Unfortunately, the journalists cannot see what would be the best outcome of all this: The protest plays out, the military remains the power behind the throne, but real honest to God elections are allowed in September (for the first time since the early Post WWII era). If the Muslim Brotherhood (which may account for a maximum of 20% of the vote as things now stand) becomes violent, and pushes more street demonstrations, it would be banned from the September elections. Now, as has been the case since the early nineteen fifties, the military is the key.
I think part of the issue is
wasn’t Mubarak stepping aside in September anyway?
wasn’t Gamal, his son, running in September?
That is how I understood things and Gamal was anticipating taking over where his father left off.
For this reason I can understand why the protesters don’t want to agree to elections under the old dictator, but I don’t think they understand completely what they are trading in for the new regime.
This is just so ultimately sad for the people.
Good point.