The resulting turmoil in the party and the continuing despair over the war paved the way to Chicago, where the police violently confronted young protesters in the streets.
In response, the Cuban Communist party government formed hundreds of "rapid-action brigades" to confront protesters.
Reporters agree that it was a sizeable demonstration comparable to the numbers at the January 28 protest, the day when Mubarak sent army vehicles to confront protesters.
Ward later confronted protesters who opposed the policy change and defended what he described as a "tough expenditures decision."
At both embassies, organizers confronted protesters throwing stones, and many demonstrators pleaded for a peaceful demonstration.
But the new commanders have decided that it is foolish to try to shut down Bilin or even to confront villagers and protesters near the village.
The soldiers had orders to confront protesters and peacefully convince them to give up, and if not successful, to use non-lethal force to commandeer the ship.
Ward said the mounted police were brought to the scene too soon and acted too rashly to confront protesters.
The police confronting protesters use shields and tear gas but not guns.
Witnesses said that the police, some on horseback, confronted protesters throwing paving stones and park benches.