Continuing violent protests throughout Egypt, inflamed by political leaders, is not only an effort to push the country toward civilian rule, but also an attempt by some politicians to win votes before the November 28 parliamentary elections. However, after encouraging the current mass protests in Tahrir Square last Friday, the Muslim Brotherhood has withdrawn its support for protests out of fear that escalating violence could cause parliamentary elections to be cancelled or postponed.

The interim military government stepped up a violent crackdown yesterday to massive demonstrations demanding an end to interim military rule.  Police and military forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protestors, killing at least 26 and injuring over 1,700.  The protesters are calling for continuing demonstrations, military withdrawal from protest sites, an end of military violence against demonstrators, and presidential elections by mid-2012, a year before the army plans to hold elections.  Another large protest is scheduled for today. 

http://www.langleyintelligencegroup.com/ArticleAnalysis/Egypt-Escalating-Violence-Tests-Military-Patience.aspx