As the anti-government demonstrations in Egypt stretch into their 18th day, singer Amir Eid has placed an anthem for them on YouTube, filmed in part at epicenter Tahrir Square. Its refrain sums up the mood: "I'm Not Turning Around."
In the video for "Sout Al Horeya," Eid walks through the crowd singing, and the camera captures smiling, peaceful, determined demonstrators singing his lyrics and holding up signs displaying the message. "We're dreaming our dreams and tomorrow is coming and it's ahead of us," he sings with the crowd, "in every street in my country, freedom, we lift our heads to the sky, and the most important thing is our rights." (Thanks to Danger Room pal Peter Daou for the translation.)
Video footage from Tahrir Square and across Egypt went viral practically as soon as the #Jan25 protests started. Musicians like UK rapper Master Mimz have released anti-Mubarak songs in solidarity as well. Even Wyclef Jean joined in today. But until "Sout Al Horeya," posted yesterday, it's been hard to find music videos filmed at Tahrir Square itself, showcasing songs by Egyptian artists channeling the spirit of the still-incomplete revolt.
Reports from Egypt show a tense situation after dictator Hosni Mubarak refused again to step down yesterday. Protesters have marched to Cairo's presidential palace. Huge crowds have surrounded another of Mubarak's residences in Alexandria. (It's been reported that Mubarak has decamped to his Sharm el-Sheikh home.) In both places, the military has formed a buffer between the demonstrators and the palaces, increasing the confusion about the allegiances of Egypt's armed forces.
Following the military's communique yesterday indicating it would side with the protesters, it's issued a more equivocal one today saying it would lift the hated Emergency Law – once the protests end. A third is expected later today. Everyone's waiting to hear what the military says next. Until then, the demonstrators can get inspired by "Sout Al Horeya."
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