Friday April 19th, 2024
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Countdown to Chaos

Once again, clashes have erupted at Cairo University, as Students Against the Coup fight with security forces. Eihab Boraie reports from the scene.

Staff Writer

Countdown to Chaos

Clashes have erupted again at Cairo University, in what is becoming almost a weekly routine. A rally by SAC (Students Against the Coup) reached fever pitch, as activists set fires and smashed concrete to provide further throwing ammunition.It was unclear if all the protesters were Morsi supporters, but what was clear is that everyone there was looking to spread general chaos.

With the bang of a drum, protesters marched towards the security forces until they were met with a flurry of tear gas. Once the streets were engulfed in tear gas, the protesters would retreat until they were able to catch their breath and the smoked cleared. Then, the drum would bang again and the protesters would return to marching.

At one point, there seemed to be people joining in to help security forces throwing rocks at the other protesters, side by side with the police. There seemed to be no end game as the action continued back and forth. 

The one thing noticeably different than at previous clashes was there was considerable less security forces then previous clashes at Cairo University. In the past, the security forces seemed to be kettling protesters; this time there was plenty of ways of escaping the clashes, but those who were involved didn't look to be interested in leaving. That being said, the day is still young.

As the country pretends to move on, these clashes will continue with some regularity. There is still a lot to be angry about, but I am unsure that this is the way to move forward. The numbers aren't there and won't be unless a major massacre happens at the hands of security forces. Maybe that is their intention, but then again no one was willing to speak about what they were doing there, just that they felt they needed to be there.

With no figurehead representing the group, it is hard to understand what they want to see happen. There is a larger debate to have about whether the country is moving in the right direction, however that conversation won't be happening on the streets, unless people start writing their demands on the rocks they throw. Even then, it isn't likely that they will be heard or met.

If they are looking to protest, then their best bet is voting 'no' in the constitutional referendum this week, because let's be frank, a majority of Egyptians don't care about clashes any more, they would rather get on with living, and if they aren't happy, then they will let the government know about it by using the power of their vote and not their fists. 

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