Crowds return to Tahrir to cheer Egypt general

Three years after the start of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, several thousand Egyptians rallied in Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square calling for another military man to become their leader. The anniversary rallies took place this year against the backdrop of deadly Cairo bombings, in a country deeply polarised between supporters and opponents of Mubarak's successor, the deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Families entered the square -- the epicentre of the uprising that began on January 25, 2011 and toppled Mubarak 18 days later -- chanting slogans backing General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the military chief who overthrew Morsi in July. The divisions on display, with many demonstrators openly calling for the killing of members of the Muslim Brotherhood, underscored the bitter polarisation since the 2011 revolt, in which Egyptians of all political stripes had united to demand change. I am here to support our army and police," said Syed Ahmed Abdallah, a reveller in Tahrir who held a Koran in one hand and a wooden cross in the other, as he balanced a small plastic model of a military tank on his head. "I will do whatever I can to support them," Abdallah said, before chanting "Kill the Muslim Brotherhood" as the crowds behind him whistled and chanted "Sisi, Sisi!" A short drive away, police fired tear gas at protesters in Mustafa Mahmud Square during a demonstration against the military-installed government. Sisi is widely seen as a strongman who can restore order and combat the militancy that has rocked Egypt since the ouster of Morsi, which the military-installed authorities blame on his Muslim Brotherhood. On Friday, Cairo was hit by four bomb attacks, including a huge explosion targeting the police headquarters of the capital. The Muslim Brotherhood -- which renounced violence decades ago and won a series of elections following Mubarak's overthrow -- has condemned the bombings and insisted it is committed to peaceful protest. The authorities have nevertheless launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting thousands of Islamists, including virtually all of the Brotherhood's top leadership. More than 1,000 people, mainly Islamists, have been killed in street clashes since July. Popular anger with the Brotherhood grew throughout Morsi's divisive year in power, and many Egyptians have cheered on the crackdown amid a wave of militant nationalism. In Tahrir on Saturday a festive atmosphere prevailed, as jubilant Egyptians waved flags and posters of Sisi, while a military helicopter circled overhead. "People want the death of the Brotherhood," chanted many as they poured into the square, entering in queues through specially installed metal detectors after being frisked by policemen. In 2011 protesters had directed their fury at Mubarak's feared police, who were widely accused of corruption and brutality. But on Saturday a police band played patriotic songs as onlookers joined in singing and dancing and several people took their pictures with police officers, soldiers and tanks. The protesters in Mustafa Mahmud, however, said their revolution would continue. "The revolution of the 25th of January continues, to liberate Egypt from the military," said Mamduh Mohammed, a doctor. "The people want the fall of the regime," the protesters shouted, reprising the central chant of the Arab Spring. But thy were soon met with clouds of tear gas, and scattered into nearby streets.