Protests Mostly Upbeat in Egypt

The numbers of protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square swelled Friday as tens of thousands filled the square for what’s being labeled the “Friday of departure.” With music filling the air, the mood appears to be more optimistic after two days of brutal violence and clashes. One major factor in the changed atmosphere: the Egyptian Army has been maintaining order, and paratroopers are searching those entering the square and keeping order. At one point, the defense minister, Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, appeared in the square, the first ruling official to do so, as protesters formed a human chain to protect him. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa was also present, saying he might run in an election to replace President Hosni Mubarak. But protests are becoming more desperate as they drag on. “If we can’t bring this to an end, we’re going to all be in the slammer by June,” said a doctor treating the wounded in a makeshift clinic. Elsewhere in the city, the army is firming up positions, arming troops, and building barricades, and imposed new restrictions on journalists aimed at minimizing coverage of the protests.