Egyptian Revolution, first anniversary celebration

On Wednesday, Egyptians in Cairo gathered in Tahrir Square, the heart of their revolution, with a mixture of anxiety and triumph to mark the first anniversary of the revolution that forced the former president, Hosni Mubarak, out of office. Although thousands of people were celebrating, it is reported that in some, the spirit that unified last year’s uprising had been replaced by new tensions between militant rulers, who replaced Mubarak, and Egyptian political factions.

The Muslim Brotherhood, who won almost half the seats in the newly elected Parliament, sent many of their members to the square to keep spirits positive and ensure that the celebration prevails. Buttons, plastic hats, Egyptian and Brotherhood flags filled the crowds, while political rivals, ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafis, also secured the crowds to maintain a peaceful day of demonstration.