Egypt on alert after Israel embassy stormed in Cairo

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News 10 September 2011 Last updated at 09:28

Egypt has declared a state of alert as protesters remain on the streets of Cairo, following the storming of the Israeli embassy on Friday.

Security forces fired tear gas and drove armoured vehicles at protesters, who responded by throwing stones and petrol bombs. Hundreds were injured.

The protesters broke into the embassy building, entering consular offices and throwing out documents, officials said.

Hundreds of protesters remain near the embassy, burning tyres in the street, chanting slogans against Egypt's military rulers.



Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/14864411

[DrunkenBoat]

1. I'm surprised no one has commented on this story. As I said before.

It's a huge story with a lot of implications.

[Raschel]

3. I agree. It's huge alright. Everything is so in flux over there.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Is a functioning government in place in Egypt, an entity that can

control mobs, police, military? Or is the country a group of coalitions that contradict each other?

[bemildred]

4. No. It's a very weak government, and most likely it won't be around long. nt

[hollowdweller]

5. Can't Help But Think

That the new situation over there will be worse for relations between the 2 countries.

I mean that with the people having more power now the avererage person dislikes Israel more than the previous gov't did.

Israel will have to finesse their foreign policy more which will be hard when they are used to pretty much being a bull in a china closet. Egypt will have to really be careful that new anti Israeli elements in some of the islamic organizations there do not goad the country into war or escalating tensions with Israel because war would totally hurt the Egyptians chances for a more fair and vibrant economy just like it has for the US>

[EFerrari]

6. We paid Egypt off for years to get along with Israel.

The deal was with the regime, not with the people, as Jamal Dajani noted last night on Twitter. And it's not only or even mainly Islamic elements in Egypt that have a beef with Israel's Palestinian policy.

If the democratizing part of the revolution succeeds, Israel will be forced to make some changes.

[peacetalksforall]

7. Definitely. The decades of Mubarek and Israel was a leader level deal - the people

had not choice.

The way I heard it on NPR is that the protest was peaceful and a few broke off and started the destruction - which is typical in so many protests we're watching - the RNC Convention, the Economic forums.

Until anyone knows who was in the faction that broke away and started the detsruction there aren't many answers.

This is a very big deal.

The previous arrangements had a lot of funding behind it.

Now one of the partners is trying to freeze and 'acquire' the Mubarek share stashed away in various banks - to get their money back?

[wordpix]

9. in a democracy, people tolerate others' differences & make compromises

Israel is not the only one that needs to change; your statement about Israel being "forced to make some changes" is one-sided. Arab governments need to stop demonizing and scapegoating Israel for everything that is wrong in their countries ---THOSE are needed changes, too.

[EFerrari]

11. Israel will need to change its policy towards the Palestinians

Democracy does not compromise with or tolerate human rights abuses.

It is not scapegoating to hold the Israeli government responsible for its own behavior.

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. I guess another me war will be best

Nobody has been a saint, and that includes both Israel and Egypt.

But I guess a me war will improve prospects for everybody.

:sarcasm:

[Imajika]

10. You are quite correct...

What is going to be interesting is how this affects US policy going into an election year. If Israel is claiming to feel insecure, Republicans will leap to its defense. I wonder if President Obama will feel pressured to take a more bellicose position towards the Palestinian cause due to fears he could lose some favor with the American Jewish community (voting block) if he doesn't.

[leftynyc]

17. Got this email this morning

From: David Axelrod <[e-mail]>

Subject: Did you hear what Prime Minister Netanyahu said?

Date: September 12, 2011 11:28:24 PM EDT

Reply-To: [e-mail]




XXXXXX
\
You might have heard that late Friday night, protesters in Egypt attacked Israel's embassy in Cairo. President Obama called on Egypt this weekend to protect the embassy, and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer his support. I want to pass along what Prime Minister Netanyahu said about President Obama after the situation was resolved:


I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the United States, Barack Obama. I asked for his help. This was a decisive and fateful moment. He said, 'I will do everything I can.' And so he did. He used every considerable means and influence of the United States to help us. We owe him a special measure of gratitude.

As the President has always said, the bond between the United States and Israel is unbreakable -- forged by history and shared democratic ideals.

You can read the full report here -- then please pass this on.

Thanks,

David

David Axelrod
Obama for America

[Blue_Tires]

19. +1

[riderinthestorm]

8. This can't end well. An embassy is actually "sovereign territory". That the Eguptian military junta

allowed this to happen means there's even more tremendous (and terrible) upheaval that's going to erupt in the ME I fear.

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. We may end up in another me war

But I guess those who defend this crap will be happy...

[christx30]

14. That's a good point...

citizens of one country invaded the sovereign territory of another country with the tacit approval of the ruling government. That can't be good from a diplomatic standpoint. Israel could make a stink about this. Maybe a blockade of Egyptian ports if they are feeling adventurous. Calling for sanctions against Egypt in the UN. Lots of things open to them at this point.

[Raschel]

15. I agree.

[razorman]

16. I fear that this is going to escalate. What if Israelis attack the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv,

in retaliation, for instance?

[totodeinhere]

18. I'm more worried about the IDF retaliating. n/t.

[razorman]

20. I am less concerned about them, myself. The IDF is at least an offical armed force, with some

national control. Fortunately, we have not seen much in the way of uncontrolled mob violence from the Israelis, as we do from the Palestinians. I think this may be because, in large part, the Israeli citizens depend on their army to protect them. It will be a terrible day indeed, if the Israeli people give up on that, and start to retaliate with private rockets, suicide bombers, etc.