Pro-Reform Activists Rally Across Egypt
By SARAH EL-DEEB, AP writer
It's hard to believe that so many Americans will take little pride in watching the increased cry for democracy and elections in the Middle East. Watch and see... inevitably the anti-Iraqi action left will vehemently deny that our intervention planted the seed for freedom in the region.
Yet could there be any doubt? The domino effects have been nothing short of breathtaking.
The organizers said they were pleased that the protest had spread from Cairo, where they've held numerous protests during the past five months. "We are expanding to cover all of Egypt," said Amin Iskandar, a leader of the group, Egyptian Movement for Change.
The group has been unappeased by government proposals to open the presidential election process to more than one candidate and held a series of protests since December, calling for an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 24-year rule, the repeal of emergency laws that give security forces broad powers, and pro-democratic reforms.
Under internal and U.S. pressure, Mubarak earlier this year asked parliament to adopt a constitutional change that would open up this fall's presidential election. Previously Egyptians voted 'yes' or 'no' for one candidate, nominated by parliament.
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