Mubarak to Step Down

[Shairia]

Egypt's President H. Mubarak is rumored to be stepping down and VP to take over for remainder of term. Looks like the horse and pony show is on. This is all for show, nothing will change as the internal machine is still intact.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41506482/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/?gt1=43001

[yiolas]

Live News Feed in English from Egypt by Al Jazeera

http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[bodixa]

Hey

just watching the BBC coverage of Cairo right now - incredible scenes. Mubarak just about to make an address soon.

What do people think? Are you following. The sight of all those people camped out is really moving to me.

What do we think? Do you think he'll resign? What do we think will happen next?

[Shairia]

Yes I am watching, why?...because my sons are part of the protest.

[chrstian_indianapolis]

Yes I am watching, why?...because my sons are part of the protest.

your sons have what we would say in my language "Cojones!" but they have to be careful. Just because he is stepping down, doest mean that the new person stepping in, is in it for a good deed.

[bodixa]

Yes I am watching, why?...because my sons are part of the protest.

What are the hopes of the people out there? How do they imagine the future government might look like?

[Shairia]

They are careful but life was getting so impossible that the youth had no choice but to protest. People that are fed up and doing something about it at great risk to themselves (they know what the government is capable of with arrests and torture) do not want the old guard ruling at all (muslim brotherhood, secular rule, another puppet). They want a say in how the country is run and opportunities for everyone.

[stomy]

I speak with an Egyptian on msn. She says that it has more and more afraid. It starts to have of the dead and wounded. Mubarak will remain in power what is happening. By behind, obama supports the egypt. Israel has fear that the opposition take the power. This last would not make much support in the region.

Blessings for Egyptians

[Alliamber]

I hope they get the chance to have their government stand for the Egyptian people. I say this as an American who grew up being told that true freedom for everyone was what
we stood for. I still believe we all can. I hope TPTB see this for what it is. The future.

[bodixa]

Shairia I hope your sons see something amazing tonight and that the best possible outcome happens for them. Are you Egyptian?

I don't know much about the country. I met an older Egyptian man on a post 9/11 flight San Fran to London - he was a real lovely man. We had 10 hours to chat. He had been at a Jesuit conference in San Francisco and was a Coptic Christian. He said that Christians stood no chance of getting roles high up in government or business in Egypt. I asked him 'why do you think they did 9/11 - he said "because they look at what there is in the West and they are jealous and angry." I've never been able to buy the conspiracy thing re 9/11 because he was so certain that it was possible that it could have been orchestrated by people from the mid east. I'll reserve judgement cos there are so many factors rolling in and out of that whole picture I just painted there.

So I am slightly surprised that Egypt is perceived as a 'secular state' because of what he said - I guess it's relative to what is 'secular' in that region.

It worries me the posturing by other countries...

[Alliamber]

Hey Shairia,
How do your Sons feel about the Talking Heads trying to tell everyone what they want and think?
I see Mubarak is making everyone wait. No surprise.

[bodixa]

Here we go!!! He speaks

[Shairia]

I'm American and my sons are dual citizens who chose to return to Egypt because that is where they grew up. I lived there working for the American Embassy for six years and returned to the states with them.

When I lived there prior to the Iraqi takedown, a new movement was under way to return to the conservative roots. It was the young people who began that movement to change the country from a Western culture back to an Islamic nation. What I saw worried me because I knew this was not going to accomplish anything except a crackdown on any movement. That is exactly what took place, the secret police starting arresting individuals and torturing them and deporting some of them. These individuals then started extremist organizations in other countries and resorted to terrorist activities.

People forget that Egypt is a dictatorship because of Mubarak's title of President. It has always been a military regime headed by a dictator. I don't believe that 9/11 was carried out by Islamic extremists, possibly they may have initially devised a plan, but that plan was carried out by someone else. I have my own conclusions on that which don't belong in this thread. Israel has nothing to worry about from the protestors if they eventually come to power, but they are not naive. They know that another organized faction will step in and take control of the country, who that faction is right now is anybody's guess but if they are organized, they are financed and most likely another pawn of TPTB. That is why Israel is worried, the game will change.

At this point the protesters know they have nothing to lose that is what drove their protest in such numbers, regardless of who organized them.

If you watched the footage, secular was not emphasized in this protest, you saw Atheists, Christians and Muslims standing together and protecting each other. Sadly, the Western News agencies put this idea into most people's heads for their own agenda. Just another fear tactic that has worked so well for them in the past.

[cayman]

http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2011-02-10/215421934507.shtml

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-02/10/content_11979332.htm

looks like China will join the game, things will get very complicated.

[Gardener]

Just watched the speach, how disappointing for the Egyption people.
Oh dear a sad day, this man is seriously disordered. He does not have the ability to recognise what he is doing wrong, or what he could do about it. Pathalogically it seems he is a psychopathic megelomaniac, unable to relinquish control. In his own mind he can not possibly be wrong under any circumstances. If this were not true he would step down
Very sad.
g

[John Parslow]

Hello cayman

Would you mind translating the main thrust of this link for me?

Many thanks. JP :cool:

[000]

What just occurred put into simple terms: Mubarak has just heavily kicked an already agitated and very large hornets' nest.

Fate sealing move on his part... :warning2:

[Midnight Rambler]

Hello cayman

Would you mind translating the main thrust of this link for me?

Many thanks. JP :cool:

Xinhua Abu Dhabi, Feb. 10 (Xinhua An Jiang) is China's official visit to the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, 10, and the Egyptian Foreign Minister Gheit on the phone.
The two sides of the development of bilateral relations since last year, expressed satisfaction that the Sino-Egyptian strategic cooperation has great potential and broad prospects for development.
Gheit informed by telephone the current situation in Egypt that the Egyptian government is taking various measures to maintain social stability and the restoration of normalcy.
Yang said China attaches great attention to development of the situation in Egypt. Egypt has an important influence in the Middle East countries, Egypt's stability is also related to the Middle East region.
Egypt Egypt's affairs should be decided independently, should not be subject to external interference. We believe that Egypt has enough wisdom and ability to overcome present difficulties and achieve national stability and development.
The same day, Yang also met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sheikh Abdullah.
Yang and his party arrived at 9, Abu Dhabi, UAE on an official visit.

[yiolas]

Just watched the speech, how disappointing for the Egyptian people.
Oh dear a sad day, this man is seriously disordered. He does not have the ability to recognize what he is doing wrong, or what he could do about it. Pathalogically it seems he is a psychopathic megelomaniac, unable to relinquish control. In his own mind he can not possibly be wrong under any circumstances. If this were not true he would step down
Very sad.
g
Yes Gardener ii is sad. I'm still watching the live feed now. You can even hear it in the voices of the commentators that they are disappointed. Unfortunately rulers like him don't understand that countries and nations belong to the people and not to them.
I have a bad feeling about all of this. There was a crescendo of jubilation tonight in freedom square, how disappointing.

[Midnight Rambler]

I don´t get it. Why make a speech when you have nothing to say. Except handing over his power to his CIA controlled vice president. I hope the protests remain peaceful!

[yiolas]

The VP of Egypt says that they have opened the door of dialogue ! The people have spoken. They want them all to leave office.
The VP said that he doesnt want the people to listen to satelite television stations spreading division within the Egyptian people. Now it's everyone elses fault except for their own.
He wants them all to go back home and back to their jobs and lives. How disgusting !
The real revolution will begin tomorrow in Egypt. Let's pray for the Egyptian people.

[cayman]

update: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi set off on tour of Africa,on Wednesday
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-02/10/content_11973581.htm

What a timing!

news I see it: a probe to the hunting ground, "structure weakness testing"

in this article:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-02/09/content_11967932.htm

you can see some explanation of the story why we are in Africa, the tune just doesn't feel like before, more hawkish---that's the point

[ViralSpiral]

I missed the speech, but receivecd a "live" feed link: http://www.youtube.com/aljazeeraenglish?feature=ticker


When I opened it there were 217,691,536 downloaded views. Just WOW!

[slipknotted]

there's noway he's going, with all the billions he has and the ego to match, sad to say he does 'ntcare for the people, they need sooooo much help but they are stuck with what they let be scary i wish them all hope and what they need to be free.

[Midnight Rambler]

I hear on the TV experts saying that Friday will be a day of fighting, probably after going to the mosque. :(

[GK76]

I wish them well, and hope it ends peacefully. I pray they do not accept anything but a full replacement of the current regime, no one should rule for that long and when that person builds up $70billion then something is very wrong.

Mubarak seems to be trying to push the army into forcing and end - the last act of a desperate man. Thankfully the army are ignoring his plea. One negative though is that the army may be having their own internal issues too.

[Shairia]

Does anyone else think he was going to hand over power and he was talked out of it?

[Midnight Rambler]

Does anyone else think he was going to hand over power and he was talked out of it?

I heard this analysis earlier today.

That is the reason the rumour was spread.

First he decided to go, and after talking about it behind the curtains he decided to stay.

[Shairia]

I know how this man thinks and he would have squashed rumors of his leaving if that was not his original intention.

The only question that remains in my mind is who talked him out of it:

his VP
Saudi Arabia
Israel
US
China???

[Midnight Rambler]

I know how this man thinks and he would have squashed rumors of his leaving if that was not his original intention.

Yes, but why all the hype? In the ticker tape on the news at least here in Holland it said It Is Rumoured Mubarak is Leaving. Not that I hold much regard for the MSM.

[Charlie Pecos]

U.S. and Israel are running the show. They don't want Mubarak out, just needed a distraction.

Not surprising, just disappointing.

[Midnight Rambler]

I think the people of Egypt have a long road to take before the truly have a free democratic society, I am afraid. With all the different interests in that part of the world and that new VP is not a good guy or so I have head.

[Shairia]

Yiolas,

Trust me Mubarak was aware of the MSN release before it aired.

His VP was the head of the secret police that should tell you all you want to know about his character. It was released that he wanted protestors arrested and tortured and I'm sure he got his way in at least a few cases.

[Charlie Pecos]

Deleted post

[Midnight Rambler]

Yiolas,

Trust me Mubarak was aware of the MSN release before it aired.

His VP was the head of the secret police that should tell you all you want to know about his character. It was released that he wanted protestors arrested and tortured and I'm sure he got his way in at least a few cases.

Yes, there was also a story I heard of a Swedish journalist that was tortured there. It´s disgusting.

[Shairia]

Charlie,

Don't under estimate the people in the demonstrations, they have nothing left to lose and are betting their lives on a positive outcome. I don't think they will pack up and leave. Will they effect the change they want, maybe not but I'm betting their will have to be significant improvements no matter what the outcome.;)

[Charlie Pecos]

Charlie,

Don't under estimate the people in the demonstrations, they have nothing left to lose and are betting their lives on a positive outcome. I don't think they will pack up and leave. Will they effect the change they want, maybe not but I'm betting their will have to be significant improvements no matter what the outcome.;)

I truly hope you are right. I was afraid that Mubarak was going to pull a trick like this, especially after he sent the "pro Mubarak supporters" in.

God I hope the Egyptian people don't fall for this.

[Shairia]

Charlie,

These people have lived under his heavy rule all their lives they have been tricked many times into submission and are not going to fall for that again. For the first time in Egypt a rebelliion is taking place with an educated protest group leading the way. The majority of the protesters are college graduates and I am proud and amazed at what they have already accomplished. I speak to my son everyday and he fills me in on what is going on in the trenches.

When this protest first got underway I worried about the scenario of exactly what happened, paid government employees threatened with not receiving their monthly checks unless they cleared the square. I know the dirty tricks they use and nothing surprised me.

[Charlie Pecos]

Charlie,

These people have lived under his heavy rule all their lives they have been tricked many times into submission and are not going to fall for that again. For the first time in Egypt a rebelliion is taking place with an educated protest group leading the way. The majority of the protesters are college graduates and I am proud and amazed at what they have already accomplished. I speak to my son everyday and he fills me in on what is going on in the trenches.

When this protest first got underway I worried about the scenario of exactly what happened, paid government employees threatened with not receiving their monthly checks unless they cleared the square. I know the dirty tricks they use and nothing surprised me.

I apologize for my ignorance. I take it they are not falling for his resignation ploy?

Yes, they have accomplished alot and it would be a shame to let that go when they have come so far.

I do hope and pray they can succeed.:pray:

[unplugged]

Does anyone else think he was going to hand over power and he was talked out of it?

I hadn't thought about it until you wrote it. You could be right. Neighboring Arab rulers and best-bud Zionist Israel would not want a successful people revolt in Egypt.

What amazes me is how cut off these rulers are from the people. Mubarak has to be emotionally and psychically cut off from the people or he would not be able to stand against the weight of disgust and dislike being hurled energetically at him from millions in Egypt and abroad.

Feels increasingly like the scenes in the movie Moses in which the "Pharaoh hardened his heart" and accepted increasingly painful plagues until he lost something he loved. This current Pharaonic version probably would step down only if threatened with the loss of his illegally accumulated umpteen-billion fortune. Gamal's rulership after him was among his first concessions. So family power is clearly not as important to him as personal power and the accumulation of vast sums on the backs of the Egyptian people.

In a fair contest his billions would be snatched from him and handed to the Egyptian people at the rate of $100 million per day until he leaves. I somehow don't think he would stick around for very long if that were the case. Also such a reversal of fortune would work wonders to tide the Egyptians over the rocky road of survival prior to reconstruction of their Antiquities and Tourism industries.

[Shairia]

I guess it's easy to be cut off from the people when you live in a villa in the Sinai.

[Midnight Rambler]

I guess it's easy to be cut off from the people when you live in a villa in the Sinai.

I heard on Bill Deagles talk radio show someone say he has a capital of 40 billion dollars whilst some people have to live by a dollar and a half a day. Unbelievable if true.

[Shairia]

Actually his net worth was quoted at 70 billion US. This was before he changed his mind about stepping down, so of course it could be more than that now. Yes if you've seen the poverty in the streets it would make you angry at how some people are forced to live.

[Midnight Rambler]

Wow, that really made me very sad. I have no words for that type of greed. What do you do with that much money, ridiculous!

[Shairia]

You did what Mubarak did when the protesting first started, you load your gold on planes with your wife and son and send it out of the country. You do this while farmers can't get their fruits and vegtables to market because of the tanks and shops selling bread and rice, beans are closed due to looting (all done by officials according to the citizens of Cairo), and the people are starving.

[Midnight Rambler]

You did what Mubarak did when the protesting first started, you load your gold on planes with your wife and son and send it out of the country. You do this while farmers can't get their fruits and vegtables to market because of the tanks and shops selling bread and rice, beans are closed due to looting (all done by officials according to the citizens of Cairo), and the people are starving.

Yeah I saw a news report saying that some looters had their government ID on them when they got caught by civilians.

[moonchild]

i think he's just hanging around till he's done packing up his treasures and shifting his cash around so it wont be traced back to him!...just a thought

[Shairia]

My son told me that he and his brother were checking IDs in their neighborhood even when the police were back on duty. He said they were asking policemen for their governemnt IDs, I thought he was crazy doing this until I heard about exactly the same scenario you mentioned in your post.

Welcome Moonchild:

You're probably right but you'd have to understand his ego to know that it is a matter of pride for him at this point not to be forced to leave office. When I saw the news report this morning I found it hard to believe.

[Midnight Rambler]

You got some brave kids... or crazy or a bit of both ;) I hope they are safe and be careful tomorrow.

I Got the feeling that when the party bureau and some shopping malls were burnt down that that was also done to discredit the protesters.

Do you know anything about that?

[moonchild]

my friend in cairo told me he's one of the the guys doing checks on the road and was very upset that they had to beat someone to death just because someone yelled 'thief'! now he suspects that the person who yelled was probably a government man as the guy who died had nothing on him so they suspect setups!
its really a sad situation but i believe the people will prevail!!

¤=[Post Update]=¤

and thanks for the welcome!

[Shairia]

Wow moonchild that's so sad. I'm sure we're going to hear plenty of stories like that.

This is a summary of the situation I found on another site, there is no link where this came from but it seems to be an accurate assessment of the situation:


Red Alert: The Egyptian Military's Options

February 10, 2011

The decision by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak not to resign seems to have shocked both the Egyptian military and Washington. CIA Director Leon Panetta spoke earlier as if his resignation was assured and a resolution to the crisis was guaranteed. Sources in Cairo spoke the same way. How the deal came apart, or whether Mubarak decided that transferring power to Vice President Omar Suleiman was sufficient cannot be known. What is known is that Mubarak did not do what was expected.

This now creates a massive crisis for the Egyptian military. Its goal is not to save Mubarak but to save the regime founded by Gamal Abdel Nasser. We are now less than six hours from dawn in Cairo. The military faces three choices. The first is to stand back, allow the crowds to swell and likely march to the presidential palace and perhaps enter the grounds. The second choice is to move troops and armor into position to block more demonstrators from entering Tahrir Square and keep those in the square in place. The third is to stage a coup and overthrow Mubarak.

The first strategy opens the door to regime change as the crowd, not the military, determines the course of events. The second creates the possibility of the military firing on the protesters, which have not been anti-military to this point. Clashes with the military (as opposed to the police, which have happened) would undermine the military’s desire to preserve the regime and the perception of the military as not hostile to the public.

That leaves the third option, which is a coup. Mubarak will be leaving office under any circumstances by September. The military does not want an extraconstitutional action, but Mubarak’s decision leaves the military in the position of taking one of the first two courses, which is unacceptable. That means military action to unseat Mubarak as the remaining choice.

One thing that must be borne in mind is that whatever action is taken must be taken in the next six or seven hours. As dawn breaks over Cairo, it is likely that large numbers of others will join the demonstrators and that the crowd might begin to move. The military would then be forced to stand back and let events go where they go, or fire on the demonstrators. Indeed, in order to do the latter, troops and armor must move into position now, to possibly overawe the demonstrators.

Thus far, the military has avoided confrontation with the demonstrators as much as possible, and the demonstrators have expressed affection toward the army. To continue that policy, and to deal with Mubarak, the options are removing him from office in the next few hours or possibly losing control of the situation. But if this is the choice taken, it must be taken tonight so that it can be announced before demonstrations get under way Feb. 11 after Friday prayers.

It is of course possible that the crowds, reflecting on Mubarak’s willingness to cede power to Suleiman, may end the crisis, but it does not appear that way at the moment, and therefore the Egyptian military has some choices to make.

[Midnight Rambler]

I have found a link strange site though.

[Shairia]

Please share, as I said I think it's an accurate assessment of the current events unfolding. I've been checking the live coverage and something has to break.

[Midnight Rambler]

All right But I don't know about the reliability of the article. Or the source

Here is one (http://www.alternativadigital.net/?p=405)

And Another (http://tahoe-is-walking-on.blogspot.com/2011/02/red-alert-stratfor-egyptian-military.html)

And another (http://thestatedtruth.com/?p=15943)

Strange

[Shairia]

Okay this seems to be the source:

http://www.stratfor.com/

Very interesting.

[moonchild]

No news channel is covering the cairo live anymore...especially now that we hear protesters marching to mubarak's house....

[Shairia]

I think it's because it's 3:00 AM there now, you will see the live feeds after services tomorrow. Expect some record crowds then.

[Midnight Rambler]

Al jazeera English is covering it. Here (http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/)

[Shairia]

Yes, I'm watching it now there too but not much is happening.

[fifi]

Hi Sharia,
Your sons are very brave, and I will pray for them. Be careful of the military.


Meanwhile, the Egyptian military has been accused of being involved in both the disappearance and torture of Egyptian citizens, including the use of electric shocks.

Hossam Bahgat, director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights in Cairo, said hundreds, and possibly thousands, of ordinary people had “disappeared” into military custody across the country. Many were still missing.

“Their range is very wide, from people who were at the protests or detained for breaking curfew to those who talked back at an army officer or were handed over to the army for looking suspicious or for looking like foreigners even if they were not,” he said.

“It’s unusual and to the best of our knowledge it’s also unprecedented for the army to be doing this.”

The military has maintained that it is neutral in the current unrest.

Read more at: http://stevebeckow.com/2011/02/saudis-bad-choice/

[jcocks]

I don't know. I'm worried about what is happening in Egypt. It just doesn't sit right with me.... There is much more to this than meets the eye.......

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

These are interesting times we live in.

I think what was started in Egypt thousands of years ago, is coming full circle.
The centuries of "slavery" and poverty consciousness, under Kings and despots, is being tested and truly believe this is the beginning of a new era.

I watched the speech on a live link and got goosebumps when the people on the streets started shouting at the vacuous words spoken by their so-called leader.

I send lots of love to the people on the streets in Egypt today.

[ViralSpiral]

http://myrtus.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/04/imaginepeace.jpg

[Shairia]

I agree, interesting times we are living in now. Today will be an indicator of what is to come. This morning I heard news that the army is asking the protesters to go home.

[Arrowwind]

In USA Today they are reporting that Mubarak is not stepping down but is going to transfer his powers to his vice president. I expect there will be more esclation in Egypt now.

[Midnight Rambler]

Hi Shairia,

Yes I heard the same thing. But I don't think the protesters are going home, so there maybe a clash between them and the protesters.

Or the lower level troops decide not to follow orders.

[Shairia]

Today will definitely be an indicator of what will come. I agree MR that after prayers today we will see what direction the country will go in.

[Midnight Rambler]

Reuters has a news update site. Here (http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt)

Its quite interesting.

[Arrowwind]

If the vice president moves into power it may not be all bad. You have about a 20% Muslim Brotherhood representation in Egyptian parliment.. and the VP is against the Muslim Brotherhood due to their intent to implement though peaceful means the Shia Laws upon the nation

If Mubarack has to step down, elections must be held in 60 days, but these type of elections will hold many restrictions on who can run for a position, as opposed to a more normal election processs....will this be a good thing for the nation? This is of concern... and as of yet it is unknonw how things could be played out. Of utmost importance, regardless of how repressive the Mubarack rule has been, it is essential that fundamental groups like the Muslim Brotherhood do not increase their presence in government. You dont know what repression is until a state takes on Shia Law as the rule of the land.

Since the Muslim Brotherhood is calling for an oust of the Mubarack I can only assume that they see an advantage for his removal in this way instead of an orderly transfer of power via a election process that follows rules of governance, instead of a hurried post dissent election under pressure. I would be very leary of this.

[The One]

F.B.I Director Robert Mueller visited Egypt amazes me how they are so involved

http://213.251.145.96/cable/2006/02/06CAIRO941.html

[Midnight Rambler]

I think the Muslim brotherhood is not the Taliban and we must try to look at the situation from an Egyptian perspective.

From a western perspective some Islamic ways are backward, but from a Islamic perspective some of the western ways are backward. I believe the truth lies in between.

I have heard some voices say that democracy is great for Egypt but they would rather have Mubarak then democratic elections and risk having the Muslim brotherhood in charge.
I think they underestimate the Egyptian people. All different religions come together in the protests and are brothers and sisters in this fight for freedom. And Mubarak wont be replaced by a religious dictatorship if the people have anything to say about it.

I think every nation deserves the government they deserve and they have a right to choose.

[Midnight Rambler]

Egypt state TV says an important, urgent statement is expected from the presidency shortly.

http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt

[Shairia]

I see this scenario being pushed by the media, but I honestly don't think that's what the Egyptian populace wants. They aren't after a political agenda here, they want a fair representation and a chance to work for the basic necessities in life along with opportunity. It's not about the Muslim brotherhood, Coptics are protesting along with Muslims. They are tired of oppression and don't want to replace a dictator with another oppression.

[Midnight Rambler]

There are a lot voices saying dictatorship is better then freedom, I think this is because TPTB want to conveigh that they are doing a good thing by backing dictators.

I think its mind controllish.

[jackovesk]

...Update...

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak leaves Cairo amid anti-regime protests

EMBATTLED Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has left Cairo with his family on Friday, a source close to the government says, but his destination is not immediately clear.
"Mubarak has left Cairo with all his family," the source said, but refused to say whether the president had left the country or was headed to his residence in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Mubarak's departure came as thousands of demonstrators massed at Egypt's state television building and at the President's palace in the Cairo suburbs on Friday as anti-regime protests spread across the city.

At least 3000 people marched on Mubarak's main official residence in the upmarket Heliopolis neighbourhood, their numbers boosted by hundreds of protesters arriving minute by minute from areas further into town.

Another 2000 demonstrators were outside the state television headquarters, on the banks of the Nile near Tahrir Square, where hundreds of thousands of people were protesting for an 18th day against Mubarak's rule.

The crowd marched along the corniche running along the banks of the Nile in downtown Cairo to the barbed wire barricades defending the station, which are defended by well-armed troops. They halted there and chanted slogans.

Demonstrators reacted with fury after the military appeared on Friday to throw its weight behind Mubarak's attempt to cling to power despite the massive nationwide protests.

In a statement read out on state television, an army council said it would guarantee Mubarak's promised reforms, but also called for life in the country to return to normal, even as protests across Egypt grew.

Outside Mubarak's palace, an army colonel read out the statement, prompting one demonstrator to angrily grab the officer's microphone to denounce the move.

"You have disappointed us, all our hopes rested in you," he shouted, as the crowd began to chant slogans calling for Mubarak to be put on trial.

"No, no, this is not a coup," the colonel protested, insisting that the army would not take power itself, but would work to ensure that the popular will is reflected in the civilian regime's program.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/mubarak-may-soon-respond-to-demands-party/story-e6freoox-1226004762979

[Shairia]

Mubarak is rumored to have gone to Sharm el Sheikh, where his villa is and where he spends most of his time. I'm very interested to see what the latest announcement will be. Most likely more of the same. I think the Port Said protests are the ones to watch because of the canal and my guess this is why Saudi Arabia does not want to see Mubarak step down.

[Shairia]

Hosney Mubarak is gone, VP Sulieman has announced just now.

[Midnight Rambler]

Hosney Mubarak is gone, VP Sulieman has announced just now.

Are we happy with that? :confused: Yeah I guess I am

Military counsel has the power. What is next, elections maybe?

[Shairia]

It's only a symbollic jesture. The Armed Forces are in control of the country according to the announcement. That is different than the army being in control. I know the people are not as fond of the Air Force and other generals but we will see who is really in control in the coming days.

The people didn't want Sulieman in control but he is in effect in charge off the armed forces so it will still be a touchy issue.

[Midnight Rambler]

Do you think the people will stop protesting now?

[Charlie Pecos]

Shairia,

Will the people accept this or will they continue to protest?

[Shairia]

We will have to wait to see what powers float to the surface. The protesters wanted a voice in the new government so it will be interesting to see if they are given that opportunity. Last night I listened to interviews from some of the original organizers of the protest talking about how the Muslim Brotherhood had stepped up to try and take credit and they were very angry about that. I don't think they will accept another regime of any kind.

[Midnight Rambler]

And the crowds go wild!! (http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/) :peace:

[4th Sky]

Here's a quick 2-part segment by Webster Tarpley on the Alex Jones show about the Egypt crisis.

Long story short, it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. Mubarak is a terrible dictator. However the coup is backed by the US as Mubarak was not going along with US plans to make an alliance in the middle east against Iran. Namely because Mubarak was not willing to ally with Israel without Israel making some concessions to Egypt first.

So whoever ends up in power in Egypt is likely to be US friendly or a puppet and is actually advancing the US agenda in the middle east vs Iran. But hey, at least it's not Mubarak right?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64iWe0NtNv8

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

Woohoo! Mubarak has stepped down!

What a historic day!

Power to the people.

:whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo:

[Alliamber]

Yeah!!!
My husband just made me turn on the tv!! Good for the Egyptian People.

[Shairia]

My son just called he was in Tahir Square. He tells me he is afraid now of the fighting of the different factions for leadership, this has always been a major concern.

This is strange, the media is reporting the Army is in charge but the VP's speech said the Armed Forces. Look to see some attempts at power grabs between the generals.

[Marcelo Mendes]

Hi folks.

I allways thought that the best for a people is to be free and be capable to define their own way. That may be ocurring right now in Egipt. But, i´ve heard that it was a movement prepared by TPTB, in order to turn the region more and more under the domain of religious radicals in order to increase the problem jews X muslins, meaning the old problem, situation, solution environment.

Is it possible to know how could we avoid this to happen?

Namaste

MM

[Peace of Mind]

He finally step down and gave the power to the military. This is a clear example of how powerful the people are. People should never fear the governmments, if anything....they should fear the people.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110211/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_egypt


Peace

[steve_a]

Hi Marcelo,

Mubarak was not removed by the people of Egypt, but by the high ups in the geopolitical world. This is clear. Check out the David Icke interview on Alex Jones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_WLgCem9mo He explains it very well indeed about what is going to happen in the future and explains why.

Remember, from the peoples' point of view, if they think it's them who decided the future of the government, they will remain content. Remember the "Caras Pintadas". Was it really a few thousand students that removed Collor from power? Not really, it was done from behind closed doors, for political reasons.

I don't beleive there is a way of preventing what will happen, however I think if you understand what will happen you can prepare yourself better. Always ask yourself "Why?". Then you will find out how to prepare yourself.

Best regards,

Steve




Hi folks.

I allways thought that the best for a people is to be free and be capable to define their own way. That may be ocurring right now in Egipt. But, i´ve heard that it was a movement prepared by TPTB, in order to turn the region more and more under the domain of religious radicals in order to increase the problem jews X muslins, meaning the old problem, situation, solution environment.

Is it possible to know how could we avoid this to happen?

Namaste

MM

[lightworker27]

The people of Egypt has shown the world of what can be accomplish by having no fear of Government and persistence. This has given people from other middle east countries hope for a better future by protesting.

I wonder if the youth here in the US will have the same courage and determination to change the corruption of the politicians and hold accountable the big banks and corporations for what they've done and still doing.

Changes are coming to this world.

Light and Love to all

We are one

[Peace of Mind]

We'll see how it unfolds. The important thing is they stood up for their rights. This victory should give them great strength and improve the harmony amongst the masses . I can only think positive about the outcome. The only concerns I have if the people put another corrupt person in charge. But, I think this event woke them up to the realization of how powerful unity really is. I'm actually thrilled about the whole thing. Wish we had a least half the bravery in other parts of the world.

Peace

[Deega]

Hi,

From what I have heard on the News today, Mubarak has step down and the High Military Council will hold the authority for the transition.

God bless the Egyptians for this renewal period.

All my blessings.

Deega

[Shairia]

I don't think the youth in the US would have the same effect until they have lost the freedoms these people have. The road ahead is a long one with much going on behind the scene but I think we will see the people not standing for the same old games. It still could be a violent outcome for all but my heart goes out to them.

[Etherios]

i just hope we dont see a civil war or divisions appearing ... i think an Egyptian Avalon member said that they fear about internal politic fighting or something like that.

I am still waiting to see how the people react to this ... will they be content or will they ask for more.

[Peace of Mind]

The people of Egypt has shown the world of what can be accomplish by having no fear of Government and persistence. This has given people from other middle east countries hope for a better future by protesting.

I wonder if the youth here in the US will have the same courage and determination to change the corruption of the politicians and hold accountable the big banks and corporations for what they've done and still doing.

Changes are coming to this world.

Light and Love to all

We are one

I think so, This is very inspirational. I'm sure the other so called leaders/controllers of the world are shaking in their boots...especially when they realize their muscle (military) is actually part of the people...

Peace

[shiva777]

hmmm...think again people...they are just making way for their next pawn to try more sneaky things

http://www.pfcn.net/Bulletins/A%20Global%20Political%20Awakening-Guess%20Again.pdf

[shiva777]

the people of Egypt are brave...but also just as ignorant of the game being played as most people are on this planet...think about this

http://www.pfcn.net/Bulletins/A%20Global%20Political%20Awakening-Guess%20Again.pdf

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

I have no idea how all of this will unravel.
What I just witnessed was a peaceful revolution and it sends a huge message out to others surpressed by their regimes.
I do believe that there will be a global transformation.

The Egyptians have forced billions all over the world to reconsider and rethink about things that we consider "normal". They have shown resilience and patience.
Their determination to change their lives, is one of the most profound examples of what people are capable of.

[Project_Buggy_Beach]

What's interesting to me is the time reference, the Earth's attention is being directed to this region of the planet, why?

[taizen]

I've read the postings here at this site. I then remembered watching a video put out by Bill Ryan. http://projectavalon.net/lang/en/anglo_saxon_mission_en.html . After hearing about who the next leader is going to be, I did some research. http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=207087. Just some food for thought. I'm not insinuating or instigating, just observing. :twitch:

[yiolas]

What's interesting to me is the time reference, the Earth's attention is being directed to this region of the planet, why?
You've got a point there PBB. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Not necessarily in Egypt, but in the surrounding area.

[Shairia]

A couple of things of interest. When on the phone to Egypt today with my son (via cell phone) we were disconnected when I asked questions about what happens next, what do the protesters want now that Mubarak has stepped down. I was watching live feed of Arabic journalists in the square after the announcement and they were about to discuss this same topic when their feed was lost, not one but two different reporters. I wouldn't have paid as much attention to this except the host journalist in Europe started to act very nervous and was at a loss for words when it happened. This is the kind of thing that is typical under the regime.

[Peace of Mind]

What's interesting to me is the time reference, the Earth's attention is being directed to this region of the planet, why?

maybe there's some type of energy resonating from the pyramids.

Peace

[Ba-ba-Ra]

Exciting times and hopeful times! The brave people of Egypt have much to celebrate. Mubarak has stepped down and Suleiman (the Vice President, torturer who was in charge of rendition) was not put in charge.

This gives me hope that Carl Calleman's interpretation of the Mayan Calendar is correct and Unity Consciousness is being supported by the Universe and the fear of the people is dissipating. The important thing will be to see if the people of Egypt keep the momentum moving forward and don't allow the leaders who follow Mubarak to fall back on old programming.

[Midnight Rambler]

A couple of things of interest. When on the phone to Egypt today with my son (via cell phone) we were disconnected when I asked questions about what happens next, what do the protesters want now that Mubarak has stepped down. I was watching live feed of Arabic journalists in the square after the announcement and they were about to discuss this same topic when their feed was lost, not one but two different reporters. I wouldn't have paid as much attention to this except the host journalist in Europe started to act very nervous and was at a loss for words when it happened. This is the kind of thing that is typical under the regime.

Hm. I am also curious to know what happens next. For the moment Egypt has a military dictatorship and do they decide what the next step will be? How can the people have a say when they are not represented?

[giovonni]

i am very happy and pleased with this recent event Shairia ~ especially for your Family ~ viva the revolution :thumb:
Now only about ~ 190 or more countries to go... :ballchain:

[Etherios]

i am very happy and pleased with this recent event Shairia ~ especially for your Family ~ viva the revolution :thumb:
Now only about ~ 190 or more countries to go... :ballchain:

giovonni i think you got this wrong ... Shairia said that she was cut and also the EU journalist lost connection and it looks like they were cut off. Nothing has changed in Egypt yet. I think they are just muding the waters and we might see further problems ...


Barack Obama ... (http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011211162849852442.html) when he looks to agreeing i fear...

[Shairia]

You are right Etherios, nothing has changed yet, but I still have faith. I know the military machine in every government office, they are waiting for a cue from Sulieman before they change anything. My hope is that he will be gone too, maybe the Army will start one office at a time after that.

Gio,

Thank you for your post, I'm still happy that the people have one little victory in all this even if they have to wake up to reality tomorrow.

[bitworm]

Was mentioned in MSM a couple weeks ago that almost all the high ranking military officers in Egypt were educated in the U.S. Also, Mubarak's accounts in Switzerland were frozen soon after he left office today.

I have a feeling a lot of the things happening in the region are a means to take down the government in Iran without actually occupying the country. It almost happened last year, hopes are this may be enough to set things off again.

What happened over the last few weeks goes to show that money does not make the world go round anymore. Information is the new currency.

[Shairia]

Before the reporter in Tahir Square lost her feed she was talking about the desire of the people to try Mubarak and obtain his illegal wealth to give back to the people. I know it was reported he had accounts in Germany too, I hope they froze those as well.

[giovonni]

Nothing comes easy, for all those that have shed their blood (some even with their lives) and for their families, this is a true victory ~ God Bless Them! America will also face its injustices as well. We all will be faced with these challenges and new realites soon in the days ahead The tyrants will fall their vibrations won't hold! Stay in your Love ~ But Again ~ Viva La Revolucion!!!

[Spacyman]

What's interesting to me is the time reference, the Earth's attention is being directed to this region of the planet, why?
You've got a point there PBB. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Not necessarily in Egypt, but in the surrounding area.

I think that if this is a magic trick to attrack the world's attention, then we should look for the hidden bunny somewhere else...

[fulcanelli]

Anyone notice that Burisch & McDowell are taking credit for this, with all their "behind-the-scenes efforts", as heads of the new Majestic (CotM)?

See their "Golden Thread (http://the-goldenthread.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general)" if you're *that* bored...

Regards,
fulcanelli

[giovonni]

most probable...and current reality...

Analysis: Military coup was behind Mubarak's exit

Feb 11, 6:13 PM (ET)

By HAMZA HENDAWI

CAIRO (AP) - It was the people who forced President Hosni Mubarak from power, but it is the generals who are in charge now. Egypt's 18-day uprising produced a military coup that crept into being over many days - its seeds planted early in the crisis by Mubarak himself.

The telltale signs of a coup in the making began to surface soon after Mubarak ordered the army out on the streets to restore order after days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in Cairo and much of the rest of the Arab nation.

"This is in fact the military taking over power," said political analyst Diaa Rashwan after Mubarak stepped down and left the reins of power to the armed forces. "It is direct involvement by the military in authority and to make Mubarak look like he has given up power."

Army troops backed by tanks and armored fighting vehicles were given a hero's welcome by the protesters angry over brutal treatment by the police. The goodwill was reciprocated when the military vowed not to use force against protesters, a move that set them apart from the much-hated police who operated with near impunity under Mubarak.

The generals adopted a go-slow approach, offering Egyptians carefully weighed hints that it was calling the shots. They issued statements describing the protesters' demands as "legitimate" and made halfhearted calls on the demonstrators to go home and allow normal life to resume.

Rather than quit the protests, the demonstrators turned out in ever greater numbers. Mubarak offered one concession after another, but they all fell short of the protesters' demands that he immediately leave.

The military was clearly torn between its loyalty to the regime and the millions of protesters. Mubarak is one of their own, a former air force commander and a hero of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

But as the president continued to defy the growing crowds and cling to power, the Egyptian army moved more definitively toward seizing control for the first time in some 60 years.

Thursday brought the surprise announcement that the armed forces' highest executive body, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, was in "permanent session" - meaning that it was on a war footing.

State TV showed Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi presiding over a table seating some two dozen stern faced generals in combat fatigues - but no sign of commander in chief Mubarak. His newly appointed vice president, former army general and intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, was not there either - indicating a rift between the civilian and military leadership.

A statement, tellingly referred to as "communique number 1" - phrasing that in the Arab world suggests a coup - made no mention of Mubarak or Suleiman.

The council, it said, met to "discuss what measures and arrangements could be taken to safeguard the homeland and its achievements and the aspirations of the great Egyptian people."

Translation: The generals are in charge, not Mubarak, not Suleiman nor the Cabinet.

The communique set the stage for what the crowds of demonstrators expected would be Mubarak's resignation Thursday night. Instead, Mubarak announced he would stay in office and hand over power to Suleiman, who told protesters to go home and stop watching foreign news reports.

The protesters were furious - and so were the generals.

"Both of last night's addresses by Mubarak and Suleiman were in defiance of the armed forces," Maj. Gen. Safwat el-Zayat, a former senior official of Egypt's General Intelligence, told al-Ahram Online, the Internet edition of Egypt's leading daily, on Friday.

Protest leaders pleaded for the military to take over after Mubarak's speech, saying the country would explode until the army intervened.

If Mubarak had stepped down, handing Suleiman his presidential powers in line with the constitution would have kept his regime largely intact after he had gone, something that would have left the protesters unhappy.

In contrast, a military coup would provide a clean break with a regime they hated for so long, opening up a wide range of possibilities - suspending the constitution that many protesters saw as tailored to keep Mubarak in office and dissolving a parliament formed by an election marred by widespread fraud. A coup seemed to be the best way forward.

The first official word the protesters received from the generals on Friday, however, was discouraging.

A second military communique contained what appeared to be a reluctant endorsement of Mubarak's blueprint for a way out of the crisis, though it also projected the military as the ultimate guarantor of the country's highest interests. El-Zayat said the language in the statement was an attempt to avoid an open conflict.

Later Friday, with millions out on the streets demanding that he step down, Mubarak finally did just that. He may have been denied the chance to announce his own departure - say goodbye to the people he had ruled for nearly 30 years. Suleiman announced the decision for him.

Alternatively, he may have not wanted to go on television to say he was stepping down after less than 24 hours after insisting to serve out the remaining seven months of his current term.

It was a humiliating end.

Keeping up appearances, The military later issued a third military statement praising Mubarak as a leader who has done much to his country. It hinted that the military would not be in power for long, saying the armed forces were not a substitute for a legitimate administration. But it gave no clue as to what its plans are.

"The truth is that even the senior military now at the top of the power structure under Mubarak almost certainly have no clear idea of what happens next," Anthony Cordesman of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in a commentary on Thursday. "It will be days before anyone know how well the transition will function, who goes and who stays, and how stable the result really is."

---

Source:
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110211/D9LAS3U00.html

Hendawi is the AP chief of bureau in Cairo.

[Icecold]

When the people wake up to the fact that the US remains in the backseat, they will do it again. Its the price of food.

[Shairia]

Gio,

When I watched VP Sulieman's announcement of the step down of Mubarak I thought he look depressed and forced to make the announcement. The first thing that crossed my mind was that the military forced this move. I kept thinking during the protesting that the army was missing an opportunity to step in and take control of the country, I guess they didn't miss that opportunity. Their first announcement that they would use the current model for running the country was very disheartening, but let's see what develops.

[giovonni]

Gio,

When I watched VP Sulieman's announcement of the step down of Mubarak I thought he look depressed and forced to make the announcement. The first thing that crossed my mind was that the military forced this move. I kept thinking during the protesting that the army was missing an opportunity to step in and take control of the country, I guess they didn't miss that opportunity. Their first announcement that they would use the current model for running the country was very disheartening, but let's see what develops.

Yes and Israels response will also be key...
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?1277-From-futurist-Stephan-A.-Schwartz-Trends-That-Will-Affect-Your-Future-%E2%80%A6&p=136570#post136570

[giovonni]

interesting take... "There's Been NO REVOLUTION So Far"...
from Davisd Icke via rense...
http://www.rense.com/general92/icke.htm

[Arrowwind]

Revolution only means change. What that change will be will be the will of the military it seems. Lets pray their intent is for freedom for the people, all the people, including women, for if women are free the nation will most likely turn to freedom in all its aspects.
The disillution of the parliment may be a good thing as 20 percent of them were said to be from the Muslim Brotherhood.. time will tell what their forces really are if fraud is removed from their democratic practice.

So when do we get ours?

[giovonni]

Mubarak moves vast assets from Europe to Saudi Arabia http://www.debka.com/dynmedia/photos/2011/02/14/big/Mubarak_3.10.jpg


Hosni Mubarak and his family have moved a large part of their assets – guesstimated at between $20 and $70 billion - from European banks to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Republics against personal guarantees from King Abdullah and Sheik Al Nahyan to block access to outside parties.This is reported by Gulf and West European sources. Tunisian ex-ruler Zein Al Abdain Ben Ali received the same guarantee when he fled his country and received asylum in the oil kingdom.

A Swiss financial source commented: "If he had any real money in Zurich, it may be gone by now."
According to debkafile's sources, the transfers took place on Feb. 12-13. Although a weekend when European banks are closed, high-ranking officials in Riyadh had their managers hauled out of home to execute Mubarak's transfer orders without delay.
The ousted Egyptian ruler was on the phone to Saudi King Abdullah Friday, Feb. 11, immediately after his vice president Omar Suleiman went on state television to announce his resignation and handover of rule to the army. Mubarak called it a military putsch conducted under pressure from Washington. He denied he had resigned or passed any powers to the army. "I had no idea Omar Suleiman was about to read out that statement. I would never have signed it or allowed it to be published," said Mubarak.
The Saudi king voiced understanding for the ex-president's plight and said the Riyadh government was under orders to meet any requests for assistance received from him.

Mubarak views himself still as the rightful president of Egypt. Aware of this, the High Military Council Sunday, Feb. 13, abolished the constitution. Otherwise, Mubarak would have been correct and the military would have had no authority to issue decrees and pass laws without his signature.

The military junta's Western sympathizers were quick to read in the military statement a pledge to call an election in six months. This was not exactly stated. The military council announced that the incumbent (Mubarak-appointed) cabinet would stay in office "for six months or until elections."
Elections cannot be held until a new a new constitution is enacted because the old one has been abolished leaving a void which is filled by martial law and no clear obligation for an election date.
One major obstacle confronting orderly transition to civilian rule is the opposition's clamor for an all-inclusive investigation of corruption within the Mubarak family and its ruling circle. As one of the opposition leaders George Ishak put it: "We will research everything, all of them: the families of the ministers, the family of the president, everyone."
Prof. Samer Soliman, of the American University in Cairo said: "The corruption of the Mubarak family was not stealing from the budget; it was transforming political capital into private capital."
debkafile's military sources stress that all 25 generals serving in the High Army Council can be relied on to raise a high wall against any such probe. Members of Egypt's high officer class are heavily invested in Egyptian industry, financial institutions and banks, having built their personal fortunes by the same methods as the Mubarak clan and its hangers-on.

An exhaustive investigation might also bring to light American and Israel capital interests linked to businesses close to the Mubarak regime. The military will not doubt use its powers under martial law to put a spoke in the opposition's demand for an inquiry.


Source;
http://www.debka.com/article/20666/

[Hughe]

http://www.androidjones.com/storage/Power_to_the_pyramid_X.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297657548031