Revolution in Egypt marks new phase for Middle East freedom

 The eighteen days of demonstrations by the Egyptian people that resulted in the overthrow of the Mubarak regime marks history for Egypt and for the Middle East. As the largest country in the region, Egypt is becoming an example for the people of other Middle East nations, suffering from repression by aristocratic leaders.

“Young protesters in Yemen squared off against security forces on Sunday, and some marched on the presidential palace here, witnesses said, as a third day of demonstrations sought to emulate the revolution in Egypt,” according to the New York Times.

On the day Hosni Mubarak resigned as Egypt’s president, former Egyptian Parliament member Moustafa El Gindy told MSNBC News, “I will teach my children to dream.”

The generation of Egyptians born today will not look at their country the same way their fathers did. The dream of their parents and grandparents is now their future, and it is a future that others in the Middle East now appear to seek for their countries as well.

Egyptian revolution becomes massive Egyptian party in Cairo

Since the announcement early on Friday that President Mubarak was stepping down as the nation’s leader, Liberation Square has been the scene of an ongoing party.

Millions of Egyptians in Tahrir Square have been celebrating their successful eighteen day revolution to oust Hosni Mubarak. His thirty-year rule has been corrupt and oppressive, according to the Huffington Post.

The final decision to step down came after hopes were dashed yesterday when Mubarak was expected to announce his resignation, but instead made a confusing statement that simply transferred power to his recently handpicked Vice President, Omar Suleiman.

Mubarak left Cairo Thursday night, and the announcement of his resignation was made by Suleiman. MSNBC Reports that high-ranking military officials played a role in getting Mubarak to quit.

The Egyptian military is running the country during the transition period while arrangements for free elections are planned.

Egypt crowds cheer: Mubarak steps down

Vice President Omar Suleiman has announced that Hosni Mubarak will step down as president of Egypt. The statement follows eighteen days of protests and labor strikes by millions of Egyptian people. Power in Egypt has been passed on to the Egyptian military.

Last night, Mubarak said he intended to remain in office until the end of his term in September, but handed over some control of the government to his newly appointed Vice President, Omar Suleiman. However, that did not satisfy the crowds that have been demanding the resignation of Mubarak.

Mubarak reportedly left the Presidential Place Thursday night, after demonstrators refused to leave the streets of Cairo with turnover of power to the Vice President.

Friday’s announcement of Mubarak’s resignation has brought jubilation to the people of Egypt, with millions celebrating in Liberation Square.

The demonstrations in Cairo were sparked by high unemployment and claims that the Mubarak government did not hold fair elections.  The revolution hopes to bring true democracy to Egypt, through free elections and better living conditions for the large number of poor, working-class Egyptians.

Riots in Cairo follow Mubarak announcement not to seek re-election

February 2, 2011 - Supporters of Egypt’s President Mubarak are challenging the protesters that have been in the streets of Cairo for the past nine days. The clashes between pro and anti-government demonstrators have sparked violence in the massive, persistent crowds.

Today’s events follow remarks by President Mubarak last night when he announced that he would not seek another term as Egypt’s leader. However, demonstrators have been demanding his immediate resignation.

“The army’s role and its ultimate game-plan have remained opaque, with soldiers seeming to fraternize with protesters, without moving against the elite to which its officers belong. While the military has said it will not use force against peaceful protesters, the signs on Wednesday suggested that any gap between it and Mr. Mubarak was narrowing,” according to The New York Times.

On Tuesday night, President Obama made a statement after Mubarak’s announcement encouraging the long-time ally of the United States to step down without delay.

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