideast tensions ease. Oil prices hovered around $90 a barrel last week. Some predict the Egyptian crisis will lead to $100-a-barrel prices soon.

SOURCE: OIL PRICE.NET

week Mubarak ordered the use of heavy artillery to get the non-peaceful protesters under control. On Feb. 1, the antigovernment leaders ordered a march of over 1 million citizens in Cairo, calling it the day of departure. Men, women and even children are involved in the fight against the government. In a press conference on Feb. 3, President Obama said, We understand what peace and stability is, and we understand what uncertainty and instability bring to the global economy and to the global economic recovery. Egypt is the top ally to the U.S. and Arab world. Wiig said, It looks like the situation will become under control, but you just never know.

According to Wiig, the Obama administration is trying to help Mubarak make a smooth transition of power. Even though the U.N. has stepped in, he said it would be up to the people to make the transition. Wiig said it is unknown at this time who will take control of the government, but the two main groups trying are the anti-government groups and the Arab Brotherhood. According to a White House press release, the Obama administration is urging Mubarak to not use violent force on the people and try to come up with a plan to change power and give people more freedom. The condition of Egypt is affecting Iowa also. The main concern for people in

the U.S. is higher fuel prices. According to Oil-Price.net, crude oil has jumped over $14 dollars per barrel in the past two weeks. The nation is sitting at the highest fuel prices since 2008. Egypt is also affecting the stock market throughout the world. Last week the Dow Jones dropped over 150 points, according to NYSE.com I do not see the U.S. military getting involved in peacekeeping unless things get really bad, Wiig said. But Egypt is vital to the U.S. interests in the Arab world. J. Scott Carpenter, a former aid to George W. Bush, told the Associated Press, The longer the situation winds on, the more dangerous it becomes for American foreign policy.

Timeline of events
Jan. 17 A man lit himself on re outside of Egypts parliament in protest of the government. Jan. 27 Security forces ood central Cairo to try to stop the protests. Protesters are met with deadly force. Jan. 29 32 Egyptians are killed as protesters step-up violence against the government, Mubaraks Cabinet resigned. Mubarak hired a new rst vice president and new premier. Jan. 31 The Egyptian government unveiled a new Cabinet. However, most seats remain unchanged. Feb. 2 Rage and violent clashes continued in central Cairo. Up to 1,500 people were injured, at least three deaths were reported. Cell phone and Internet usage was restored. Feb. 4 Egyptians protest again on Cairos Tahrir Square calling it the Day of Departure in hopes that Mubarak will nally step down. Feb. 6 A dialogue round is underway among other Arab nations to discuss how serious the situation is to get it under control and to meet the demands of the people.

Jan. 25 Thousands marched a crossed Egypt to let their voices be heard in protest of Mubaraks 30-year reign in what has been called a democracy.

Jan. 28 Again, clashes between police and Egyptians cause deaths, at least 62 are killed. Mubarak imposed a dusk-todawn curfew. Internet and cell phone connections shut o to the country.

Jan. 30 Mubarak met with military command to examine situation to try to get under control.

Feb. 1 More than 1 million protesters marched on the capital and Alexandria. Mubarak said in a television statement he will not run for re-election, but still refuses to step down. U.S. President Barack Obama said in a speech, he praised the Egyptian military for their patriotism and for allowing peaceful demonstrations. He said that only the Egyptian people should determine their leaders.

Feb. 3 Government automatic weapons were starting to be used at the will of Mubarak. At least ve people died.

Feb. 5 United Nations report at least 300 people have been killed since the violence started. Terrorists attacked Israel-Egypt gas pipeline in northern Sinai.

GRAPHIC BY BROOKE CURRY