US updates travel warning for Egypt as travelers struggle to exit

As the U.S. government updated its Egypt travel warning Sunday and announced plans for charter flights to evacuate Americans from the troubled Mideast country, private security consultants stepped up efforts to get students, business people and other U.S. travelers safely home. (more…)

The One Person who may know what Egypt’s generals will do

Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak appointed his intelligence chief Omar Suleiman vice president not because Suleiman had any sway with the Egyptian street but rather because the new veep knows the military better than anyone. A former general, Suleiman has spent his career helping keeping Egypt’s officers in line. (more…)

Obama presses Mubarak for transition to democracy

US President Barack Obama on Sunday urged an “orderly transition” to democracy in Egypt, stopping short of calling on President Hosni Mubarak to step down but signaling that his days may be numbered.

Seeking to ratchet up pressure on Mubarak, Obama consulted with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel and Britain (more…)

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood mutes its religious message

The medical students marched and sweated in protest.

“The fear is broken,” yelled Bahaa Mohammed. “We want freedom.”

“And Islam,” said his friend. “We need Islam.”

“Yes,” said Mohammed, hushing the young man. “But first freedom and the will of the people.” (more…)

Asian shares hit by Egypt turmoil

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)–Asian stock markets were hit on Monday by the political turmoil in Egypt.

Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average was down 1.6%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was down 1.1%, South Korea’s Kospi Composite was 1.6% lower and New Zealand’s NZX-50 shed 0.7%. (more…)

U.S. Embassy in Cairo closed indefinitely

The U.S. Embassy in Egypt has been closed indefinitely, spokeswoman Elizabeth Coulton told CNN, although it is still offering 24-hour emergency assistance.

Embassy staff in Cairo have been overwhelmed by inquiries and the State Department now has a 24/7 task force and call centers, Assistant Secretary of State Janice L. Jacobs said. Travel updates are being provided on radio and TV, as well as on websites and via telephones, she said. (more…)

Thousands of Americans to be evacuated from Egypt by charter flights

Charter flights that begin Monday will ferry the first of thousands of Americans away from the escalating crisis in Egypt, the State Department said. (more…)

Analysis: Syrians silently gripped by Arab upheaval

On the surface all is calm in Syria, but below, ordinary Syrians are quietly captivated by the tumult.

ANALYSIS-Egyptian army holds key to Mubarak’s fate

President HosniI Mubarak sees the military as his only hope as the other pillars of his establishment crumble

Phalange to consult with allies over participation in new government

A source close to the Phalange party told MTV on Sunday that The (Phalange ) Party is coordinating with its allies over participation in the upcoming cabinet.”

The party views issues brought up by March 14, such as that of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), to be of great importance, the source said (more…)