In a third day of anti-government protests inspired in part by the tumult in Tunisia, clashes continued between demonstrators and police in several parts of Egypt, including Cairo and Suez (al-Jazeera). At least four activists have been killed during the unprecedented period of unrest, rallying against rising food costs, failed economic policies, and President Hosni Mubarak's thirty-year rule. Analysts expect the situation to gather steam with the arrival of Mohamed ElBaradei, the former head of the UN nuclear watchdog and a possible presidential rival to Mubarak (Haaretz). Shortly before his return to join in demonstrations, ElBaradei said it was time for Mubarak to step aside.

The Egyptian government has declared the protests illegal, increasing security and arresting up to a thousand (BBC), according to reports. Experts suggest that even if Mubarak manages to survive the crisis politically, his campaign to install his son as successor (FT) is finished. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Egypt to "respond to the legitimate needs" of its citizens. Media reports claim there is discussion among protestors about staging a big demonstration on Friday (CNN) following Muslim prayers.

Analysis:

CFR Senior Fellow Steven Cook blogs on the unrest from the ground in Egypt.

On the eve of his return, ElBaradei, the Mubarak regime's most high-profile opponent, writes for the Daily Beast on the young people who've taken to the streets, political Islam, and the role of the United States.

This editorial for the National Review suggests that given the Islamist alternative, Mubarak's exit should be regarded with trepidation.

Background:

This CFR Contingency Planning Memorandum discusses political instability in Egypt and assesses the possibility of a troubled leadership succession or an Islamist push for political power, the implications for the United States, and policy steps the U.S. government might take.