ch. 2: major events and media announcements, egyptian revolution 2011

Included here are the details of the 18 days of confrontation between Egyptian protesters and Mubarak's regime, and a list of major political announcements by the Egyptian and American leaders used in coding.

Dynamics of the Egyptian Unrest: Four important cycles of unrest are evident during the 18 days of the Egyptian uprising, each of which starts with a significant media event. There are four: January 25–27; January 28–February 1; February 2–7; and February 8–11. Source: The New York Times’ Lede blog and Al Jazeera's website.

1. 1. January 25–27: Initial mobilization on January 25, the social media campaign.

2. 2. January 28–February 1: Disruption of the media on January 28 and the proliferation of the protests, the military steps in and acts as a game changer during the following clashes between pro- and anti-Mubarak crowds.

3. 3. February 2–7: Provocative national address by Mubarak late at night on February 1 (stating he will stay in power till September and will die in Egypt), ensuing clashes on the 2nd and 3rd, the military's inaction emboldens prevailing opposition crowds, relative calm afterwards till the 8th.

4. 4. February 8–11: Emotional appeal by Wael Ghonim on a late night television show on the 7th and his follow up speech in 171 Tahrir square in the morning of February 8 initiates the final phase of protests in Tahrir, eventual announcement of Mubarak's resignation by Suleiman on the 11th.

Political Announcements: A list of major announcements during the Egyptian protests is included below. “Announcements” are major addresses to the nation, broadcast from the state television or private TV channels with a national audience. Source: The New York Times’ Lede blog and Al Jazeera's website. All times are Egyptian local time (EST+7 in January and February 2011).

1. 1. January 29: at around 12:30 a.m., Mubarak's late night address (coded in the analysis as an announcement on the 29th): he gives concessions, dismisses the government, appoints a Vice President. Obama talks to the press immediately after Mubarak's speech.

2. 2. February 1: at around 10 p.m. (earlier that day the largest protest to date in Tahrir), Mubarak gives another speech on the state television. He announces he intends to remain in office until the end of his current term. Obama again speaks after Mubarak's speech.