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No Sign of Anti-Mubarak Movement Waning; Nevada Looks to Diversify Economy; Getting Americans Out of Egypt; Taking Sides In Egypt; Shopping By The Seasons; Pakistani Mom In First Grade
Aired January 31, 2011 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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(END VIDEO CLIP, "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE")
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: Top of the hour. I'm Suzanne Malveaux.
Let's get you up to speed.
Egyptian police return to the streets today for the first time since Friday's clashes with protesters. So far, police have steered clear of Cairo's Tahrir Square, the main gathering spot for democracy protesters.
The United States began e evacuated stranded Americans from Egypt today. Charter flights are delivering them to airports in Europe.
The Dow's stocks are higher today despite the unrest in Egypt. Right now, blue chips are up 30. Friday's stocks plunged as protests and violence escalated in Egypt.
In Tampa today, a judge ordered Julie Schenecker held without bail. The 50-year-old mother is charged with killing her two teenage children. Police say she did it because they were mouthy and she was tired of it.
Looking live now at Chicago at what forecasters are calling a potentially historic storm. The weather system will bring heavy snow, ice and wind to the plains and Midwest before heading on to the northeastern states.
Now, I want to zero in on our big story of the day, the relentless anti-government demonstrations that are happening in Egypt.
Our Ivan Watson, he's in central Cairo, that is really at the heart of the protests.
Ivan, you are on the ground. Give us a sense -- you've bee there for days -- what is going on now on the streets?
IVAN WATSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, at this point, you have thousands of demonstrators who have gathered here for another night, in spite of a curfew that was supposed to begin at 3:00 p.m. Some of these people are chanting, "Down with Hosni Mubarak! Hosni Mubarak, leave the country!"
There are several rows of demonstrators right below me who are actually praying right now on their knees in the street. That is a repeated kind of sign we've seen here throughout the demonstrations.
You mentioned earlier that police have returned to the streets. We drove around Cairo today, saw handfuls, pockets of traffic police at some intersections. But for the most part, the people in uniform that we're seeing in the Egyptian capital right now, Suzanne, are the military, and they're out in force with tanks, armored personnel carriers.
I've seen them detaining people, suspected criminals. They're trying to fill the vacuum left by police that are mostly absent in the streets right now.
In addition to that, most of the shops are closed, so that's meant that it is harder for people to get basic goods. The price of bread we're told has gone up. The price of cigarettes, for example. And we saw bread being distributed by the military for free earlier today right off of Tahrir, or Liberation Square -- Suzanne.
MALVEAUX: And Ivan, it must be difficult for people to tell the difference between those who are legitimately protesting and the vigilantes, those who are taking advantage of the situation.
WATSON: That's a concern, because people are not carrying signs that say, I am with this faction or that faction. People here are, for the most part, volunteers, demonstrators who have come from all walks of life.
There has been a wave of lawlessness, especially at night, in recent nights. And there have been groups of volunteers from neighborhoods that have organized to protect their neighborhoods from people who would seek to take advantage of the power vacuum right now. And they, among themselves, these self-defense groups, have actually organized signs like white cloths around their arms, or even whistle signals to each other, to inform their neighbors of who they are and to protect themselves from people who seek to take advantage of the situation right now -- Suzanne.
MALVEAUX: Ivan Watson, on the ground for us there in Cairo.
Thank you so much, Ivan.
Well, that brings us to a segment we are calling "Talk Back" every day with Carol Costello. She's going to bring us a different take on one of the day's top stories. We want to hear what your take is on it as well.
Carol, today's "Talk Back" is taking sides in the Egyptian uprising. What are you hearing?
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. Should our government take a side?
Senator John McCain said of the protesters in Egypt, "We need to be on the right side of history." That's a great sentiment, but it's not easy when it comes to Egypt, although it certainly sounded that way back in 2009, when President Obama gave a speech at Cairo University.
He talked of placing the interests of your people above political party. The mere mention of the word "democracy" draw applause and more.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: -- alone do not make true democracy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We love you!
OBAMA: Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Yes, you heard the shouts of, "I love you, President Obama." Not so much of that today, as thousands of young Egyptians are now holding signs accusing the United States of hypocrisy for not siding with them.
The Obama administration is not taking sides. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is not calling for President Mubarak's ouster. Instead, she called on the government to reach out to those who have advocated a peaceful, orderly transition to democracy.
Some analysts like conservative William Kristol say the administration must take a stand because "Uncertainty and dithering is what helps the Lenins and Khomeinis in revolutionary situations. Acting boldly to prevent more disarray and more chaos offers the best chance for an orderly outcome."
And then there's this -- this is this other problem, Suzanne -- no one really knows what these protesters want. Do they simply want Mubarak gone, on do they really want a change in the way Egypt governs?
So the question today: How forceful should President Obama be?
Get in touch with me at Facebook.com/CarolCNN. Facebook.com/CarolCNN. We'll read some of your comments later on in the show.
MALVEAUX: All right. Thanks, Carol. We're looking forward to hearing what viewers have to say. Thank you.
Well, a quick look at what's "On the Rundown."
The crisis in Egypt sent ripples through Wall Street. An update on how the market is reacting today.
Also, an explosive situation in Indianapolis. Residents warn to watch out for flying manhole covers.
And what's your sign? How's your driving? Find out which zodiac sign is the worst behind the wheel.
Well, they may have been down on their luck, but now they have tickets to the biggest game around. Wee going to tell you how a homeless couple ended up Super Bowl bound.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MALVEAUX: Still a little time left for you to "Choose the News." We're going to tell you about three stories. The story that gets the most votes will air later this hour.
Now, here's another look at your choices.
You have 25 years old and in the first grade, a Pakistani mother who's so determined to get an education, she goes to school with her children.
Also, the story behind the badge. A young police officer killed in the line of duty. His parents, both members of the force. How his mother's badge is providing hope and inspiration.
And a boy and his dog. A lost child and a trusted canine, and a happy ending.
So vote by texting 22360. For the mother in the first grade, vote 1. For the story behind the badge, vote 2. And for the boy and his dog, vote 3.
(NEWSBREAK)
MALVEAUX: Well, now to Wall Street, where the reaction to the uprising in Egypt was strong on Friday. The Dow plunged 166 points. Oil prices popped four percent. And the question, are investors still on edge today? (STOCK MARKET REPORT)
MALVEAUX: A volcano starts spitting rock and ash high into the sky, putting Japan on notice. "Globe Trekking" in the CNN NEWSROOM.
But first, we all know seat belts, airbags, they can help keep you safe behind the wheel. But what about being a Scorpio?
Insurance company Allstate says that drivers with that astrological sign are statistically the safest. They were involved in just 1.5 percent of all accidents last year. But if you fall under this zodiac sign, there's a fender-bender in our future. We're going to tell you which one.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MALVEAUX: So which sign is the worst on the road? Allstate Insurance says Virgo. Normally known as perfectionists, Virgos don't always have a clean driving record. They were 700 percent more likely to be an accident than Scorpios.
And the arrogant Leo and uncompromising Taurus weren't far behind.
Well, I'm a Sag. I don't know what that means, but hey, I haven't gotten into too many accidents.
Every day we're taking you on a high-speed lap around the world in a segment we're calling "Globe Trekking."
Michael Holmes is here with more of the international stories that are lighting up our radar.
What's your sign?
MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm a Sagittarius as well.
MALVEAUX: Sag. Have you gotten into an accident?
HOLMES: Look at you and me. No, but I think there are a couple of people I've dated over the years have been whatever it was, the Taurus.
MALVEAUX: Are you going to throw them under the bus like that?
HOLMES: Horrible. I've had two insurance claims in my life, and both with exes.
MALVEAUX: Oh my goodness.
HOLMES: Unbelievable.
MALVEAUX: Well, hopefully they're not watching this.
HOLMES: I was the new one when they set up the new -- they were going to do the new zodiac thing.
Were you?
MALVEAUX: Yes, I was.
HOLMES: Oh, the one that we can't remember the name of it.
MALVEAUX: Can't even pronounce it. We can't even pronounce it.
HOLMES: Let's stick with Sag.
MALVEAUX: Obviously a lot going on in Egypt.
HOLMES: Yes.
MALVEAUX: And now it's spilling over into Sudan. Tell us about what you're watching.
HOLMES: It is. And this is interesting, too, because this was another social media thing, too.
They set up a page on Facebook in Sudan, 8,000 members in no time. They hit the streets, as you see there, mainly students. And they end up clashing with police.
They had a day of nationwide anti-government protests. There was a heavy security presence.
Now, what's interesting there is the Sudanese security forces have a very fearsome reputation. Dozens of people were arrested. A lot of them were beaten up. The main Islamist opposition leader was actually arrested last week for calling for an uprising.
It's just interesting to see it's in another place. And the other interesting thing with Sudan, of course they just had the referendum for secession with the south.
MALVEAUX: Well, absolutely. And everybody's looking to July for what that government --
(CROSSTALK)
HOLMES: To see what happens, whether it actually goes ahead. But it should be ratified. Ninety-nine percent voted yes.
MALVEAUX: And tell us about what's happening -- erupting, shall we say -- in Japan?
HOLMES: Oh, yes. This is a volcano in Japan. And we'll get the news site (ph) out of the way.
Nobody's dead yet, but there have been clouds of ash and rock. This is Mount Shinmoe, and ash and rock everywhere. There's been a bunch of people who have been evacuated. And they're saying there could be eruptions as well. But what's interesting about this place, I don't know if you remember the James Bond movie back in 1967, "You Only Live Twice." James Bond buffs might remember this place.
This was the site of the villainous underground cabin. You remember --
MALVEAUX: Really?
HOLMES: -- it had, like, the fake lake that pulled back, and James went down there.
MALVEAUX: That's it? That's where that is?
HOLMES: It was there. That was the setting for it, yes.
MALVEAUX: Oh, my goodness.
HOLMES: That's the interesting thing.
(CROSSTALK)
HOLMES: It's created a lot of problems. That lady's veggies got covered, and she was just about to harvest them.
MALVEAUX: I like your headline was "Nobody's dead yet."
HOLMES: Yes, exactly.
MALVEAUX: Let's hope it stays that way. You know?
HOLMES: I mean, normally when we bring out the volcanoes, somebody's not well.
MALVEAUX: But it's OK. Everybody is OK.
HOLMES: Yes, but quite amazing. The old James -- that was a Sean Connery one. Yes, that was back in the Sean Connery days, '67,
MALVEAUX: You know, I've got to watch some movies here
HOLMES: You've got to. I interviewed him once.
MALVEAUX: I've spent too much time at the White House. I need to watch some movies, obviously.
HOLMES: I interviewed him once. He was a nice chap, actually.
MALVEAUX: Yes, absolutely.
HOLMES: Nice to se you. Welcome.
MALVEAUX: Thank you very much, Michael. Nice to see you, too.
(WEATHER REPORT) MALVEAUX: When you think Nevada, you think Las Vegas, the Strip, the casinos, all that money. But it hasn't been all that lucky during the recession.
Our Tom foreman, he's looking at how its leaders hope to build it back up.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Call it bad luck, but the recession has hammered Nevada's top industry of tourism, bringing 14 percent-plus unemployment and untold problems.
Just ask working folks like cab driver Lance Olivea.
LANCE OLIVEA, CAB DRIVER: We have the highest unemployment. We have the highest foreclosures and the highest bankruptcy. And it's been running like that for almost two years now.
FOREMAN: Just ask politicians like Senator Harry Reid.
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV), MAJORITY LEADER: Now, we don't have on the Las Vegas Strip any major construction projects, and that's the first time in decades that's been the case.
FOREMAN (on camera): Can you make up for that with these new industries?
REID: Well, we can really do a lot toward making up for it.
FOREMAN (voice-over): He's talking about the hottest new game in town, economic diversity. Business and education leaders are meeting to consider ideas that have helped other troubled states. Film and video production, Internet firms, they are recruiting more high-tech and green energy companies through aggressive tax breaks, convinced a broader economic base will protect them from the instability of being a one-industry state.
ROB LANG, BROOKINGS MOUNTAIN WEST: There's a core industry in tourism. That can continue to expand, but it won't grow at the rate it did over the last several decades.
REID: These little baby steps are going to get us so we can take the big strides later on.
FOREMAN: And they are building up their corner of America with the hope that little gains over time can offset even the biggest losses.
Tom Foreman, CNN, Las Vegas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MALVEAUX: Stranded by the uprising in Egypt, an update on the efforts by the State Department to get Americans out of the country.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MALVEAUX: The first charter flight carrying Americans away from the chaos in Egypt landed in Cyprus today. It is the start of what could be a long evacuation process.
Our national correspondent Jason Carroll, he's following this part of the story. He joins us from New York.
Jason, it's great to see you. We know there are many Americans who have been evacuated.
Do we have a sense of how many have left Egypt so far?
JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we do have some numbers that we've been getting in this morning, Suzanne. Just to give you just a bit of an update, we do know that 42 Americans were evacuated from Cairo. They landed in Cyprus. That happened this morning.
We also know that some 177 Americans did depart from Cairo. They are bound for Athens.
So we do have some numbers there. And also, a State Department spokeswoman telling us that the U.S. will in fact have enough flights to evacuate all the American citizens who are stranded.
There are no hard numbers on the number of those who want to get out yet, but there are an estimated 52,000 Americans registered with the embassy in Cairo. But, as you know, with many Western carriers suspending flights, there are many U.S. passengers who are wondering how they're going to get out.
One of them, Laura Murphy, a Nile River cruise passenger, told CNN that she feels safe, but trapped.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAURA MURPHY, AMERICAN STRANDED IN EGYPT: You cannot get away by water. You cannot take public transportation because it's been deemed unsafe. And you cannot fly.
So, apparently, there are over 50,000 Americans in Egypt, some of whom may be flown out of the major cities, but those of us who are not in Cairo or Alexandria are trapped right now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CARROLL: And you saw Laura Murphy there talking about those 50,000 Americans.
In terms of those 50,000 Americans in Egypt, there are some 380 government employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and 760 spouses and children living with them in Egypt. The other Americans trying to get out could be the 1,100 American students studying in Egypt. Two such students from New York studying in their parents' home country were able to get out late this weekend. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MUHAMMED GHANEM, STUDYING IN EGYPT: We have, like, community watch systems going on, sort of. We do, like, checkpoints in the street. Like, all the side streets are closed off. We close off all the side streets at night, and we take shifts, like, I guess doing, like, checkpoints, protecting the community.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Obviously, it's good to be home and everything like that, but living in the country, it's not something you like to see.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CARROLL: Well, Internet interruptions in Egypt are making it extremely difficult for Americans there to get information about evacuations, but the State Department spokeswoman told us that the word is still getting out. The U.S. is also considering sending charter flights to other Egyptian cities such as Luxor in order to help out, but as you can imagine, with all the chaos, Suzanne, on the ground, this is a process that could take several days, up to a week.
MALVEAUX: Sure. Thank you, Jason.
I want to also go beyond the headlines. We have located some American seniors who are now stuck in Egypt. They were taking part in a syndicated PBS show call "Grannies on Safari," and the show's co- host, Regina Fraser, she's joining us by phone from the Egyptian city of Luxor.
Ms. Fraser, can you hear us?
REGINA FRASER, CO-HOST, "GRANNIES ON SAFARI": I can. I can hear you loud and clear, Suzanne.
MALVEAUX: Tell us what the situation is right now for you and your tour group. Are you able to get out? Have you been told about what's going to happen to you in the hours, the days to come?
FRASER: Well, we've been trying to work and have been working closely in the last day, I would say, with the American -- the State Department, because we've been told -- and actually, by the way, it was Laura Murphy who was part of our group. She was part of our 14 travelers that came with us to Egypt.
FRASER: -- the American -- the State Department because we've been told -- and actually, by the way, it was Laura Murphy who was part of our group. She was part of our 14 travelers that came with us to Egypt and she was able to get out today. Yay, Laura!
But anyway, we've been working with the State Department that hopefully, they will send a plane to Luxor. We cannot get to Cairo. And just today, they announced that domestic flights on Egypt Air, which services Luxor, are canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday. They canceled the train service. We can't drive to Cairo in order to take advantage of the evacuation flights that the U.S. government is providing. It's 15 hours and just really unsafe. So, there's a -- I'm sorry. There's a large number of us here.
MALVEAUX: I know that must be frustrating to you, Ms. Fraser. I lived in Egypt, I lived in Cairo. I know when everybody's trying to get in or out, it is just a huge hassle. There are just so many people that are jam packed in that area.
I had a chance to talk to Laura Murphy earlier today, and she said she was afraid, she feared for her safety. Because she said look, you know, there are some who are decent people, but there are also these hooligans who are going after Americans, and she feels that people with money, tourists in particular, are being targeted. Is that your experience? Is that how you feel?
FRASER: No, I don't think we feel that way. Actually, we were in kind of a dicey situation, and tourists - the tourists. The Egyptians were giving us the peace sign. So far, we're not feeling threatened. The rest of the tenements (ph) that are still here. And it may be that because we're on a luxury boat on the Nile and we're kind of secluded and the ramp to get down to the boat is guarded by policemen. But what we know is that it's time to go. We do have to get out. There's no need for us to linger here. It is time to go.
MALVEAUX: And real quick, what are the conditions on that boat like now? I mean, I've taken one of those cruises before. It must be kind of difficult now. A couple of days, and just stuck on that liner?
FRASER: Exactly. We're not going anywhere. The people are wonderful. They're feeding us. We don't have to worry about that, and it's a safe and secure place, but it's not the time to get off the boat and go wandering around. So, we're lucky to be at least here.
MALEVAUX: All right. Well, Ms. Fraser, we wish you and your group the very best. Safe journeys in getting home. We certainly hope that that works out for you in the days ahead. We'll be following up on you as well, some of those in your organization. Thank you very much.
Well, a reminder to cast your vote in our "Choose the News" segment by texting 22360. Vote 1 for the 25-year-old Pakistani mother in the first grade or vote 2 for the behind the story -- behind the badge, hope and inspiration after the death of a young police officer. Or vote 3 for a boy and his dog. How a trusted canine helped searchers find a lost child.
Well, her star power just keeps shining.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BETTY WHITE, ACTRESS: But to have this happen on top of -- ooh! (LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Wow! A live report on the big winners at the SAG Awards, up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MALVEAUX: The stars came out for the Screen Actors Guild awards. Last night, "The King's Speech," "The Fighter," and "Boardwalk Empire" were some of the big winners. "Showbiz Tonight" host A.J. Hammer was watching. So, A.J., who won? Who stole the show?
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST, HLN'S "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Well, "The King's Speech" ruled. Betty White reigned at last night's Screen Actors Guild awards in Los Angeles. "The King's Speech" won two awards including the big one, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Colin Firth got Outstanding Male Actor for playing King George VI in the movie.
"Black Swan's" Natalie Portman and "The Fighter" co-stars Christian Bale and Melissa Leo were also honored with the 12-pound, 16-inch high trophy which are called the Actor. And on the TV side, "Boardwalk Empire" and "Modern Family" won the awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama and Comedy, respectively.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NATALIE PORTMAN, ACTRESS: -- the cast so much. Jeff Bridges, thank you! And to all the actresses and --
DONALD SUTHERLAND, ACTOR: And the Actor goes to the cast of "The King's Speech."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Clearly, a night of big star, big winners. There is one huge TV star noticeably absent.
HAMMER: Yes, and that would be Charlie Sheen, of course, because Charlie Sheen is off in rehab now. He checked himself back into rehab on Friday. That has shut down production of his hit sitcom of "Two and a Half Men" for the second time in a year. Now, his publicist tells "Showbiz Tonight" that Charlie voluntarily entered the undisclosed rehabilitation center. CBS and Warner Brothers Television tell us quote, "We're profoundly concern for his health and well being and support his decision."
Now, the announcement that he's seeking treatment came a day after he was hospitalized on Thursday with what his publicist was calling severe abdominal pains. Charlie's going to reportedly be in rehab for at least the next three months. So, that leaves the status of "Two and a Half Men" in limbo right now.
And while Charlie is headed into rehab, some good news today about some celebrities who have finished their time in treatment. Disney star Demi Lovato left the treatment center she voluntarily entered three months ago and she's returned to her home in Los Angeles, according to a source close to her family.
And also happy to report this one. Actor David Arquette has just ended his one-month stint in a rehab facility. His rep confirms for "Showbiz Tonight" that he is out of that facility now. Now, of course, Arquette split from his wife, Courtney Cox, back in October. His publicist says he entered a live-in rehab facility over New Year's weekend, but he has been very shaken up by his split from Courtney Cox. So, it's good to see David getting whatever help he feels he needs. And hopefully, he's on the right path.
MALVEAUX: We certainly hope the very best for him as well as Courtney.
Well, you can get more of Sheen's Shenanigans on "Showbiz Tonight." Will his fans stand by him this time with his hit show forced to stop production? Plus, new revelations from a porn star who partied with Sheen right before his latest hospital drama. The Charlie Sheen saga, live at 5:00 and 11:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN.
Well, with more protests expected for tomorrow in Egypt, we're going to look at what set the stage for the country's uprising.
The conversation on Egypt continues throughout the day. On CNN tonight, Piers Morgan with the latest developments. Piers talks candidly with CNN correspondents. He gets reaction from people on the ground as well.
You don't want to miss a minute of "PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT." That is 9:00 eastern only on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MALVEAUX: Our "Random Moment" of the day. Superman, faster than a speeding bullet, fighting for justice, the American way, right? Well, so we find it a little random that in the new Superman movie, director Zach Snyder has cast, yes, a Brit, to play the man of steel! No, it's not our Piers Morgan, although maybe we wish it was! It is Henry Cavill, who will be disguising his English accent to play the caped crusader.
The choice is already causing an uproar online from patriotic superhero fans. Some see it as a disturbing trend going on here. First, Christian Bale becomes Batman! Now this! (INAUDIBLE).
And tomorrow will mark one week since Egypt convulsed into crisis. Protesters are calling for a million people to hit the streets in Cairo and Alexandria on Tuesday.
Now, uprisings in three other Muslim countries actually set the stage for Egypt's revolt.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(AUDIENCE CHANTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Starting with Tunisia, where an unemployed graduate student sets himself on fire after a city inspector confiscates his unlicensed fruit cart and then allegedly slaps him. His death sparks unprecedented fury and protests against the government, forcing Tunisia's longtime president to flee.
(AUDIENCE CHANTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
MALVEAUX: In Algeria, riots break out over rising food prices and a housing crisis.
(AUDIENCE CHANTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
MALVEAUX: In Yemen, students take to the streets. Emboldened by its neighbors in the region -
(AUDIENCE CHANTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
MALVEAUX: -- on Tuesday, Egypt erupts. Angered by the alleged corruption, police brutality, and lack of reforms in their own country, thousands pour into the streets, demanding Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who's held power for nearly three decades, resign.
Protesters are met with tear gas and violence. The next day, the violence escalates as Egyptian security forces turn water cannons and tear gas on the growing angry crowds. The Egyptian military urges calm. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter report that they are being blocked by the government the
Thursday a leading Egyptian opposition figure, Mohammed ElBaradei, returns home from Europe vowing to back the protesters. The Egyptian government then arrests a prominent leader of country's largest opposition group, the Muslim brotherhood. The Obama administration is alarmed by the growing intensity of the crisis, but reacts with caution.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So, the government has to be careful about not resorting to violence, and the people on the streets have to be careful not to resort to violence. And I think that it's very important that people have mechanisms in order to express legitimate grievances.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: As unrest spreads beyond Cairo in the days to come, protesters take to the streets in Qatar and Jordan to show demonstrators their support. Mubarak goes on national television to tell Egyptians he government will resign, but he will stay in power. His offer does not quell the angry and growing crowds. A thousand inmates break out of a prison outside Cairo. Looters ransack prison buildings and businesses, and vandals tear off the heads of mummies at the Egyptian Museum.
Journalists report a dangerous power vacuum.
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The army is sort of controlling the street. Politically, there is a complete vacuum.
MALVEAUX: Heading into this week, thousands of Egyptians continue to defy Mubarak's curfew by packing Cairo streets. At the same time, American tourists are getting a lifeline out of the country. The State Department now reports more than 200 are being flown out of the Egypt.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Television to tell Egyptians his government will resign, but he will stay in power. His offer does not quell the anger and growing crowds. One thousand inmates break out of a prison outside of Cairo. Looters ransacked prison buildings and businesses. And vandals tear off the heads of mummies at the Egyptian Museum. Journalists report a dangerous power vacuum.
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The army is sort of controlling the streets. Politically, there's a complete vacuum.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Heading into this week, thousands of Egyptians continue to defy Mubarak's curfew by packing Cairo's streets. At the same time, American tourists are getting a lifeline out of the country. The State Department now reports more than 200 are being flown out of Egypt.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: And this story is far from over. There are a lot of questions that remain to me (ph) and they are unanswered. What is going on behind the scenes with President Mubarak? Who would replace him if his regime falls? Will the military remain on the sidelines or force protesters off the streets with a bloody crackdown? Stay tuned.
We are checking back in with Carol Costello to get your responses to our talkback question. What should President Obama do about the uprising in Egypt?
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MALVEAUX: We are checking back in with our Carol Costello to get your responses to our talkback question. What should President Obama do about the uprising in Egypt?
Carol, what are people telling you? CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, they're coming down on both sides of the issue, Suzanne. Senator John McCain said of the protests in Egypt, we need to be on the right side of history. But many analysts say, it's not that simple. So we asked you, via FaceBook, how forceful should President Obama be? Should he pick a side and ask Mubarak to step down?
This response comes from Loverboy. He says, "I wish democracy, freedom and justice for everyone, but why is it that everyone points fingers at President Obama when another country has problems. Our country has its own problems."
This one from Mara (ph). She says, "supporting Mubarak will only increase the hate towards the United States in the Arab world."
And this from Patrick. He says, "being on the right side of history seems like a pretty obvious statement. The right thing being what the United States stands for -- empowering the people."
And, as I said before, Suzanne, it will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow when a million people are being asked to protest in the streets.
MALVEAUX: Sure.
COSTELLO: If the Egyptian army cracks down hard on these protesters, that could really change things.
MALVEAUX: And, Carol --
COSTELLO: And change how President Obama is talking about Egypt.
MALVEAUX: Absolutely. All those people that got in touch with you, what would you say, was it 50-50? Was it split evening? Or did people go either way or -- what was their preference?
COSTELLO: Most of the people -- the overwhelming majority of the people said the United States should take a stronger stand and stand on the side of democracy and call for the ouster of President Mubarak.
MALVEAUX: Really?
COSTELLO: Unscientific, of course, but that's just what our FaceBook friends are saying. Facebook.com/carolcnn if you want to weigh in on the conversation.
MALVEAUX: Well, that's good enough for us. It doesn't have to be completely scientific. We just want to know what people are thinking. Get back to us and get a sense of, you know, how they see this picture.
It seems to me like President Obama, as well as previous Presidents Bush, I know they all get the same questions, they get the same criticism. You know, Mubarak's been in power for 30 years now and people have asked, why not take a tougher stand on democracy? COSTELLO: Well, look, we are the strongest democracy in the world and we talk about democracy constantly. And now all of a sudden, because -- and, you know, I get it. I think most people who wrote on our FaceBook page, they get it, too, why America has to stand by President Mubarak because, you know, he's helped us in that part of the world. But, if America is the strongest democracy on earth, and we preach democracy and how great it is, why aren't we coming down stronger on the side of protesters who only seem to want a better way of life and more freedom?
MALVEAUX: It's a very good point, Carol. Obviously we're going to be taking a real close look tomorrow to see how all of this is shaking out, developing. If there are a million people who are out there in Tahrir Square, I mean that's just going to be -- well, 10 million people, I guess a 10 million man march, that's going to be incredible. So we'll keep our eyes on that.
Carol, thank you so much. I like this segment.
COSTELLO: We're going to keep it up, huh?
MALVEAUX: Good. It will only evolve and be even greater than it was today. It's a work in progress. We love it. The whole thing. It's a work in progress.
All right, Carol, thanks. Thanks again.
Well, looking for a bargain on a computer, a car, a gas grill? Our Christine Romans, she's going to tell us when we can expect the best deals.
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CHRISTINE ROMANS, HOST, CNN'S "YOUR BOTTOM LINE": That's right, timing is everything. Especially when it comes to shopping. Now is not the time to buy that brand new television you've been eyeing, but there are some items you can get great deals on right now. We're talking gas grills, air conditioners and offseason sporting equipment, like bikes. Prices usually go up as the weather gets warmer, so plan ahead and buy now.
As for the television set, you're going to have to wait until the spring to get the best price, say the folks over at lifehacker.com. Many Japanese manufacturers end theirs fiscal year in March, so there's usually a push in the spring to move out last year's models and boost company sales in the new quarter.
ADAM PASH, EDITOR IN CHIEF, LIFEHACKER.COM: April is actually a great time to buy a new TV, especially if you don't need the latest and greatest. You can get really good discounts on last year's models.
ROMANS: April is also the cheapest time to book and take a cruise. And later in the spring, you can get great deals on gym memberships as the weather gets nicer and people want to go outdoors.
In the summer, look for sales on appliances and furniture, especially over holiday weekends. Also, wine is often cheaper in late summer before the harvest. Prices pick up later in the fall.
Now, you want to wait for the fall to buy a new car. Buy September, new models arrive and dealers need to unload the current year's models. Late fall is the best time to buy anything related to a wedding, especially dresses, because fewer people get married in December and the winter months.
Of course, if you're a smart shopper with a lot of time on your hands, you can find deals and sales on different items throughout the year, you just have to do a little homework.
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MALVEAUX: Thanks, Christine.
Well, you picked it. Now, we're going to air it. Now this is the winning story in our "Choose The News" segment coming up after the break.
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MALVEAUX: And now the winning story in our "Choose The News" segment. Well, she wanted to learn to read and write in a land where many women don't get that opportunity. A Pakistani mother decided to take that chance, joining her two young sons in first grade. A remarkable story from CNN's Reza Sayah.
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REZA SAYAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's a little after 8:00 in the morning and we're in the town of Dabukal (ph) here in northwest Pakistan. We drove four hours to get here from Islamabad. This is Islamabad. This is where we are in Dabukal. A lot of the militant Taliban activity you hear about is here in the tribal region just west of us and this is Afghanistan.
We came here to tell you the story of Rukhsana Batool, who's a 25-year-old mother and every morning she wakes up, puts on her burqa, a full-length Islamic veil, and takes her two little boys to school. That's not so unusual. What happens next is. Rukhsana doesn't leave her kids at school. Instead, she sits right next to them in class and learns. That's because she's enrolled in first grade with her kids.
RUKHSANA BATOOL (through translator): I used to bring my children to school and I saw them studying and I thought, I really want to study and learn, too.
SAYAH: A teacher here at the school says for weeks Rukhsana came to class because her kids wouldn't sit still. She ended up liking it. Her parents had never sent her to school. So the teacher had an idea. Why not enroll and come to class. And for Rukhsana, the decision was easy.
MUREED FIZZA, RUKHSANA'S TEACHER (through translator): She was interested in studying and I welcomed that. I told her I would teach her even if it meant taking up break time. SAYAH: Rukhsana gives her husband a lot of credit for encouraging her. Remember, illiteracy is a huge problem here in Pakistan. Where we are, it's rare for little girls to go to school, let alone 25-year-old moms. One study shows only one out of 10 girls go to school in this province.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I think women in every country should be educated. If she's getting educated, then my family will be much more enlightened as well.
FIZZA: My opinion is that one of the main solutions to all the issues we have is this country is the education of women. I think if one woman is educated, her entire family will be educated.
SAYAH: Their teacher says one of Rukhsana's boys could be sharper than she is. She strongly disagrees. Some friendly competition between mom and her two little boys in first grade.
Reza Sayah, CNN, Dabukal, Pakistan.
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MALVEAUX: Thanks for joining us. CNN NEWSROOM continue right now with Drew Griffin, who is in for Ali Velshi.
Hey, Drew.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Suzanne. Good to have you in town and starting a new show here. Thanks a lot.
It is 1:00 p.m. here on the East Coast and you are looking live at the White House where we are waiting for Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. He's going to give his daily briefing. No doubt we expect the headline there to be on Egypt. We will monitor that and bring you live coverage if and when warranted.
For now, though, it is 8:00 p.m. in Egypt. Seven days of revolt have pushed a 30-year regime to the edge. And where the next push could be just hours away. Demonstrators who have been ignoring government curfews, defying police and mingling with tanks and troops are now planning what they call a march of millions.
