It is not for me to properly write about Egypt, except to note the significance of this moment. Egyptians are taking their destiny in their own hands and are refusing to back off until their demands are met. This is the type of revolt only read about in history books and today we get to watch. After waiting a couple of hours to hear Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak speak, I heard through somewhat faulty translation that he is not stepping down. The protesters are livid, and rightly so. If I was so disheartened hearing him speak I can only imagine what Egyptians at Tahrir Square are experiencing. Mubarak might have been a figure of stability and peace to the international community and a symbol that somewhat ensured peaceful relations with Israel. It made sense at first for the United States to be hesitant in supporting the ¨revolt¨; but watching the developments over the past couple of weeks it seems imperative that Mubarak leave. His people don’t want him and they are no longer afraid of the consequences of showing so. The result of a transitional government might not be what we in the West want, but the Egyptians have spoken and they deserve to be heard. Mubarak’s speech seemed delusional from my vantage point. He seems oblivious to the protester’s main demand that he leave. On the surface, much of what he said makes sense: the country needs an organized transition into democracy, their economy must be protected. It makes sense if you leave out the context and the most pressing fact that Egyptians don’t want Mubarak as his leader and his presence is feeding their anger. What is next is good old fashion waiting for us who watch. What about for people in the Square?
