I'm watching Al Jazeera's Live online coverage of the protests in Egypt. You can find that here for a live 24 hour feed of the protests in Tahrir Square. Scroll down a little and you will see the feed running.
There has been a lot of talk now about Mubarak's resignation. Egyptian State TV has released video of the President and his newly appointed Vice President Suleiman having a meeting (no audio), and that meeting is ongoing.
The President is going to address Egypt (and the world) sometime today (tonight in Egypt's time). Most believe he will announce his resignation from his position. If not, it is likely he will take a strong stand to stay president as he said be would before (till September).
His resignation would be the largest success of the Revolution (and its primary goal). As the government has been negotiating with the Muslim Brotherhood, the single barrier to progress has been Mubarak still being in power. Negotiators have refused to accept any reforms to the government and constitution so long as Mubarak is in power.
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His resignation would be the result of, not only the pressure from negotiators and the protesters in the streets, but also from foreign powers. Almost all democratic governments have called for, no less than, changes that meet the demands of the protesters (without actually calling for his resignation). A few courageous European countries and other countries like Turkey have directly called for Mubarak to step down. The United States hasn't publicly called for his resignation however, (my speculation) it is likely that they have pressured him to step down behind doors. The U.S. would have the largest ability to pressure Mubarak into the move, despite the fact that it wouldn't do so publicly.
Everyone expects the Vice President Omar Suleiman to take over, and although he is widely seen as a strong Mubarak supporter (once saving the President's life) it will be easier to create progress with negotiations with Mubarak out of government. I will Profile The Vice President (Soon to be President) when the official call is made.
Some have even speculate that Mubarak will stand down, however, he will hand over the powers of government to the army. If so, it wouldn't be a new chapter in Egypt since military leaders have been in control of the country for the past 50 years, however, in the context of the past few weeks, it could be extremely different. The military has generally been very neutral and has even helped support some of the protesters. However, I will stop the speculation until the official decision is made, then we can analyze it better!
Until then... TUNE IN!!! THINGS ARE GETTING CRAZY!
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