Last weekend's 6th of October holiday went pretty much as expected: celebrations mixed with violence. The day in honor of the Armed Forces got the mixed response as those in favor of the military's actions in July to remove President Mohamed Morsi were filling Tahrir Square and other places where the military was applauded as they put on aerial shows with fighter jets and helicopters. Meanwhile, the security forces in Egypt were busy keeping routes to Tahrir and other meeting places secure, preventing pro-Morsi/anti-military marches from reaching those meeting points in order to prevent chaotic and violent confrontations that could erupt between the two groups of competing ideals. The security forces (largely police) fired tear gas volleys, and even small caliber ammunition fire as these demonstration marches attempted to converge on various points throughout Egypt -- as a result, 53 people died and many more were injured, and many were arrested for either acting or attempting to incite violence.
There were also reports through Twitter on Sunday of journalists trying to cover the events of the clashes between marchers and security forces, either being arrested by security forces or beaten by the crowds--or both. I've posted a sample of some of those tweets here. I've read reports in other countries in which someone who was being beaten was actually taken into custody for their own protection, treated, and released--I'm sure there's also some questioning that takes place, but I'm sure anyone would prefer to be answering an interrogation rather than being beaten by a mob.
The Monday after, October 7, saw attempted strategic attacks from militant groups. Eight army officers were killed in two separate attacks further east near the Sinai canal and Sinai where ongoing attacks have been the norm; but the unexpected came with two RPGs (rocket-propelled grenade) fired at a large satellite dish in Maadi, the district south of Cairo where we live. The large compound in Maadi hosts dozens of satellite dishes of various sizes which serve a variety of purposes from television to communications. The militant group claiming responsibility posted a video on YouTube - you can see the video and read the description of its content at this news link - though a large black spot is visible on the dish (see picture here from the linked article), we have seen reported elsewhere that the hole created in the dish is only 25 centimeters! This gives you an indication of how large and stout these enormous dishes are.
Though damage was caused, there was little to no disruption in the ability of the dish to perform its services; however, the unsettling fact remains that RPGs were used in Maadi. This is not the first such attack in Cairo, as a police station was targeted in August. There have been an ongoing discovery and disarmament of bombs throughout Cairo, most disturbingly along the Metro public transportation system--the military and police have been able to discover these and safely remove these without incident to this point. Some in the Twittersphere have poorly joked that such failed explosive devices are actually a benefit of Egypt's recently reported poor education system. The increased incidence of explosive devices and use of RPGs in Cairo is not being viewed as a laughing matter by the military and Ministry of Interior, and they have increased security at checkpoints on route to the international airport, and are considering increased measures at key tourist sites among other areas.
The weekly demonstrations have decreased in numbers, but are actually increasing in frequency. It used to be that everyone could expect a demonstration after Friday prayers, but the curfew that began in July enabled the security forces to keep people from mass gatherings. When the curfew was relaxed (after 11:00 pm each night, except for Fridays where it remains 7:00 pm), demonstrators simply changed their weekly protests to new days. Sundays have become the new weekly day of protest, which has led to renewed interruption of our Sunday evening worship; but then, Tuesdays were also added as a day of protest. Why Tuesdays? Some think that it is because the January 25, 2011 Revolution was a Tuesday--and the demonstrators have been stating that their views are consistent with and the same fight as the original revolution that toppled Mubarak.
So, we've come through another eventful Sunday, and actually a rather quiet Tuesday compared to Monday's events. So, what's next?
Eid is next, which means we're actually all in store for a break from the chaos and calamity of the past several weekends. Last year, I wrote on the blog about this annual remembrance, feast and celebration of the Muslim's interpretation of Abraham being tested to sacrifice his son. This is a unique and festive time in the Middle East and, as I said, we can all use the break from what has been happening, so it comes at a good time.
Thank you for your continuing interest and prayers. We remain safe and continue to find joy in each day's service to this region. We have now lived here more than 21 months and we look forward to many more, Lord willing, and with your help and encouragement.
There were also reports through Twitter on Sunday of journalists trying to cover the events of the clashes between marchers and security forces, either being arrested by security forces or beaten by the crowds--or both. I've posted a sample of some of those tweets here. I've read reports in other countries in which someone who was being beaten was actually taken into custody for their own protection, treated, and released--I'm sure there's also some questioning that takes place, but I'm sure anyone would prefer to be answering an interrogation rather than being beaten by a mob.
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| This pic appears in the linked news article describing the video posted by the group who claim responsibility for the attack (photo: AP) |
Though damage was caused, there was little to no disruption in the ability of the dish to perform its services; however, the unsettling fact remains that RPGs were used in Maadi. This is not the first such attack in Cairo, as a police station was targeted in August. There have been an ongoing discovery and disarmament of bombs throughout Cairo, most disturbingly along the Metro public transportation system--the military and police have been able to discover these and safely remove these without incident to this point. Some in the Twittersphere have poorly joked that such failed explosive devices are actually a benefit of Egypt's recently reported poor education system. The increased incidence of explosive devices and use of RPGs in Cairo is not being viewed as a laughing matter by the military and Ministry of Interior, and they have increased security at checkpoints on route to the international airport, and are considering increased measures at key tourist sites among other areas.
The weekly demonstrations have decreased in numbers, but are actually increasing in frequency. It used to be that everyone could expect a demonstration after Friday prayers, but the curfew that began in July enabled the security forces to keep people from mass gatherings. When the curfew was relaxed (after 11:00 pm each night, except for Fridays where it remains 7:00 pm), demonstrators simply changed their weekly protests to new days. Sundays have become the new weekly day of protest, which has led to renewed interruption of our Sunday evening worship; but then, Tuesdays were also added as a day of protest. Why Tuesdays? Some think that it is because the January 25, 2011 Revolution was a Tuesday--and the demonstrators have been stating that their views are consistent with and the same fight as the original revolution that toppled Mubarak.
So, we've come through another eventful Sunday, and actually a rather quiet Tuesday compared to Monday's events. So, what's next?
Eid is next, which means we're actually all in store for a break from the chaos and calamity of the past several weekends. Last year, I wrote on the blog about this annual remembrance, feast and celebration of the Muslim's interpretation of Abraham being tested to sacrifice his son. This is a unique and festive time in the Middle East and, as I said, we can all use the break from what has been happening, so it comes at a good time.
Thank you for your continuing interest and prayers. We remain safe and continue to find joy in each day's service to this region. We have now lived here more than 21 months and we look forward to many more, Lord willing, and with your help and encouragement.
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