Egypt: Revolution's Not Over, Army Attacks Protestors

Global Voices

One month after a revolution began to demand political reform, Cairo's Tahrir Square was again the scene for bloody violence as the Egyptian army moved to quash continued protests for civilian rule.

Two weeks since the ouster of dictator Hosni Mubarak, Egypt remains grappled in a tug of war between protester demands for immediate democratic reform and a potent military refusing to cede power.

The use of force by the Army on thousands of peaceful protesters yesterday is a stark contrast from several weeks ago, when the Army appeared to be sympathetic towards public calls for Mubarak's resignation.

Citizen journalists from Cairo reported on Twitter that the army beat protesters with clubs and electric prods, and had sexually abused women.

Yesterday's violent confrontation suggests that patience on all sides is wearing thin, as protestors become increasingly frustrated at the military's reluctance to implement promised democratic reform.

It is also clear that, although Mubarak is no longer ruler, the army-backed political system that empowered his dictatorship for 30 years remains largely intact.

Egypt's revolution has entered a new phase as reform efforts are now aimed at reducing the military's role in political affairs. Protestors may be in for a long fight as the violent suppression of protests yesterday reveal an Army determined to hold onto its influence in the volatile country.