Mubarak Is Said to Leave Egypt

The NY Times reports via Reuters that former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has left Egypt.  He is supposedly in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia receiving chemotherapy for colon and pancreatic cancer.  His family is said to be with him.

الف مبروك للناس المصريون

Mubarak has stepped down!

Egypt’s Mubarak resigns as leader

The people of Egypt are celebrating in the street as former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation.  This BBC News article reports on this landmark event.  On the 18th day of continuous protests, the people of Egypt have reached their goal.  The authority of the country has been handed over to the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces.  It is now up to the military to lead the nation to fair and free democratic elections.

Discuss: Unrest in Egypt

UPDATE- On Wednesday, February 2 at 12:15 in SIE 150 we will be holding a discussion panel featuring Korbel professors who specialize on the Middle East to further discuss the political unrest in Egypt and its significance.

As unrest spreads across Egypt resulting in the deployment of Egyptian military forces to create some sort of security, President Mubarak addressed the Egyptian people hoping to cease the unrest and violence.  In his speech, President Mubarak announced his decision to sack his entire government and form a new one that will take steps towards democracy, freedom, and reducing poverty.  If anyone finds a transcript of his speech, please post it in the comments.  I am searching for one as well.

In the immediate aftermath of Mubarak’s speech, protesters continued to shout out “down with Mubarak.”  A new government with Mubarak as its leader will most likely not satisfy the unrest that has enveloped Egypt.  Many protesters have lost their lives today, and many more are wounded as fires and gunshots rage across Egypt.

What do you guys think will be the outcome?  I think Mubarak will continue to attempt to appease the protesters, however this speech may just fuel the fire of the protesters.  He will not flee from Egypt and step down until he loses the support of his military and police forces.   Mubarak may be able to wait the protesters out until their movement runs out of steam.  The ability to oust Mubarak from power will come from the committed resolve of protesters.  Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Some links:  BBC News article and  Foreign Policy article