CAIRO: A tour of duty on Mohammad Mahmoud Street, the frontlines of the violence between demonstrators and Egyptian police and military forces, can result in one being injured, fatigued, and certainly hungry. Injuries can be treated at one of the makeshift-field hospitals and fatigue can be cured by nice long rest in the camp that has been erected in the heart of the square. Hunger on the other hand can be combated with an array of options. Despite the raging violence occurring just 50 meters away, Tahrir Square has an almost fairground feel to it, as its bustling roundabout is littered with vendors selling a wide of assortment of freshly made street food. Popcorn, peanuts, couscous, koshary, smoked sweet potatoes, and even candied apples can all be found in abundance in Tahrir Square. In addition to the food, tea, coffee, water, and a variety of fruit juices are available to Tahrir Square's protesters. The consensus among street vendors is that they are primarily there to capitalize on the event and earn a gineih or two. “I am here for the money,” stated Ismail, a 34-year-old popcorn vendor, to Bikyamasr.com. “However, I also support the protesters,” he added. With many of Tahrir's demonstrators being present since the violence broke out last Friday night and little sign of the violence coming to a halt, these street vendors are doing more than lining their own pockets, they are helping to sustain the demonstrators cause. BM
