I Did it My Way

Hosni has left the building

In a country were the last leader who left office while still breathing, rather than six feet under, was Egypt´s first President Muhammed Naguib in 1954, the clip above is truly of a highly symbolic as well as historic nature. It shows the painting of ex-president Hosni Mubarak being taken down from the wall of the room where the Government convenes.

It manifests the principal gain of the January 25th revolution so far, and one cannot help but wonder whom is next in line to be put inside the frame?

I have a suggestion to make, i would like to replace the painting with a digital photo frame, equal in size, were the photos would switch for every meeting and every martyr of the January 25th revolution would have a photo with his/her name and age as a reminder for the government as a whole that they are supposed to serve the Egyptian people, rather than every whim of it´s President.

Our weapon was our dreams

This post is dedicated to the 300 + martyrs whom lost their lives sharing the dream of freedom.

we always say, you didn't die in vain, but thruth is it's always in vain for the ones who'd lost their lives, and their loved ones. You will never be forgotten though, and hopefully Egyptians, including your loved ones will gain a better life.

Special thanks to @Lastoadri

Midan al Tahrir the Heart of the January 25th Revolution

This clip is taken just after it became known that President Mubarak stepped down.

18 days and 32 seconds

18 days ago this started with a demonstration, i had very little hope for a success for that particular it's been an emotional rolercoaster ever since, with what happend in Hajj al Arbaeen in Suez and then on the 28th, this day that was dedicated to the 300 + martyrs. i would like to send a thought and a piece of my heart to all the families who have lost a brother, sister, daughter or son during these 18 days, and also to all those who lost someone due to police brutality and torture during the 29 years , 8 months and 3 days of Mubaraks rule, and perhaps more than anyone my thoughts goes to Khaled Said and his encredible mother, It's seems that a day dedicated to the martyes is also a perfect day for Mubaraks departure, and the beginning of a new dawn for Egypt.

The 18 days was ended by a speech held by Omar Suleiman, it all lasted for 32 seconds, and this is probably the last we will see of both of them. The army is in charge, but i will worry about that, beginning tommorow.

Today is day of joy and celebration, it's also a day that will go down in history books as the day when The January 25th revolution bear fruit, it's been the most fullfiling days of my life , and i'm happy beyond compare.

I will end this post with a video of the crowd at al Tahrir singing the national anthem, the Egyptian people now not only has a great history, but hopefully a bright future, all made possible by the their courage.

Mission not accomplished , yet...

Just over an hour and a half ago, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces issued a statement:

Statement Number One, issued by the Higher Council of the Armed Forces,

Stemming from the armed forces' responsibility and committing to the protection of the people, safeguarding their interest and security, and keen on the safety of the homeland, the citizens and the achievements of the great Egyptian people, and asserting the legitimate rights of the people,

The Higher Council of the Armed Forces convened today, Thursday, 10 February 2011, to deliberate on the latest developments of the situation and decided to remain in continuous session to discuss what measures and arrangements could be taken to safeguard the homeland and its achievements, and the aspirations of the great Egyptian people.

Peace, mercy and the blessings of God.

It seems to me that what has been more or less clear for the last week or so, that President Mubarak that has been in power only by name, for the last week or so will take on a more permanent arrangement. Significant in the statement was the fact that this was Statement No 1, meaning more statements can be expected - To my ears this means an active role for the Supreme Council of Armed Forces , if it´s to play a part in the political proccess that will follow , regardless of Mubarak´s imediate plans, is still written in the stars. Significant is also that Defence Minister Tantawy was among the Council, He´s been the Defence Minister for 20 years, and has been extremely loyal to Mubarak until now, The comments by the new NDP Secretary General Hossam Badrawy, once close to Gamal Mubarak, that the right thing to do for President Mubarak suggests that the new leadership of the party has decided that it´s not longer in their interests to support the President. If Hosni Mubarak, Vice-President Omar Suleiman, or the army will be in charge tommorow morning is still an open question, as is if the January 25th movement´s demands will be met, in full as stated, or only in part.

The speech that is said to be forthcoming in the next hours, will perhaps answer some of those questions, though not all. That´s why the mission is not likely to be accomplished for the people on al Tahrir Square , and around the country, perhaps a victory is around the corner, but the battle is not won yet.

What seems sure, is that Mubarak is out, but that´s the only sure thing..

So Eighties

One of my favourite photos from around the world expressing their solidarity with the Egyptian people during these fantastic 17 days is this from Pretoria in South Africa.

Democracy activist Mona Seif interviewed on AJE at al Tahrir

Listen to Mona Seif speaking to al Jazeera english at al Tahrir Square.

If people where not convinced after the speech , yesterday´s show of complete defience of the world community and total disregard for the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people by the regime, by now it would seem abundantly clear that Mubaraks talk of more democracy, is just that - talk to numb the world community, and the egyptian people alike, threating with chaos, a chaos created by nobody else than the regime itself when it withdrew police forces, in what seems to be a cynical calculation to be able to say that it´s either the regime or chaos.

We are entering day 10 of what started as a manifestation, and now is a struggle for Egypt´s future against the Egypt of yesterday, 59 years of military rule, and the emergency law in place since June 1967 until today, with the exception of 16 months from April 1980-October 1981.

This last 10 days has seen the brave Egyptian people all over the country rise in dignity calling for change , In Suez, Alexandria, Cairo, Mahalla and Aswan as well asamong other cities voices for change has been heard, but the answer of the regime has been the iron fist - At least 150 dead and posssibly up to 300 according to the UN High Commisioner for Human Rights, Pillay, added to that is 4-5 people who´d died , and the around 800 injured in the regime orchestrated violence that is ongoing since Yesterday afternoon in Central Cairo around the al Tahrir Square.

The question now , less than 36 hours after the largest demonstrations in the country´s modern history, is if the new Egypt or the Egypt of old will prevail, it´s a question of continued authoritarian rule , or a chance for democracy. In order for that to happen the axtivists need all the support they can get to keep the Tahrir Square a liberated space, so the demonstration can take place tomorrow , the consequences if that fails is nothing short of going back to the Egypt of old , regardless of President Mubarak and his government´s empty promises, hollow words and flowery language.

The comments of White House Press Secretary during Yesterday´s press briefing was probably more to the point , than intended.

MR. GIBBS: The administration believes that President Mubarak has a chance to show the world exactly who he is by beginning this transition that is so desperately needed in his country and for his people now.

The answer to Mr Gibbs and the world is already made, What we saw today is what Prresident Mubarak and his regime stands for, and they will try to cling to power no matter what they say in statements and speeches, using whatever means necessary.

Kefaya - Enough

This is perhaps the youngest protester at al Tahrir Square today,taking part in the largest political protest ever being held in Egypt and giving the same message to President Mubarak as Kefaya had at their first demonstration on December 12th 2004. This is the full circle for the call for democracy in Egypt, and kiddo, you and 1-2 Million Egyptians are making history and making me so proud. This is made for your generation, and you will be able to say that you were there.

The photo is taken by Nick Kristof.