Egypt News and Discussion

[shivanigupta]

Having trouble digesting the Egypt unrest? Not sure about the latest events and why they matter? Or just curious to learn more about Egypt in general? You have ve come to the right place.


What is Going On In Egypt?

Protests started on Tuesday, January 25, when -- inspired by the successful revolution in Tunisia -- thousands began taking to the streets to protest poverty, rampant unemployment, government corruption and autocratic governance of President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled the country for 30 years. These were the first protests on such a large scale in Egypt since the 1970s.

The protesters have said that they were inspired by the successful revolution in Tunisia, which ousted authoritarian President Ben Ali. Since the protests began, there have been similar protests in Yemen, and Jordan has been mentioned as another possible target for popular protests.It is young people, angry at the lack of economic opportunity available to them, who are risking their lives going up against police forces.

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Facts About Egypt

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Established in 3100 B.C., Egypt today has a population of approximately 79 million. Its people speak Arabic and 99% are Egyptian. The country staged its first modern revolution in 1919 and established independence in 1922. Continued instability due to remaining British influence led to a second revolution in 1952 and the creation of the Egyptian Republic in 1953.

Egypt has been a key ally of America in the Middle east region since the 1970's, and is currently the second highest recipient of U.S. foreign aid (after Israel).

Hosni Mubarak stepped down as President

Celebrations in EGYPT
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Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has finally stepped down and handed power to the military. It comes after more than two weeks of mass uprisings in the EGYPT.

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EGYPT IS FREE
Egypt crisis is resolved
11/2/11
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For 18 days, Thousands of anti-Mubarak protesters gathered in Tahrir Square calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, 30 years in power. They had been acting out of passion for their country and dedication for change. They had protested and waited for a response. The response came in an address from Mubarak to the country and his people. Mubarak would not step down. Then almost miraculously, on the eighteenth day of protests, Vice President Omar Suleiman made a very brief statement on state television. Mubarak had stepped down. The crowds erupted "Egypt is free!" "Egypt is free!"

Official confirmation of his departure came at 9.30 pm India time when an ashen-faced Omar Suleiman, Vice President and longtime intelligence chief, in a statement on state-run Nile TV, said: “My fellow citizens, in view of these hard circumstances that the country is facing, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down as President of the Republic and has asked the higher council of the armed forces to run the affairs of the country.”

SOURCE : Egypt is Free

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[Idiotbox]

this is something very strange situation seen in egypt yet good for their people asking the president to step down. i think such methods should be adopted if the people do not like the government and when is not willing to step down. such stands must be taken by every nations people if the government is not responding to their grievances.

 

[neelimaroja]

Its really very weird situation seen in egypt. I think such methods should be adopted by the people. Its not wrong and these steps must be taken by every nations people if the government is not responding about their complaints.

 

[manish.pawar]

Impact of Egypt crisis on India

India has had close historical , Friendly and civilizational contacts with Egypt. During the Jawaharlal Nehru- Nasser era both countries had exceptionally close relations. India has enjoyed close cooperation with the Husna Mubarak regime since he came to power. Egypt is the one of the largest country in terms of population in the Arab League, with around 75% of the total population under the age of 40 and with a literacy rate of 71%. This makes Egypt an important country with Youth , skilled and well educated work force.

Player in international organizations; therefore, any regime that comes to power in Egypt would like to keep close relations with India. In case the situation goes out of control, which is unlikely, there may be a temporary gap in political ties till things settle down. From India’s point of view, there will be serious implications if the Egyptian unrest spreads to the Arab world where India has higher stakes. An important concern for India is the 3600 people of Indian origin living in Egypt. Some 2200 members of Indian community are in Cairo. India has already evacuated 300 people from there.

Further, Egypt’s strategic location along the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal provides it a significant advantage vis-à-vis bilateral trade and tourism. In the economic arena Egypt remains an important partner of India. India has been among the top five importers of Egyptian products since 2005. The trade balance has been in favor of Egypt since 2001-02 except in 2004-05. Exports from India to Egypt have been increasing over the years. It increased to $ 1.3 billion during 2009-2010 from 1.29 billion in 2008-09. Total trade declined from $3.42 in 2007-08 to 2.46 in 2008-09 and then increased to $2.7 billion during July-May 2010. In terms of investments, India has a total investment of about $2billion in about 40 projects and Egyptian investment in India is about US$ 30 million.

Egypt has 3.5 per cent of Africa’s proven oil reserves which makes it an important country for India. Oil discoveries in the offshore waters of Egypt have immense potential. GAIL, Reliance Industries, and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation are key players in the natural gas and petroleum sectors of Egypt. In the manufacturing sector Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto and Aditya Birla Group in real estate and construction sectors are some of the important Indian companies having stakes in the country. Any instability in Egypt will have an adverse impact upon Indian companies involved there. A peaceful transition will provide continuity. Any increase in oil prices due to the instability in the country will also have implications for India.

First, the sharp rise in Brent crude will affect India because Brent has 32 per cent weightage in the Indian crude basket. The Indian crude basket is hovering at a much lower $94 per barrel currently. But that is five per cent more than the price in December when the average price of the Indian basket was $89.78 per barrel. On January 31, PSU oil firms hiked jet fuel prices by 4.5 per cent, the biggest hike in almost a year, on the back of spiraling international oil prices.

source : IDSA

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The Egyptian crisis reflects a major shift in the Arab world. The impact of the crisis is such that Yemeni President Saleh has announced that he will not contest the next election in 2013.For his part, the Jordanian King has appointed a new Prime Minister. India at this point in time will have to adopt a cautious and well calibrated policy towards Egypt.India is carefully monitoring the wave of protests sweeping North Africa.

Intelligence experts have warned of copy cat effect on Jammu and Kashmir

What we are witnessing in West Asia and North Africa at present is a fundamental shift in the very foundations of the regional political order. The mass protests in Egypt and earlier in Tunisia signal the disgruntlement and dissatisfaction of people with authoritarian regimes that have ruled over them for decades; what the people want is a democratic system. In this environment, as a democratic nation, India needs to back the peaceful transition acceptable to the people of Egypt.

 

[R2India]

there is major crisis going on in the arab countries. even counties like libiya and syria are facing crisis like the egypt. i think the respective presidents should step down and make peace in the their nations. when whole together nations are standing against their governments, it become imperative that the presiding men should give away their powers and step down.