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..