Anti-American protest clashes near US embassy in Cairo resume

Clashes between protesters and Egyptian police and security forces continued near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo for the fourth day today. Egypt's health ministry said at least 250 people, including three officers and 11 soldiers, were wounded in clashes last night and this morning. The Egyptian ambulance authority also said at least 40 injured protesters have been transferred to the neighboring hospitals.

According to local news agencies, the protesters managed to enter the embassy to set several cars on fire and carry out acts of sabotage inside the embassy. Sources added that some of the demonstrators were carrying gasoline and other containers carrying Molotov cocktails, which confirms that there is an intention for chaos.

Police used tear gas as they clashed with a stone- and bottle-throwing crowd protesting against an offensive film to Islam and Prophet Mohammad, witnesses and the interior ministry said.

An al-Manar correspondent reported flags have been burned and crowds have been chanting against the U.S. The protesters warned the U.S. against insulting the prophet, as they demanded punishment for the director of the blasphemous movie.

An Egyptian security official said there is an increased security presence in central Cairo, particularly around the American embassy and all U.S. interests in Egypt.

In related development, the Associated Press reported a member of a Coptic Christian organizations based in the U.S.was involved in the making of an anti-Islam film, "The Innocence of Muslims," that has triggered storms of protests in most Arab and Muslim countries and is still ongoing.

According to the report, the man, named Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who is living on the outskirts of Los Angeles, has admitted to the Associated Press correspondent that he took part in the film-making process.

The report also said that the similarity in spelling between Nakoula’s second name – Basseley – and the director’s last name – Bacile – suggests that this could be one and the same person hiding under the two names.

Earlier, U.S. and Israeli media cited someone claiming to be an American Israeli and calling himself Sam Bacile, as saying he made the film on a $5 million budget with the help of 100 Jews, but no record of such a person has been found.

Opinion:

Although the demonstrations in most Arab and Muslim countries did not all witness violence, the continuation of demonstrations in Egypt makes us understand that the Egyptian security is unable to fully control the popular anger. This lack of security explains the persistence of violence for four consecutive days.

Today, as per the Brotherhood announcement, there will be a demonstration, which has been described as a peaceful demonstration. It will be in front of all the mosques in all the governorates of Egypt. Question is, how long will these demonstrations remain? And what is the expected result out of it?

Some reports said that some demonstrators burned civilian cars without any reason; this is unacceptable.

With all the indignation and sadness for the killing of American diplomats, I think that the message has reached the U.S. administration, that what is considered freedom to express personal opinions in America is not taken the same way in Muslim countries.

I think the respect between human beings must prevail, regardless of color and beliefs.

Source:

http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/09/14/237897.html

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4281479,00.htm

UPDATE

Britain's the Guardian paper reported that the Muslim Brotherhood canceled protests against the film insulting Islam .The protest was planned to be held after Friday prayer.