As the turmoil in Egypt continues, I wanted to update you on several new developments.

First of all, today – Friday – thousands more people have gathered in Tahir Square because it is Islam’s day of prayers. This new religious aspect of the rallies has turned Tahir Square into a more peaceful political rally now called “The Day of Departure.”

According to the CNN Wire Staff, “tensions remained high as prayers came to a close and Egyptians demanding change geared up for more demonstrations. Undeterred by the preceding two days of violence, they chanted slogans like ‘He leaves, we don’t leave’ and ‘The blood of the martyrs will not be forgotten.’ A massive banner in the middle of the square said in English: ‘The people demand the removal of the regime.'”

Additionally, the United States government has started working with the Egyptian government to find a peaceful way to remove President Mubarak.

Check out the story here, which also includes a very informative timeline of the Egypt struggle:

Also, here is another interesting video from CNN’s Anderson Cooper that gives a good idea about the geography of the riots. The video is called “Road Map for a Revolution.”

Finally, I found a report that updates more on the looting of ancient treasures. According to archaeologist Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, several other of the country’s museums have also been attacked by looters.

According to Hawass, The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has lost jewelry from the shop and several other artifacts, including a statue of Tutankhamun, have been smashed. Also, in a Sinai store containing antiquities from the Port Said Museum, “a large group, armed with guns and a truck, entered the store, opened the boxes in the magazine and took the precious objects. Other groups attempted to enter the Coptic Museum, Royal Jewellery Museum, National Museum of Alexandria, and El Manial Museum,” Hawass posted on his website.

Click here for a CNN interview with Hawass detailing the destruction.

I will try to keep you updated on any new developments that come out of Egypt, but let me know what you think about the current situation.

Bon Voyage,

Ryan