Protestors in Cairo finally hit their tipping point after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak named a vice president, Omar Suleiman - the first to be appointed since Mubarak took office nearly thirty years ago. Frustration has been building for several years about Mubarak's reign, which most Egyptians see as corrupt, heavy-handed, and neglectful of increasing poverty. Protestors were enraged at their president's move, which they see as an attempt to set up a successor (Hadid). .
Since the announcement, Cairo has been engulfed in chaos. Looting and lawlessness ran rampant through the streets. Many residents are boarding up their homes to protect against thugs roaming the streets with sticks, knives, and guns. The headquarters of Mubarak's party was burned down, as well as many other buildings. Despite the night curfew ruled into favor at the beginning of the chaos, protestors continue their sieges well into the night. Although police have been released to control the chaos, protestors are attacking them also. Many Egyptians held a previously formed opinion of the police and their brutality. Close to twenty police stations were burned to the ground while protestors stole firearms and ammunition and inmates escaped (Hadid). .
Protestors not only disagree with Mubarak's appointment of a vice president, but they want to see him gone as well. "What we want is for Mubarak to leave, not just his government. We will not stop protesting until he goes," said Mohammed Mahmoud, a protestor in the city's main Tahrir Square. Although tanks were deployed to Tahrir Square, no reports have surfaced about clashes between the army and the protestors. In fact, many feel as though the army is siding with them. One army captain joined the demonstrators, who hoisted him up on their shoulders while the captain ripped a picture of the president. "We don't want him! We will go after him! Those who love Egypt should not sabotage Egypt!" the demonstrators shouted (Hadid).
