Mubarak, No More

On the evening of February 11th, Hosni Mubarak released his iron grip and formally resigned his presidency of almost three decades. His step down from power was met with an ecstatic frenzy from both Egyptian civilian protestors and the military alike, and shouts of "liberation" were exclaimed the world over. The ever-present Egyptian army was quick to make statements about their new governmental control, whilst essaying to calm anxieties about their potential for militaristic rule. In an official statement, the army said that the current civilian leadership would be supported, until a new governmental structure can be put in place. Indeed, the desires of the peaceful protestors were clearly made and heard: they seek democratic reformation of their government.

The tone and volume of the military rule has yet to be fully revealed, along with the role of former Vice President Omar Suleiman. While civilians and soldiers hugged and took hands in the streets on Friday, it's yet to be seen if the army will sincerely meet the demands of the people. Protestors remain in Tahrir square still and they vow to stay put until the democratic standards are met.

As the balance of power swings, the role of the small, yet powerful Muslim Brotherhood remains in question. Throughout the 18-day mass protest throughout the country of 80 million, the Muslim Brotherhood seemed to play a peripheral role at best, as most organizing was carried out through social media like Facebook and Twitter. While much of the Western media has sought to portray the Brotherhood as a band of Islamic extremists, Egypt's Brotherhood has laid low during the protests. The organization has issued only brief statements of support for the revolt, and they will not front a candiate for the presidency.

In the streets of Yemen and Algeria, anti-government protestors emerged to demonstrate after Mubarak's resignation. They were met, however, with police clubs and many were arrested. Although the Egyptian people's breakthrough spring hope for ending dictatorships in Yemen and Algeria, the futures of all three countries remain in the balance.

Read more here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/13/world/middleeast/13egypt.html?_r=1&hp

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/12/AR2011021200888.html?hpid=topnews