A sombre announcement from Egypt's health ministry on Monday: The death toll in clashes between police and protesters has reached 20. These demonstrators have been under attack for days in Tahrir Square - long the heart of insurrection in the Egyptian capital Cairo. Police fire into crowds here - and there are reports they also attacked a makeshift hospital. Protesters respond by throwing tear gas canisters back, and hurling chunks of pavement and concrete at security forces. With just a week to go before parliamentary elections, the confrontations send a clear message that many Egyptians are still furious with the system. Egypt is set to elect a new parliament in a staggered vote that starts on November 28. But even when the assembly is picked, the army will hold onto power until a presidential poll - a poll which may not come until late 2012 or early 2013. Travis Brecher, Reuters
