Midpress

‘Victory within reach of Egypt protesters’

... — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:28:20 +0000

Anti-government protesters take part in Friday Prayers at Liberation Square in Cairo February 4, 2011. The massive anti-government protests across Egypt are “gaining momentum” and will yield results in less than a week, says a professor at American University of Beirut.

Franklin Lamb told Press TV on Friday that the wave of protests indicates that embattled President Hosni Mubarak will inevitably have to give up power.

“I don’t think it will take another week of protests. Today, important developments occurred at Liberation square in Cairo. Arab League Secretary Amr Moussa showed up and joined anti-Mubarak protests. Also, Al-Azhar Spokesman Muhammad Rifaa al-Tahtawi has resigned and joined the protests. He has vowed not to leave Liberation Square until Mubarak’s regime is ousted,” Lamb said.

His comments came as Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa joined anti-Mubarak protests in Cairo’s Liberation Square.

Speaking on the possibility of running for president, the Arab League chief said, “I’m at the disposal of my country of course. But we will see the political developments.”

Moussa was quoted by France’s Europe 1 radio, as saying that he was “ready to serve as a citizen who has the right to be a candidate [for president].”

Meanwhile, several thousand troops have been deployed at key locations across Cairo.

The opposition has called Friday the ‘Day of Departure,’ saying the planned massive rally aims to force Mubarak into stepping down. Civil groups have also called for massive protests in Alexandria and Suez.

The developments come as the government continues its harsh crackdown on journalists and media to prevent news coverage of the rallies.

In a recent interview with ABC News, Mubarak said he is fed up with being president and would like to leave office but fears there will be chaos if he steps down.

He denied that his government was responsible for the violence in Cairo’s Liberation Square.

Vice President Omar Suleiman on Thursday described the calls for Mubarak’s resignation as calls for chaos.

Suleiman said the government has urged all parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood, to engage in national dialog.

The Muslim Brotherhood rejected the government’s offer in a statement released on Thursday.

Protesters have vowed to stand firm despite the deadly clashes that left several people dead and at least 1,500 others wounded in Cairo on Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday.

According to the United Nations, at least 300 people have so far been killed and thousands more have been injured during nationwide protests in Egypt.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the recent developments in North Africa are the result of the “Islamic awakening, which followed the great [Islamic] Revolution of the Iranian nation.”

The Leader also described Mubarak as the “lackey of the Zionist regime [of Israel].”

JR/HGH/MMN

EU warns Egypt against using force

... — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:23:58 +0000

European Union leaders have called on the incumbent Egyptian government to refrain from the use of violence against peaceful protestors.

From left, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte share a word during a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Feb. 4, 2011.

European Union leaders have called on the incumbent Egyptian government to refrain from the use of violence against peaceful protestors.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that Egyptian security authorities must guarantee “free and peaceful” protests.

“We expect the Egyptian security forces to take care, that free and peaceful demonstrations are possible on this decisive Friday,” Merkel said in Brussels.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also advised the Egyptian regime to refrain from any use of force against demonstrators, warning that such an action would cost President Hosni Mubarak further international credibility.

“Above all, the message is this: if we see on the streets of Cairo today state-sponsored violence or the hiring of thugs to beat up protesters, then Egypt and its regime would lose any remaining credibility and support it has in the eyes of the watching world, including Britain,” Cameron said.

EU’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, said it was essential that the Egyptian government and people “move forward together.”

Ashton’s remarks came as criticism had been leveled against her over her inaction on Egypt’s revolution. The senior EU official is expected to visit Cairo and ask President Mubarak to step down.

The European Union summit would likely call for an ‘orderly transition’ to a democratic government in Egypt, the Associated Press reported.

Millions of people have gathered in Cairo’s Liberation Square, which has been a focal point for demonstrators, as well as other cities for the eleventh consecutive day, chanting anti-government slogans, a Press TV correspondent reported.

The Egyptian opposition has called Friday the ‘Day of Departure,’ saying the planned massive rally aims to press Mubarak to relinquish power.

According to the United Nations, some 300 people have been killed and thousands of others have been injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in Cairo and other Egyptian cities.

The Leader also described Mubarak as the “lackey of the Zionist regime [of Israel].”

Iran a nation of varieties

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:47:15 +0000

Iran is the nation of varieties, both in nature and in people. While in the north Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan are usually rainy and full of jungles, Kerman, Sistan and Hormozgan are dry and have vast deserts. In west Iran you see huge chains of mountains with a cold wether. In the people aspect Iran is more various. While Azary Torks are majority in northwest, Persians are mostly in the center and south. Lurs and j Kourds are mainly in the west and Arabs are in Khouzestan.

Nowruz, an ancient celebration in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbayjan, Iraq …

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:05:47 +0000

Nowruz is an international celebration which is held in Iran, Azerbayjam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikestan, Turkmanistan … Nowruz is the first day of spring season the (20th of Mars). As the nature gets alive in spring, people celebrate this elegant event and congratulate to each other. They go to see friends and relatives. In Iran Noruz is the longest holiday and lasts for two weeks. Many people go travels. At the end in a special day called Sizdabedar all go to the green nature as an ancient tradition.

Palestine and Qods the matter of Unity and Devision for Muslims and Arabs

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:59:04 +0000

Israel ignoring intermational and natural laws, ousters Muslim Arabs and tries to make Qods a pure Zionist city. It is a clear situation both for unity and division for Muslim nations. They can get closer and put aside trival differences to defend themselves or they can overlook transparent reality and for trival prizes get closer to USA and Israel.
Some countries like Iran and Sirya have made definite decision tostand firmly. other countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia aren’t ready to make clear decision.

1100 words, a very good book on English vocabulary

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:13:42 +0000

I have read several good books on vocabulary such as 504 words and Essential words for TOEFL. They were very useful and I read them for several times.
Last week I bought 1100 Words which is in the advanced level and more difficult. The book has a simple structure devided in 55 sections, each section includes 20 new word for one week with well organised practices and enjoying texts. I have planned to finish the book in 55 days. At the end I will review it again.

Who should decide for Afghanistan?

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:40:10 +0000

Today many countries are involved in Afghanistan. It means the condition is very complicated. In one side neighbors like Pakistan and Iran have direct interests, in the other side western power which with the pretex of international terrorism have occupied it, seek their own benefits in Afghanistan. Taliban having a people base seeks its benefits. In the end stands the majority of Afghan people which should really stand at the center. Its the people and the real goverment that should dicide for Afghanistan.

Why Westerm powers prevent Democracy in Arab world

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:22:47 +0000

It may seem inacceptable for many people, but this a reality that western powers firmly block the way of democracy in Arab nations like Jordan, Saudi arabia, Kwait, Egypt, Bahrain … In fact western powers support the absolute Arab dictators to suppress democratic movements.
Why the west never supports democracy in Arab nations? Because they think democracy is against their economical and political interests. But dictator rulers can satisfy western interest. But in the long term they are wrong…

Two kinds of development for Muslim nations

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:59:35 +0000

Most sociologists of 19th century believed Nonwestern nations should copy western type of development and put aside thier own type of living including their cultures, economy and tradition and even language.
Today the above idea is absurd to most sociologysts. They believe native culture, language and economy is very essential for sustainable development. There is a unique way for the progress of each nation. Japan is a good example. Japan recieved western technology and combined it with native tradition.

Muslims will get united?

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:24:33 +0000

Today ideological and political differences has led Muslim nations in an ununited situation. We shouldnt ignore the role of super powers in hilighting differences.
Specially the existance of Israel with the strict support of the west has created huge tensions among Muslim and Arab nations. But these factor on the other side has provided a babkground for unity. Now the people and goverments have realized their enormous economical and political benefits to get really united and they moving toward unity.

Three views about Islam and democracy

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:36:37 +0000

Two group insist that Islam does not cope with democracy:
1. Radical Islamist group who believe demoracy is against Islamic rules. They say Islam comes from the God but democrcy is made by human wisdom, so they can not match each other
2. Anti Islam group who see Islam as pure superstitions which can not cope with the wisdom of democracy
Aside from these two groups, the moderates believe in compatibiliy between Islam and democracy they present examples for this copatibility in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan …

Iraq – the new nation, the new unity

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:26:53 +0000

Iraq has been at the center of news for about last ten years. With the collapse of Saddam power was distributed among many branches which were mainly supported by forigen forces. By means of democratic eletions gradually the people of Iraq are gaining independance. The three branches of Shia Suni and Kords are now trying to stablish a strong democracy and not allow forigners to decide their destiny.
Iraq is potentially a rich country with a huge amount o oil, water and a unique geographical location.

Pakistan, the struggle for democracy

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:51:34 +0000

The turbulant history of Pakistan has witnessed numorous and huge events. The most briliant is the recent struggle for democracy. After an honorable chalange against dictator Mosharaf the nation could stablish a true democracy. But democracy is not enough for progress. The poltical condition of the region, the economy and industry of Pakistan suffer complicated problem. But in her short history Pakistan has gained enough experince to overcome such problems.

Democratic Turkey an example for the muslim world

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:42:55 +0000

Turkey is the country which I like. Turkey has successfully combined modernism and tradition. With a good relatioship with neighbors, Turkey has a positive and active role in the region.

Elbaradei will win Egypt presidency

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:35:48 +0000

It is a strong wish for me as an Iranian and many other people in the world to see Elbaradei as the president of Egypt. I am sure in a true election he will win. his presidency will free Egypt of the dictatorship of Mobarak and maybe it will have a strong impact on the democracy trend in the Middle East and the Arab and Islam world.
Esfandiar Khodaee from Iran