After making a defiant speech yesterday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned today, handing over power to the military. Mubarak was Egypt's President for the past 30 years, ruling as an autocrat. The news brought rejoicing to crowds in Cairo.
The news of Mubarak's resignation was delivered on state television by Egypt's vice president, Omar Suleiman. Mubarak handed control of the country's affairs to Egypt's army according to Suleiman.
"When the announcement by Vice President Omar Suleiman was broadcast in Cairo's Tahrir Square - the protest epicenter - pandemonium broke out, as huge throngs of demonstrators realized they had toppled the autocratic ruler of the most populous Arab nation through a largely peaceful revolution."
Unrest in Egypt was triggered by unrest in Tunisia in January when another autocratic President Ben Ai, who had been in power for decades, was toppled from power.
With the Muslim Brotherhood vying for power in Egypt, many analysts are concerned that Mubarak's departure will jeopardize US access to the Suez Canal and stability in Egypt's relationship with Israel.
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Will the people of Egypt be rejoicing with a new government or groaning under a new dictatorship patterned after Iran?
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