Baradei running for presidency, Sharaf warning of counter-revolution

In its article „Egypt government warns of counter revolution“ the Raw Story gives a concise overview again of the various violent incidents of the last week. They do not have much more information about the government's response than can already be deducted from the article: new prime minister Sharaf warned of a counter revolution and expressed again his support for the protesters and their demands. 

Yet, the biggest news of last night had anyways been Baradei's announcement to run for presidency. To those who had obseverd the last days news this might not have come as a suprise as Baradei had recently started again to voice his opinion on a variety of political issues to Egyptian media. He condemned for example the Helwan church bombing which was the first spark to the inter-sectarian clashes of the last days. Also he made a stance when refusing to meet Sudan's leader alBashir this week on his visit to Cairo. Yet, the renewed presence in media not withstanding, some might have assumed that Baradei would actually stick to his earlier pledge that he is definitely not gonna run for presidency but the way should be cleared for the younger generation of leaders. 

Another potential candidate for presidency, Amr Moussa, is even older than Baradei. Unusually for Egypt, his age did not spare him from heavy criticism in a confrontation with the youths that was attending the first speech of Moussa's campaign.

A more detailed account of the inter-sectarian clashes in the garbage city Manshiyet Nasr is now provided by AlMasr AlYoum. It confirms the impression already voiced earlier that the attacks were organized. Apparently at some point thugs entered the area from various entries at the same time. Of course the success of the spontaneously and autonomously built neighbourhood watches in the first week of the revolution showed that Cairene citizens are indeed able to organize themselves into groups that act collectively without any outside guidance or incentives. Yet, although there is the possibility that the thugs attacking Manshiyet Nasr were merely inhabitants of the neighbouring district, the whole story smells of a coordinated attempt to stir unrest...For those who are still in doubt as to who powerful Amn AlDawla was and still could be, a NY Times article detailing the findings in Amn AlDawla buildings might provide some hints.

While the Middle East is in turmoil, the European Union is remaking its policy towards the region as part of its neighbourhood policy. Ashton is going to present the European Council with a strategy paper tomorrow, at the meeting where also the question of a no-fly-zone over Lybia will be debated.