Breaking BBCWorld: Army prepared to fire on Pro-Mubarak 'Goons'

[jannyk]

No link - they are discussing it now on the BBCWorld channel. Some retired Generals lining up behind Pro-Democracy Group.

I'll try to find a linky.

Color me Gobsmacked. Id this proves correct and they have the military behind them - they have won - it's only a question of how long and how many must die first.


Best I can do for a link for now
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

0812: The retired general talking to the BBC's Jon Leyne had been speaking in turn to tank crews in Tahrir Square. The general said he believed the military would move very soon against Mr Mubarak - possibly as soon as tomorrow. Our correspondent says it seems the army is willing now to put its lot very firmly on the side of the protesters.

0807: The BBC's Jon Leyne has been told by a retired Egyptian general that the army is losing patience. He was told that if there's more firing from pro-government groups the army is now willing to open fire on them.

Also this:\


0758: Correspondents say that the US is now bypassing President Mubarak as it hardens its backing for a transfer of power. For more on the latest analysis of the Obama administration's position, read the latest blog entry from our North America editor, Mark Mardell.

[upi402]

1. If so, they win

Hope it's not a Pyhrric win.

[NBachers]

2. Let's hope the army moves against the Egyptian Teabaggers if they attack like they did yesterday

[C_U_L8R]

9. Egyptian Teabaggers

Exactly. Just what I was thinking too.
They sure do act the same.

[aquart]

3. Camels and Molotov cocktails

I have been muttering that all day. The first day, American teargas. Today? medieval weaponry. Improvisation by people with police identity cards.

I guess to make the Mubarak forces look grass roots? Or, they didn't have access to their weapons? We did hear that abandoned police stations were looted and people were walking out with heavy duty guns.

Whatever the reasons, THE CASUALTIES ARE REALLY LOW. A bit worse than one of our maniacs with a semi-automatic. Think how many people were gathered in that square. Think that they kept hearing machine gun fire. But the injuries are from rocks fists and the Molotov cocktails.

Not even Mubarak wants a massacre. Or if he does, the army said, "Nuh uh."

[Ghost Dog]

6. That does make sense.

Here's a comparative example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlatelolco_massacre

[gateley]

4. The army has separated the protesters from the goons -- it was the first time they've taken

action to stop the violence. If the general is correct (or the quote is correct), that seems like a good first step.

[jannyk]

5. A little more info on the General

It's TV - so no links I'm afraid, but I've heard the same report 3 times now.

He is well known to the BBC Cairo bureau and is viewed as a reliable source.

He trained the tank commanders in the square.

He has been talking with the tank commanders in the square and they have told him what was reported above.

Also said there is major unrest and impatience with Mubarak amongst the high ranking military.

[gateley]

12. I've got to give the highest of fives to the army. Initially I got the impression

that it was a given that they would fall in line behind Mubarak as he was "one of them". The regard in which the country holds the Army is something quite different than we have here. NOW I get the sense they're a solid authority presence viewed with trust and respect.

The army, as with the Egyptian people, has behaved in an extraordinarily responsible way. I know they were criticized for not stepping in during skirmishes but the fact that they were there almost serving as referees (probably could use a better word) was an eye opener. I am impressed and my regard soars for them knowing they are not just puppets for Mubarak.

As I write this this morning, haven just awoken, I've thus far gleaned that the Pro Democracy group is still a presence and very much a factor, and that the Mubarak gestapo has upped the violence. The WaPo bureau chief has been arrested. News organizations are being targeted.

But as of yet, no action by the Army.

This is escalating. Mubarak has this on his soul.

[lumberjack_jeff]

16. The cynic in me wonders if he's hoping to be the new president. n/t

[Hannah Bell]

7. or it could be a different game. in fact, we are clueless as to the inside baseball.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x586188

[xchrom]

8. +1 for your link to ghost dogs thread -- and recommend for this one. nt

[gateley]

14. Wow - that's a frightening aspect that I hadn't even thought of. I wonder which

reports will turn out to be accurate. I totally bought the Army = Friend view, primarily because they DIDN'T jump to Mubarak's side and become the peoples' enemy. Or did they?

Thanks for the info. I just hope it's wrong and that the Army HAS had a change of heart, so to speak. All we can do is wait and watch.

:hi:

[lumberjack_jeff]

17. +1 as usual. n/t

[SidDithers]

13. Agreed...

putting the APCs and tanks between people throwing rocks and molotovs was a very smart move.

Sid

[Turborama]

10. I just saw a repeat of that report and heard him say it n/t

[jannyk]

11. On the ground update!

1236: The BBC's John Simpson in Tahrir Square points out: "Yesterday tanks were pointing their guns inwards towards anti-Mubarak protesters - now they have turned the guns away towards the pro-Mubarak camp. I suspect that may be significant."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

[lumberjack_jeff]

15. As soon as the army aims at the hired thugs, it's over.

No one is going to risk their lives for $20 - especially when the avenues of retreat are clear.

[Gregorian]

18. This should be a lesson to all of those who love big military spending.

It works both ways.