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Violence in Cairo Underscores Conflict over Egypt's Israel Ties

(McClatchy) Hannah Allam - Clashes between Egyptian security forces and protesters outside the Israeli Embassy in Cairo on Monday were an extension of Sunday's protests throughout the Arab world commemorating Israel's declared independence in 1948. Demonstrators in Cairo burned Israeli flags and appeared poised to storm the Israeli Embassy when security forces moved in. The military council has pledged that it would abide by the country's peace treaty with Israel. But U.S. and Israeli officials have been watching with concern developments over the past month that have shown how difficult the council's position is. Anti-Israeli activism and speech have proliferated as Egyptians assert their independence from former President Mubarak. A tough stance against Israel is sure to be on the platforms of candidates running in the parliamentary elections scheduled for September. Yet in advance of Sunday's anti-Israel demonstrations, dozens of prominent clerics, including some ultraconservative sheikhs who'd typically back actions supporting the Palestinian cause, issued a joint edict against Egyptians striking at Israel, saying the priority now is domestic stability and security.
2011-05-18 00:00:00
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