Egyptian protesters reach parliament as workers begin to strike
Top story: Egypt's protests swelled on Tuesday as marchers camped out in front of the parliament building in Cairo for the first time. Protests have also spread to the previously quiet region of upper Egypt with thousands reported to have taken to the streets in the town of Wadi El Jadid.
Many of those in the crowd for the first time in Cairo say they were inspired by a tearful TV interview given by Google executive Wael Ghonim, following his release from prison. Organizers have asked demonstrators to concentrate their efforts on Tuesdays and Fridays to allow for rest in between.
Egyptian workers are increasingly participating as well. 6,000 employees of the Suez Canal Authority, a major source of income for the Egyptian government, began a sit-in on Tuesday night. Other strikes and stoppages have been reported throughout the country.
Vice President Omar Suleiman says President Mubarak is beginning the process of ammending the Egyptian constitution. He urged protesters to drop their demand that Mubarak immediately leave power, saying the only alternative is a "coup."
Analysts at Credt Agricole say the crisis is costing Egypt $310 million a day.
Food crisis: A severe drought is threatening the crop in China, the world's largest wheat producer. If China is forced to import wheat, it would drive up global prices even higher.
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Americas Middle East A series of bombings in northern Iraq killed 7.
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-By Joshua Keating |  |
MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images
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