ASSESSMENTS

Egyptian Police Redeploying

Jan 30, 2011 | 22:40 GMT

AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Egypt's internal security forces are reportedly redeploying across the country Jan. 30 after abandoning the streets the previous day in a demonstration, showing what chaos would ensue should they be undermined by the military. As the protests show early signs of dwindling, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Interior Minister Habib el-Adly, who have negotiated a stay in power so far, are likely betting that the protesters, who thus far have been unable to coalesce into a unified group, will clear the streets under pressure. However, serious potential for clashes remain, especially considering hostilities between the army and the police and between the police and protesters. The coming hours will thus tell whether Mubarak's bet on the opposition was a wise one.

Egyptian Interior Minister Habib al-Adly has reportedly ordered the redeployment police patrols and Central Security Forces Jan. 30 after being glaringly absent from the streets the day before....

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