The fate of Hosni Mubarak is shrouded in mystery, with reports emerging that he has slipped into a coma and is near death. The former leader of Egypt, 83, had been suffering from lethal pancreatic cancer. But the odd coincidence of his falling from power and his falling into a coma has given rise to speculation that he wasn't fallen into a comatose state. He may have been pushed. Mubarak's "health is deteriorating drastically," an Egyptian security official told London-based Arabic-language newspaper a-Sharq al-Awsat on Tuesday. The source added that those around Mubarak were refusing attempts to bring him abroad - most likely to Germany - to receive medical care. Attempts to do so have been rebuffed by those around him who wish to honor his desire to "die in his country," adding: "I think it's only a matter of time," he said. A senior Egyptian official close to the ruling military council told the newspaper that he will "not be surprised if an announcement of Mubarak's death will come soon."
The unusual anticipation of his death has even fueled speculation that Mubarak may already be dead.
Another Egyptian official told the paper that the octogenarian former dictator is in "what seems to be an almost complete coma." The latest report came a day after Egyptian Ambassador to Washington Sameh Shoukry said Mubarak may be in poor condition, saying that he "might have received some communication at a personal level indicating that he is possibly in somewhat of bad health."
Another report Monday said Mubarak has been in a coma since Saturday. Some have said he fainted twice during his defiant final speech last Thursday.
There have been no reliable first-hand reports about Mubarak's fate. Many fear that, with nothing to lose, he might open his mouth and tell what he knows. Many, therefore, have a reason to gag him.
The rapid decline of Mubarak's health and its coincidence with his declining political fortunes has given rise to comparisons with the sudden demise of PLO leader Yasser Arafat who died within days of contracting a mysterious illnesses at a time when many wanted him out of the way. A similar fate befell Israeli leader Ariel Sharon, who remains in a comatose state to this day.
Poster Comment:
It is a pretty big coincidence that he says he is going to stay in power. Then he is thrown out and goes into a coma. There is some major stuff going on behind the scenes.