Protesters filled Cairo’s Tahrir Square, Nov. 22 demanding an end to military rule. Over the past four days, massive demonstrations have rocked Egypt’s capitol, along with Alexandra, Mahalla al-Kubra and a host of smaller cities. Authorities have killed scores of demonstrators and wounded several thousand.

In a Nov. 22 speech on television, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, offered some token concessions that that were rejected and ridiculed by the crowds in the streets. The top brass of Egypt’s military are pressing for measures that would maintain their political supremacy in the period following the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Tantawi was leading figure in the hated regime of President Hosni Mubarak and, like many others at the core of Egypt military, is closely tied with the U.S.

The U.S. provides more than $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt each year. In addition to the tear gas used to suppress demonstrations, the U.S. provides F-16 jet fighters, Apache helicopters and a host of advanced weapons systems. Following Israel, Egypt is the number two recipient of U.S. aid.

Commenting on the situation, Stef Yorek, the Political Secretary of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated, “The people of Egypt are pushing forward a national democratic process that aims to bring an end to military rule and foreign domination. Their struggle to bring down Mubarak was an inspiration and example to people everywhere. As they continue their fight, they deserve solidarity and support from everyone who cares about justice. We demand an end to all U.S. government assistance to the Egyptian regime.”

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