Protests Over Bin Laden's Death

200 demonstrators in Cairo have begun protesting at the American embassy, protesting the death of Osama bin Laden and his burial at sea. They claim that this is American hostility towards Muslims. Most Egyptians do not believe that Osama bin Laden is responsible for orchestrating the terrorist attacks and decided to use the situation to voice frustration over Afghanistan, Iraq, and U.S. support of Israel. Mamdouh Ismail, a candidate for President and speaker at the protest argued that no case had been formally submitted against bin Laden, unaware that in 1998 a case was filed against bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. Since February, Egyptians have enjoyed using their ability to protest over issues. Sheik Hafaz Salama, an aging firebrand in Egypt, gave a rousing sermon at a mosque, inciting the crowd to protests at the embassy. The protesters were consistently surrounded by police and military, but they remained peaceful through the march. Most protesters were most upset by Osama bin Laden's burial which they feel was not in accordance with Muslim tradition. Another comment made by a proster was that it was actually Jews who planned 9/11.

By Margaret Nunne

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/world/africa/07egypt.html?ref=world