We are reporting this event even before Reuters or Associated Press carry their reports. The State Department, of course, has not published a response.
The chant of the people is this: "The people have brought down the regime. The people have brought down the regime."
The High Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt is currently in control with General and Vice President Suleiman in charge. Suleiman made the announcement: . . . . in these difficult circumstance . . . President Mubarak has decided to step down."
While we watched FoxNews this morning, suddenly the crowds gathered in Tahrir began shouting and applauding so loudly, the Fox reporter could scarcely be heard. We actually witnessed the very moment this announcement was made. It is being reported that the 200,000 people in Tahrir are being aided by the military in their celebration. Hundreds, thousands, are running from other parts of the city (Cairo with 18 million people) into the square to join in the celebration.
None of us know how this will play out, but as we watch, we cannot be help but be encouraged, if for no other reason, happiness of the people of Egypt.
So many questions. What does this mean for Israel, a concern not shared by our president or, at least, a concern that has not merited any mention by Obama.
This is a historic moment. One out of every three people living in the Middle East live in Egypt. Free and fair elections is at the center of this conflict.
Leaders in Jordan and Saudi Arabia have been very critical of Obama for dealing with this matter more in the open than in the use of diplomacy. Israel has been very concerned with the haste made by our president as he deserted Mubarak.
Obama will make a speech about this event at 1.30 est. Robert Gibbs will following by holding his last press conference for Obama.
Stock markets, worldwide, are responding with a collective and enthusiastic "up-tic."
JT McFarland, foreign affairs expert out of the Reagan Administration and adviser at Fox, pronounces this as a "near miracle." The announcement this morning ends 18 days of continuing demonstrations. McFarland is saying that this is a "democracy movement . . . . . the Egyptian version of the Boston Tea Party." the next six or seven months will be critical in determining the course of the "new" Egypt.
This is being described as a military coup, by some. But most do not believe that to be the case. Indeed, there needs to be law and order until things get sorted out. The military is on the people's side. In Tahrir Square, military personnel can be seen huging and dancing with the demonstrators.
The Egyptian Google executive who is credited with playing a large role in these demonstration, told al Jazeera," Congratulations, Egypt . . . . . now is the time to get to work. " (Obviously, there is much to be discussed about this fellow, but, his role appears to be rather significant).
Update : 9:19 am
With the resignation of President Mubarak, there is a huge void in as relates to the system of governance in
Egypt. Understand that this country has been under the rule of Mubarak for 30 years. 80% of the demonstrators have never known another President. Now he is gone. Unlike our own revolution, there are no outstanding leaders in line to organize a new and representative government.
Our revolution was lead by military folks, academics, blue collar people of all sorts all coming out of a parliamentarian form of government. They had a reference point from which to begin their plans for the new American government. The Egyptians want freedom but have almost nothing from which to work out those detail. In that void is the danger of "infection." If a populace and radicalized based group fills that void, the Middle East could become something that no one intended. It is not a stretch to say that our very survival as a nation may be at stake, here. Certainly that is true for Israel.
Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt, was murdered in 1981 as a result of the peace treatise he signed with Israel. Mubarak came into power at that time. The peace treatise has remained in effect since that time.
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Revolution in Egypt, like the failed revolutions in oppressive regimes in Iran and China, were generally sparked by liberal, educated, and democratically-minded youth. It's the conservative religious theocracies and dictators we need to worry about.
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