Egyptian demonstrators pray in central Cairo during a protest to demand the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak and call for reforms January 25, 2011. (MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)
Cairo has descended into near anarchy as the riot police and army attempt to quell protests by tens of thousands of demonstrators determined to push President Mubarak from office. The protests, which are nationwide but the largest in Cairo, are the most serious in Egypt’s modern history.
Egyptian demonstrators were inspired by the success of pro-democracy advocates in Tunisia, who earlier this month ousted their autocratic president. Because Egypt has long been viewed as the political center of the Arab world, the end of Mubarak’s reign would have deep repercussions.
Here are selected photos from the past few days in Cairo.
A boy runs from a column of riot policeman during anti-government protests in downtown Cairo January 25, 2011. Egyptian police fired tear gas at protesters gathered in the city center, and earlier used a water cannon in the same location. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh)
Men throw tear gas canisters back towards a police vehicle in Cairo January 25, 2011. (AP Photo)
Protesters are confronted by riot police as they demonstrate in downtown Cairo, chanting for the downfall of President Mubarak. (AP Photo/Mohammed Abu Zaid)
Egyptian demonstrators protest in central Cairo January 25, 2011. (MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)
Anti-government protesters gather at Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo January 25, 2011. (REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El-Ghany)
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