In a nutshell, what the hell is happening in Egypt?

[Darth_Kitten]

So many threads, and I've been taking a mini-break from the News.

What are the riots about?

[woo me with science]

1. This might help.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x299337

[Darth_Kitten]

10. Thanks...

I'll have to admit, I'm no expert on Middle Eastern affairs. :( Not even close.

[woo me with science]

14. Never apologize for not knowing something,

especially when you are asking questions to learn. :hi:

[Darth_Kitten]

23. Thanks, it's been a bad week. A few migraines...hard to know where to even start...

then boom, riots in Egypt and I just wanted to know why. ;)

[EFerrari]

22. These events are a good way to learn a lot quickly.

:)

[Darth_Kitten]

24. Well, DU is always great to get the basics, and then some.

:D

[quinnox]

2. its all over the news

it isn't hard to find out by taking a glance at any internet news site.

[Darth_Kitten]

8. Yes, but almost too much "info"....I want to know what it's really all about.

:)

[PaddyBlueEyes]

3. Simply put

The people are fed up with the economic conditions for the lower and lower middle classes. Couple that with an autocratic regime that has not held a "fair" election in 30 years and you have the makings of a populist revolution. This is not Iran of the 1970's, this is, for the most part, a secular revolution led by the young.

[katnapped]

6. Does that sound like anyplace familiar?

BUELLER? BUELLER?

[blondeatlast]

7. That;'s a very nice, succinct overview right ther.

:thumbsup:

[Darth_Kitten]

9. Good for them.

:)

[jody]

4. We the People of Egypt are exercising their right to replace a government that no longer serves them

[Darth_Kitten]

11. I do admire people when they take to the streets.

:)

[ChairmanAgnostic]

5. 20 years of ham-handed repression

by an ultraconservative, but not fanatic (in religious beliefs) who spied on the people, and never hestitated arresting and beating up those who dared stand up to the government.

[Darth_Kitten]

Thanks!

:)

[ChairmanAgnostic]

16. from egyptian friends I have, his first 10 of 30 yrs

were welcome and effective. Progress was made, pride and jobs were growing, the quality of life rising.
Since those first years, things stagnated

[Cleita]

12. They are having a revolution.

If it succeeds and they are able to establish a new government remains to be seen.

[Baclava]

13. The slaves are revolting - a Pharaoh's worst nightmare

Bottom line, get ready for $5 a gal gas.

...and hope we don't come down on the wrong side of the Arab street

[customerserviceguy]

17. I was predicting $5 a gallon gas for the 4th of July

even before the Egyptian protests, now I've upped that to $6.

[blindpig]

15. Unemployment, soaring food prices, repressive regime...

in other words, global capitalism.

[BOG PERSON]

18. they're angry about the lack of islam

they want more islam and mubarak was unable to provide that

[entanglement]

20. I've read your posts on Egypt and you've been either outright abusive or spinning as maliciously

as you can. What is your agenda?

[sufrommich]

21. lol, what????

[blaze]

25. Huh? nt

[woo me with science]

26. Well, that's certainly what Iran is saying.

:eyes:

[purrFect]

19. these aren't 'riots' these are protest's over an oppressive dictatorial regime, robbing the people

the current global economic crisis brought about by institutional and widespread corruption, and the collusion of the elites against their own people exposed by wikileaks, has pushed the people into the streets.

people are fed up the world over, and this will just continue to spread, and eventually reach our shores as well.