iMarks

thedailywhat:

Second Egyptian Uprising News Update of the Day: In a story reminiscent of UCLA math student Chris Jeon’s sojourn among rebel fighters in Libya, three American college students were arrested in Cairo for allegedly throwing firebombs at security forces during the recent protests in Tahrir Square.

The young men were identified by American University spokeswoman Morgan Roth as 21-year-old Indiana University student Luke Gates, 19-year-old Georgetown University student Derrik Sweeney, and 19-year-old Drexel University student Greogry Porter.

“There’s a lot of very contagious passion right now,” said Roth, who told the Associated Press it was common for American students to get “caught up” in local politics.

The U.S Department of State said it was working on gaining access to the students. “I don’t believe that he would intentionally throw a bomb at anyone,” said Sweeney’s mother Joy.

The three were apparently in the country to study Arabic.

In related news, Egypts ruling military council accepted the resignation of the military-appointed cabinet as part of an agreement with Islamist groups which includes withdrawing security forces from Tahrir square, compensating victims and their families, and proceeding as planned with Monday’s parliamentary elections.

Also in the agreement: Setting a June date for Egypt’s presidential election. Until then, the status quo will remain in place, with the government reporting to the military.

Protesters pushed back, saying the would agree to nothing less than the resignation of the Supreme Council, and calling for a “million man sit-in” in Tahrir Square.

29 people were confirmed dead and at least 1,785 people were injured after four days of clashes between protesters and police.  

Live Blog: Al Jazeera.

[ap: 1,2 / nyt / aje / cnn.]