Anti-Government Protests in Egypt
The uprising in Tunisia is inspiring mass demonstrations in Egypt — and while the Egyptian government is massively corrupt and brutal, the only real political alternative is the Muslim Brotherhood.
Police in Cairo are using tear gas and water cannon to try to quell rare anti-government protests.
Thousands have joined the protests after an internet campaign inspired by the uprising in Tunisia.
They are marching through Cairo and other areas chanting anti-government slogans, after activists called for a “day of revolt” in a web message.
Weeks of unrest in Tunisia eventually toppled President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali earlier this month.
Such protests are uncommon in Egypt, which President Hosni Mubarak has ruled since 1981, tolerating little dissent.