Protesters Are Getting Killed in Egypt, As President's Son Flees the Country

It's not being reported much in the US, but Egypt is in turmoil after the event in Tunisia. (What event in Tunisia, you ask? Where's Tunisia? Oh boy.) Protesters want the Hosni Mubarak's regime of 30 years to end, just like Tunisians ended the 23-year rule of their president. They have taken to the streets, and things are getting dicey.

From Telegraph UK (by Samer al-Atrush in Cairo):

Egyptians call for Tunisian-style revolution in 'day of wrath'

Thousands of demonstrators calling for a Tunisian-style revolution in Egypt brought the centre of Cairo to a halt last night after a "day of wrath".

The anti-government protesters demanded President Hosni Mubarak to stand down as they descended on Tahrir Square in the city centre, clashing with police who fired plastic bullets, tear gas and water cannons to prevent them marching on parliament.

"Mubarak – Saudi Arabia is waiting for you," they chanted, a reference to the former Tunisian president Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali, who flew to the Saudi city of Jeddah in the face of anti-government protests 12 days ago.

The protest was the largest seen in Cairo for years, if not decades. Mr Mubarak, 82, has been in power for 30 years, even longer than Mr Ben Ali, who was ousted after an authoritarian 23-year rule.

He has not ruled out standing for re-election again this year, or passing on power to his son, Gamal.

There were also protests in Alexandria and Suez, where two people were killed.

Police normally stamp down quickly on dissent, but reacted calmly at first. "We are all Egyptians," said one senior officer.

But as protesters started hurling stones and stormed through barricades, police moved aggressively to contain them.

Many of those who took to the streets said they were first-time demonstrators, encouraged by the revolution in Tunis. "We should make a stand like men for once," said Akram Suleiman, 28, a lawyer.

In the meantime, Gamal Mubarak, the son of Hosni Mubarak who was widely seen as the successor to his father, fled to the UK with his family. (Joining other notable exiles like Russian oligarchs and ex-Pakistani president...)

Let's see if he has managed to grab some gold like the Tunisian president's wife did...

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