Egyptians erupt with joy

*Picture from NY Times

After 18 days of protest, Hosni Mubarek finally succumbed to the will of his people and step down from the Presidency. This was  a truly momentous day in Egypt and the region. The power of the people was so overwhelming that their will was not to be denied. It all started with the ouster of Tunisan President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali by the Tunsian public who called for him to go. The key word in all of these protest is democracy. People in the middle east no longer wish to live under a dictatorship, but what to have their voices heard and their right to free speech. Yemen has seen pro democracy protests in recent weeks and now Algeria is seeing the same thing. Could the removal of Mubarek be a watershed moment for the Arab world?

The other question we should all be asking is was former U.S President George W. Bush right when he said that people wanted western style democracy? Many people thought it was a pipe dream when he spoke of this desire in 2003. It could just be that history will judge him in more favourable light. As for what happens now in Egypt, we shall await the next move of the military and if they indeed push for democracy. The events in Egypt should inspire all of us wherever we reside and should act as a reminder that the electorate hold the true power.

Mubarek hits back

So after his speech on Tuesday, it appears that President Mubarek has resorted to instilling his authority  on his people by having his supporters attack them. Foreign journalist have also been attacked. Anderson Cooper and his crew from CNN were assaulted. Christiane Amanpour from ABC News just tweeted that she and her crew had to flee after being surrounded by pro government supporters.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mubarak decides to stay in office beyond September as his taste for power is far too strong. Wonder what Hilary Clinton and William Hague have to say about today’s events.

*Picture from the NY Times

Social media in Egypt

Katie Couric posted the link to an interesting story about the role social media played in organising demonstrations in Egypt.

Egyptian promise

The people of Egypt have made it clear to President Mubarak that it’s time for him to release his grip on power and leave office. Democracy is the order of the day and the events of Tunisia have acted as a template for Egyptians.

The United States government doesn’t appear to be rushing to the Mubarak’s aid. Their only comment so far has been the need for a “orderly transition” towards a democratic future in the country. I’m sure both the U.S and UK governments would like to see democracy come to the Egypt, but at the same time, they know they’d be losing an important ally in the region who has been of great importance to them in the past. The other thing that comes with change is the unknown. Should Mubarak step down, then who shall take his place?

Already there are disagreements between Mohamed ElBaradei and opposition group, The Muslim Brotherhood. Will democracy win out should either of these take control or will repression remain and silence the voices that cry out so desperately for change. We should have our answer in a few days.