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Egypt

Egypt: Massive Protest Building In Tahrir Square After Days Of Bloody Crackdown

Activists have called for a mass showing in Cairo's central square on Tuesday to call for the ouster of Egypt's military leadership. The Muslim Brotherhood, the country's largest opposition group, has said it will not participat

Two protesters in Tahrir Square on Monday (lilianwagdy)
Two protesters in Tahrir Square on Monday (lilianwagdy)

CAIRO - Crowds of protesters have taken to Tahrir Square since Tuesday morning in preparation for a massive demonstration to demand the military hand over power to civilians. Thousands spent the night in the square in central Cairo, which has been the focal point of protests since the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak in February.

A number of political groups called for a mass protest on Tuesday in Tahrir and other venues to urge the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to hand over power to a national salvation government.

Meanwhile, clashes between protesters and security entered their fourth day, with security forces stationed at streets leading to the Interior Ministry. The encounters started on Saturday when police forces forcibly evacuated a sit-in by people injured in the 25 January revolution. Protesters have been attacked with tear gas, shotgun pellets and live ammunition, which has led to at least 24 deaths, according to the Health Ministry.

While several major political groups announced their participation in Tuesday's demonstration, the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition group, said in a statement by its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, that it will not take part in any future protests to avoid provoking more tension.

Read the full story in Al-Masry Al-Youm

photo - lilianwadgy

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Geopolitics

D.C. Or Beijing? Two High-Stakes Trips — And Taiwan's Divided Future On The Line

Two presidents of Taiwan, the current serving president, Tsai Ing-wen, and her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang party, are traveling in opposite directions these days. Taiwan must choose whom to follow.

Photo of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, is traveling to the United States today. Not on an official trip because Taiwan is not a state recognized by Washington, but in transit, en route to Central America, a strategy that allows her to pass through New York and California.

Ma Ying-jeou, a former president of Taiwan, arrived yesterday in Shanghai: he is making a 12-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese authorities at a time of high tension between China and the United States, particularly over the fate of Taiwan.

It would be difficult to make these two trips more contrasting, as both have the merit of summarizing at a glance the decisive political battle that is coming. Presidential and legislative elections will be held in January 2024 in Taiwan, which could well determine Beijing's attitude towards the island that China claims by all means, including force.

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