Klaid+and+Theo's+script.+Crisis+in+Egypt



SOME BACKROUND INFORMATION The **2011 Egyptian Revolution** (Arabic: ثورة ٢٥ يناير‎ //thawret 25 yanāyir//, Revolution of 25 January) took place following a popular uprising that began on 25 January 2011. The uprising, in which the participants placed emphasis on the peaceful nature of the struggle, took mainly the form of a campaign of civil resistance which featured a series of demonstrations, marches, acts of civil disobedience, and labor strikes. The campaign continued to be predominantly peaceful even after certain attacks on it. However, there were also some clashes characterized by uses of force on both sides - by security services and supporters of the regime of Hosni Mubarak on the one hand, and protestors on the other. The campaign took place in Cairo, Alexandria, and other cities in Egypt, following the Tunisian Revolution that saw the overthrow of the long time Tunisian president. Millions of protesters from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and religions demanded the overthrow of the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. On 11 February, Mubarak resigned from office following weeks of determined popular protest and pressure. Grievances of Egyptian protesters focused on legal and political issues__ [9] __ including [|police brutality] ,[|[10]] [|state of emergency] laws,[|[10]] lack of free [|elections] and [|freedom of speech] ,[|[11]] uncontrollable corruption,[|[11]] as well as economic issues including high unemployment,[|[12]] [|food price inflation] ,[|[12]] and low [|minimum wages] .[|[10]][|[12]] The primary demands from protest organizers are the end of the [|Hosni Mubarak] regime, the end of Emergency Law (martial law), freedom, justice, a responsive non-military government, and a say in the management of Egypt's resources.[|[13]] Strikes by [|labor unions] added to the pressure on government officials.[|[14]] As of 16 February, at least 365 deaths had been reported, and those injured number in the thousands. The capital city of Cairo was described as "a war zone,"[|[15]] and the port city of [|Suez] has been the scene of frequent violent clashes. The government imposed a [|curfew] that protesters defied and that the police and military did not enforce. The presence of Egypt's [|Central Security Forces] police, loyal to Mubarak, was gradually replaced by largely restrained military troops. In the absence of police, there was [|looting] by gangs that opposition sources said were instigated by plainclothes police officers. In response, civilians self-organised watch groups to protect neighbourhoods.[|[16]][|[17]][|[18]][|[19]][|[20]] International response to the protests was initially mixed,[|[21]] though most have called for some sort of peaceful protests on both sides and moves toward reform. Mostly Western governments also expressed concern for the situation. Many governments issued travel advisories and began making attempts at evacuating their citizens from the country.[|[22]] The Egyptian Revolution, along with Tunisian events, has influenced [|demonstrations] in other Arab countries including [|Yemen], [|Bahrain] , [|Jordan] and [|Libya]. Mubarak dissolved his government and appointed military figure and former head of the [|Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate] [|Omar Suleiman] as Vice-President in an attempt to quell dissent. Mubarak asked aviation minister and former chief of Egypt's Air Force, [|Ahmed Shafik], to form a new government. [|Mohamed ElBaradei] became a major figure of the opposition, with all major opposition groups supporting his role as a negotiator for some form of transitional unity government.[|[23]] In response to mounting pressure Mubarak announced he would not seek re-election in September.[|[24]] On 11 February, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that Mubarak would be stepping down as president and turning power over to the [|Supreme Council of the Armed Forces] .[|[25]] The junta, headed by effective head of state [|Mohamed Hussein Tantawi], announced on 13 February that the constitution would be suspended, both houses of parliament dissolved, and that the military would rule for six months until elections could be held. The prior cabinet, including Prime Minister [|Ahmed Shafik], would continue to serve as a caretaker government until a new one is formed.[|[26]] Shafik resigned on 3 March 2011, a day before major protests to get him to step down were planned; he was replaced by [|Essam Sharaf] , the former transport minister.[|[27]]

SOURCE: Wikipedia

(Reuters) - President Hosni Mubarak, clinging to power despite unprecedented demands for an end to his 30-year rule, met on Sunday with the powerful military which is widely seen as holding the key to [|Egypt]'s future. Mubarak held talks with Vice President Omar Suleiman, whose appointment on Saturday has possibly set the scene for a transition in power, Defence Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, Chief of Staff Sami al-Anan and other senior commanders.

An earthquake of unrest is shaking Mubarak's authoritarian grip on power and the high command's support is vital as other pillars of his ruling apparatus crumble, analysts said.

Egyptians faced lawlessness on their streets on Sunday with security forces and ordinary people trying to stop looters after five days of popular protest.

Through the night, Cairo residents armed with clubs, chains and knives formed vigilante groups to guard neighbourhoods from marauders after the unpopular police force withdrew following clashes with protesters that left more than 100 dead.

The capital's streets were mostly deserted, with the army guarding the Interior Ministry, and citizens putting their trust in the military, hoping they would restore order but not open fire to keep key U.S. ally Mubarak, 82, in power.

Amidst a heavy military presence, up to 4,000 people gathered in Tahrir Square, which has become a rallying point to express anger at poverty, repression and corruption in the Arab world's most populous nation.

"Hosni Mubarak, Omar Suleiman, both of you are agents of the Americans," shouted protesters, referring to the appointment of intelligence chief Suleiman as vice president, the first time Mubarak has appointed a deputy in 30 years of office.

It was the position Mubarak held before he become president and many saw the appointment as ending his son Gamal's long-predicted ambitions to take over.

"Mubarak, Mubarak, the plane awaits," demonstrators said.

Sunday is normally a working day in Egypt but banks and financial markets were shut. The bourse and the central bank said they would stay closed on Monday.

The unprecedented turmoil has sent shock waves through the Middle East, where other autocratic rulers may face similar challenges, and unsettled financial markets around the globe.

ARMY KEY TO EGYPT'S FUTURE

The protests bore many hallmarks of the unrest that toppled the leader of [|Tunisia] two weeks ago, although the arrival of army troops to replace the police showed that Mubarak still has the support of the military, the country's most powerful force.

Source: Reuters.com

=Making Sense Of U.S. Foreign Aid To Egypt And Elsewhere= Jan. 29 2011 - 2:10 pm | //7,864 views// | //0 recommendations// | //25// [|//comments//] By BRIAN WINGFIELD With Egypt in turmoil, it’s widely being reported that the United States gives $1.5 billion in foreign aid to the government in Cairo each year. And with the U.S. at risk of running a $1.5 trillion deficit this year, that means it’s only a matter of time before budget hawks start picking apart U.S. foreign aid. The $1.5 billion requested for Egypt in the president’s fiscal year 2011 budget puts the country fourth on the list of recipients for aid managed by the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development. Only Afghanistan ($3.9 billion), Pakistan ($3.1 billion) and Israel ($3 billion) have more aid requested for them. Most of the money for these four countries is allocated for “peace and security,” a broad category that includes combating drug traffickers and terrorists as well as preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In Egypt specifically, $1.3 billion of the requested amount this year is for “peace and security.” U.S. foreign aid has a variety of goals. Among them, lifting people out of poverty, promoting democracy and economic stability worldwide, and bolstering strategic alliances. According to the government’s user-friendly Web site, [|www.foreignassistance.gov], Uncle Sam doles out “more than $58 billion a year in foreign assistance through more than 20 agencies.” More than half of that, roughly $37 billion, is managed by the State Department and USAID. You may be surprised to learn that most countries outside of Western Europe, Canada and Australia get foreign aid from the U.S. This year the requested amount for Russia was $68.7 million. For China, it’s $12.9 million. A whopping $647.7 million has been allocated for Nigeria. Even $20 million is set aside for communist Cuba. Again, these figures are the //requested// amounts for 2011–[|Congress is still trying to figure out how much to spend during the current fiscal year]–and they only include aid to be managed by State and USAID. They don’t include money that finds its way into these countries through U.S. regional foreign assistance offices or offices that deal with specific issues like health or agriculture. Where does the money come from? Taxpayers, of course. But before you get entirely bent out of shape about your hard-earned cash being shipped off to Beijing or Havana, have a look at where it’s going, or at least where it’s supposed to be going. In Russia, for example, most U.S. foreign aid is used to promote democracy and human rights. In Cuba, all of it has been set aside for this purpose. In China and Nigeria, more than half of the requested budget for foreign aid to those countries is aimed at helping those countries fight HIV/AIDS. The U.S. foreign assistance budget for Israel is devoted entirely to security issues, but in Afghanistan it goes to a variety of projects, including education, infrastructure development and maternal and child health, as well as security. The classic criticism of foreign aid is that it ends up supporting corrupt or authoritarian regimes. That’s the question the Obama administration is going to have to sort out as the situation in Egypt evolves. However, from a purely budgetary perspective, it’s not much of an issue. Total U.S. foreign aid in 2010 was about 1.7% of the U.S. budget. By any measure, the $1.5 requested for Egypt this year–down from $1.8 billion in 2006–is a lot of money. But put it in perspective. As part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program in 2008, [|Uncle Sam invested $100 billion in Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo] collectively in order to prop up the financial sector. Earlier this week, Chevron [|reported earnings of $5.3 billion the last quarter of 2010 alone]. Does that mean budget hawks shouldn’t scrutinize the $1.5 billion that goes to Egypt, or any foreign assistance for that matter? Of course not. But for those serious about reducing the deficit, foreign aid is hardly the place to start. Instead, try entitlements. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid make up almost half of federal spending each year.


 * This is a related article, on the Us aid to Egypt throughout all these years and although it doesn't direclty relate to the topic, it is interesting to read and understand some of the real motives behind the crisis.**

TGJ Script Klaid Bushati and Theo Bulzan Our script will consist of 3 separate parts, all occurring throughout a time span of 30 years, starting from the point he took power to the point where he was forced to resign. The scenes will not be long, but clear and concise. The main point of each scene will be easily demonstrated and some fluidity will be created to join the separate scenes together. We will use a combination of both texts, to supply the necessary dialogue and information, and animation, because visual representation is always needed to get your idea across and also prevent the viewer from getting bored or sidetracked. To communicate our message, we will tell a story, told through the eyes of two men who are lived through the crisis, to better engage the audience to our cause. Hosni Mubarak seizes power The date is October 7, 1981. The assassination of President Sadat opens a brief window of opportunity for Hosni Mubarak, at this time being the vice-president of the Egyptian Government and the Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Air Force and the Deputy Minister of Defence. Mubarak promises reforms and change to the Egyptian people and a bright and prosperous future for the state of Egypt. The regime begins. //It is a hot day and everyone is sweltering under the extreme heat of the sun. The location is Cairo. The Egyptian residents are in the main square and the pyramids loom high on the horizon. Mubarak is on the podium, his fist shaking in the air, full of pride and confidence. The residents are energetic, everyone is hopeful. Meanwhile, as his speech is being carried out, two people are in a nearby cornerstone, chatting about the recent issues.//
 * Scene 1: **

Unrest among the people of Egypt The date is January 15, 1998. The majority of the people of Egypt are poor and desperate. Unemployment and crime are rampant everywhere and corruption is at an all time high. Mubarak and his “democracy” have successfully remained in power for 17 years and have crushed the opposition without mercy. Mubarak’s promises of prosperity and opportunity have fallen short and instead of helping the common people with new reforms, new worker’s laws, Mubarak and his government allow a massive influx of investment in privatisation of smaller companies, where the profit is directly routed to his government. In short, Mubarak and his officials get richer by the millions while the day by day, the money of the worker population is seeped little by little. Many people go bankrupt and are forced to abandon their business, their homes and in extreme case even their families. //We are in the same cornerstone that we were in 17 years ago. The only difference now is that the store has lost most of its appeal, there seem to be less people and merchandise looks as though it has been horribly maintained. The stone owner is reading the newspaper when suddenly a man comes in, tired and weary.//
 * Man One**: Do you believe all that he is saying? You really think that times are going to get better now?
 * Man Two:** I hope so. I’ve lived all of my life in poverty and I don’t want to anymore. I want to leave this place but if things change, I will take advantage of it. I want to prosper here, to let my business grow, but now, I barely have enough money to keep my business running.
 * Man One:** I wish everyone was as optimistic as you are.
 * Man Two:** All we can do now is wait and see.
 * Scene 2: **

The Revolution Begins The date is January 25, 2011 and widespread revolutions are taking place in Cairo and other Egyptian cities. The people are infuriated and are determined to overthrow the current dictatorship under Hosni Mubarak. The army is everywhere, tanks in almost every street, picket signs and poster to every man and woman. Tahrir square is overcrowded with protesters demanding change. // People are everywhere. Cairo is buzzing with newscasters from all over the world, The people have gotten together and rallied at Tahrir square with signs demanding change and condemning Mubarak and his policies. People of all ages are there, even children. Tanks and soldiers are everywhere and the planes roar in the sky. Everyone is yelling and screaming, this is a day to remember. //
 * Man One:** Wow, it really hot out there, everyone seems so agitated today.
 * Man Two:** Today? Try every day. You hear the news?
 * Man One:** Yeah, I’m thinking of leaving this country once and for all, I can’t bear it anymore. Did you know that cost of bread just rose again yesterday? This is just ridiculous. How has business been lately?
 * Man Two:** Do you really have to ask. I’m this close to shutting down, customers are few these days and with another child on the way, I just don’t know how I’m going to survive. Times these days are just too hard to manage, I guess we were wrong to put our faith in that leader of ours.
 * Man One:** You said it, anyways, I’ve got to go back to work see you tomorrow.
 * Man Two:** See you later.
 * Scene 3: Part I **

The Fighting Begins The protests have turned more violent. There is fighting everywhere between Anti-Mubarak protestors and the Army loyal to Mubarak. Killings are everywhere, the sounds of gunfire rampant in every corner of the city of Cairo. The situation has become desperate as Mubarak tries to control the already fractured situation. // Gunfire is everywhere. People are running back to their homes but most stay defiant to the cause and refuse to be pushed around by the army. Nearby in a local pub, people are gathering around a young man who was shot in the chest by a rifle from a soldier. He is bleeding heavily and the road soon becomes stained red by his blood. //
 * Man One: ** Hey, I got your call, I can’t believe this is actually happening.
 * Man Two: ** Believe it my friend, today is the day that everything changes. Today is the day that Mubarak and his regime falter. It is good that you came, we need everyone in this fight if we are to show to the world that we are here for a reason and we are determined.
 * Man One: ** Look at all these people, I can’t believe it. It seems to me that there are a lot of soldiers patrolling this area. Aren’t you scared that they’ll open fire?
 * Man Two: ** Please, this is just for show, they have no authority to open fire on civilians.
 * Man One: ** I guess you’re right. Don’t all these people have work?
 * Man Two: ** Are you crazy? This is more important. Today marks the beginning of the end of Mubarak’s regime.
 * Scene 3: Part II **

Peace at Last The date is February 11, 2011. International aid has come to Egypt to help its citizens and the International community has condemned Mubarak’s inhumane actions towards its citizens. It is on this day that Mubarak announced that he would resign from office and give his power to the military until a new government could be formed. This is the day that everyone protestor was fighting for. // The crowd in Tahrir square is roaring and cheering, people on top of tanks, happy that their victory had been achieved. //
 * Man One: ** I can’t believe they opened fire on us!
 * Man Two: ** Neither can I. I don’t know what to do. Should we go back to my shop and seek refuge there, or should we go back to the square?
 * Man One: ** I think we should lay down for a while until this chaos settles down for a bit.
 * Man Two: ** Good idea, Mubarak has gone mad! Firing on innocent people, is he crazy? I hope word gets out of what atrocities are being committed here.
 * Scene 3: Part III **

Here we will post the message, although we have not written it out yet. This will be shown right after the animation, with the message and contact information.
 * Man One: ** Can you believe it? We actually won!
 * Man Two: ** Yes, but let’s make sure that this time, democracy prevails and that our rights are met and our hard work is rewarded.
 * Man One: ** The future is bright.

** Message **

The deprivation of human rights still continues to be a major issue in modern day society. Although this issue has been tackled immensely over the past few years, it still continues to thrive in many countries around the world, but is more concentrated in underdeveloped countries. The Mubarak regime reigned terror and poverty on the people of Egypt fir nearly 3 decades, and as the common people worked day after day, simply to feed their families, Mubarak and his high officials were stealing the state’s income by the millions. Fortunately for the people of Egypt, the dictatorship was removed with little blood shed. What happens now? The Egyptian people finally have their chance to get on with their lives, and have a future that they can look forward too. Although the revolution is over, there are still problems to be faced and the help of the general public is needed.

If you are interested in helping out on this cause,

Please call: 1-800-123-9874

Or email: EgyptianHelpAid.org

Some links to Illustrate the horrors of this crisis

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