Middle East

The demonstration that hopes to attract one million people wants to deal a decisive blow to the regime. The military forces deployed around the square confirms it will not shoot at demonstrators. Intense negotiations for a "transition”, with the important role of the military. Arrests, beatings and intimidation against journalists, Egyptians and foreigners, and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Mubarak claims to be " tired" of power.

The battle between government supporters and protesters in Tahrir Square continues. The army begins to arrest people, no one knows from which side. The U.S. State Department asks Americans to leave immediately, while the political situation remains tense and confused. Large protest scheduled for tomorrow, “Friday of departure."

According to astrologers it will be a year of prosperity and success, a good year to get married and start new relationships. At least 700 million people in China have travelled home; 31 million in South Korea. In Pyongyang, Kim Jong-il has taken part in a patriotic concert. Taiwan celebrates the beginning of the second centenary of the Republic of China.

Since this morning the opposition has blocked the streets of the capital. Slogans against President Saleh, in power for 32 years, and demands for democratic reforms. Other events planned in major cities across the country.

The decision following the protests in recent days linked to increasing unemployment and poverty. An attempt to avoid similar consequences to those in Egypt and Tunisia.

At least 500 people are hurt from beating, sticks and stones. The US president speaks with Egypt’s strongman. Sarkozy, Erdogan and Britain want immediate action for change. The military goes on TV to ask for an end to protests and a return to normal life. But the situation is still very unstable, and tensions remain high.

Following the military’s statement that it would not use force, ElBaradei tells the president to leave “by Friday”. Many fear a domino effect; others hope for it. In Jordan, the prime minister meets Islamists. Iran hopes for an Islamic Middle East against Israel.

Mubarak promises reforms, but protesters demand he leave. A "respectable" withdrawal suggested by new Vice-President and Defence Minister. Obama calls for an "orderly transition", Israel says it "is in the interest of the West and the Middle East" to maintain stability in Egypt.

Egypt, the most important of the Arab states in danger of collapsing under the weight of social unrest. Other Arab countries like Jordan, Syria and Yemen face the same fate. Francesco Zannini, an expert on Islam in PISAI explains to AsiaNews the reasons for the riots, inherent in the formation of Arab States and the juxtaposition of the western model of democracy and Islam. For the scholar, the secular nature of the riots is an opportunity for change and also a good opportunity for Egyptian Christians to integrate into society. However, "the absence of alternative to the regimes and spontaneous nature of the protests, could divert tensions from real change and the result of the protests will be seen only in the long term."

At the Angelus, Benedict XVI speaks of the Beatitudes, "not a new ideology" but "a new program for life," which says that "the Church does not fear poverty, contempt, persecution in a society often attracted to material well-being and worldly power. " Greetings of "serenity and prosperity" to those preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

A message from the terrorist movement says meeting between Hillary Clinton and former foreign minister in Tehran "confirms" the plot. In Iraq it is not uncommon to see pictures of Jesus and Imam Hussein side by side.

Thousands of demonstrators occupy the streets of major cities. The government has announced its resignation, but people want the "fall of the regime”. Mobile phone lines partly restored, internet still down. Obama calls for non-violent response of the Egyptian government, China censors the word "Egypt" on the web.