Mubarak Flees to Resort UPDATE RESIGNED!

UPDATE: MUBARAK HAS RESIGNED. LIVE COVERAGE AT AL JAZEERA. THERE IS MUCH REJOICING. The scene is brilliant. The military has taken over in the meantime.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has temporarily left Cairo, a day after transferring some power to Vice President Omar Suleiman in an effort to quell weeks of protests, CBS News has confirmed.

The embattled ruler left the capital for the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. He is not expected to stay there indefinitely but will return to Cairo. Reports that he has fled the country for a safe haven elsewhere in the Arab world - or for medical care in Europe - are inaccurate, sources told CBS News. More at CBS

Obama's Statement on Egypt Post Mubarak Double Down

A quick rundown of what happened today: Senior Egyptian military officials announced to the press and to the protestors that their demand -- that Mubarak step down -- would be met (which tells you what? One expert's opinion is that it was a misunderstanding. Another so-called expert says the military is trying to push Mubarak out). Next, millions gathered in Liberation Square awaiting a statement from Mubarak that he was stepping down. After making the crowd wait late into the evening, Mubarak essentially said he's going nowhere. What was the point of it all? No one seems to know.
Obama's statement:

The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.

As we have said from the beginning of this unrest, the future of Egypt will be determined by the Egyptian people. But the United States has also been clear that we stand for a set of core principles. We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met. We believe that this transition must immediately demonstrate irreversible political change, and a negotiated path to democracy. To that end, we believe that the emergency law should be lifted. We believe that meaningful negotiations with the broad opposition and Egyptian civil society should address the key questions confronting Egypt’s future: protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens; revising the Constitution and other laws to demonstrate irreversible change; and jointly developing a clear roadmap to elections that are free and fair.

We therefore urge the Egyptian government to move swiftly to explain the changes that have been made, and to spell out in clear and unambiguous language the step by step process that will lead to democracy and the representative government that the Egyptian people seek. Going forward, it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected. There must be restraint by all parties. Violence must be forsaken. It is imperative that the government not respond to the aspirations of their people with repression or brutality. The voices of the Egyptian people must be heard.

The Egyptian people have made it clear that there is no going back to the way things were: Egypt has changed, and its future is in the hands of the people. Those who have exercised their right to peaceful assembly represent the greatness of the Egyptian people, and are broadly representative of Egyptian society. We have seen young and old, rich and poor, Muslim and Christian join together, and earn the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential. In these difficult times, I know that the Egyptian people will persevere, and they must know that they will continue to have a friend in the United States of America.

Obama's statement prior to Mubarak's speech:

Obama's statement: "Before I begin, I just want to say that we are following today’s events in Egypt very closely, and we’ll have more to say as this plays out. But what is absolutely clear is that we are witnessing history unfold – it is a moment of transformation that is taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change. They’ve turned out in extraordinary numbers, representing all ages and all walks of life, but it is young people who have been at the forefront – a new generation, your generation, who want their voices to be heard. And so going forward, we want those young people – and all Egyptians – to know America will continue to do everything that we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt."

Very insightful commentary on what happened today and what's ahead:

Mubarak Addresses Egyptians as His Children Video

Mubarak called himself a father speaking to his children, which sort of says it all. Mubarak says he isn't going anywhere any time soon, at least not of his own accord:


Outrage in Cairo:

VP asks people to get back to work:

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Mubarak Expected To Step Down Tonight

UPDATE FEB. 11: MUBARAK HAS RESIGNED. CAIRO REJOICES

Update: Mubarak started off by saying that he is a father speaking to his children, which struck me as the wrong tone. Then he proceeded to dig in. He said he's not going anywhere. Very disappointing for the Egyptian people.

Update: Watch live stream of Mubarak's statement here.
Update: Reports that Mubarak will make a statement at 1:30 pm eastern time, the same Obama speaks on wireless initiative. Mubarak will speak live from the palace, according to Egyptian State News.

Stay tuned to Al Jazeera's live stream, where there are conflicting reports about whether Mubarak will step down.

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak is to step down tonight, two sources told NBC News, amid widespread protests against his 30-year rule that have gripped the country.
Following an all-day meeting of the country's supreme military council, the army said all the protesters' demands would be met and a further statement was due to be made later Thursday, clarifying the situation.
NBC News reported that a high-ranking source inside the president's office said that Mubarak would step down and the newly appointed vice president, Omar Suleiman, would take over. This was then confirmed by a second source.
The news came following repeated warnings of a military crackdown or coup.
msnbc

Hillary Clinton's Speech in Munich Feb. 5

... For decades, though, most of these same governments have not pursued the kind of political and economic reforms that would make them more democratic, responsible, and accountable. In Doha last month, I urged the leaders of the region to address the needs and aspirations of their people and offer a positive vision for the future for their sake and for ours because the region is being battered by a perfect storm of powerful trends. A growing majority of its people are under the age of 30. Many of these young people, even the most educated among them, cannot find work.

At the same time, however, they are more connected with each other and with events occurring around them because of technology. And this generation is rightly demanding that their governments become more effective, more responsive, and more open. All of this is taking place against a backdrop of depleting resources. Water tables are dropping, and oil reserves are running out.

Leaders in the region may be able to hold back the tide for a little while, but not for long. That has been the story of the last weeks. It is what has driven demonstrators into the streets of Tunis, Cairo, and cities throughout the area. The status quo is simply not sustainable. So for all our friends, for all the friends in the region including governments and people, the challenge is to help our partners take systematic steps to usher in a better future where people’s voices are heard, their rights respected, and their aspirations met.

This is not simply a matter of idealism. It is a strategic necessity. Without genuine progress toward open and accountable political systems, the gap between people and their governments will only grow, and instability will only deepen. Across the region, there must be clear and real progress toward open, transparent, fair, and accountable systems. Now, in some countries, this transition is happening quickly; in others it will take more time. Different countries face different circumstances.

And of course, there are risks. There are risks with the transition to democracy. It can be chaotic. It can cause short-term instability. Even worse – and we have seen it before – the transition can backslide into just another authoritarian regime. Revolutions have overthrown dictators in the name of democracy only to see the political process hijacked by new autocrats who use violence, deception, and rigged elections to stay in power or to advance an agenda of extremism.

So the transition to democracy will only work if it is deliberate, inclusive, and transparent. Those who want to participate in the political system must commit to basic principles such as renouncing violence as a tool of political coercion, respecting the rights of minorities – ethnic and religious minorities, participating in a spirit of tolerance and compromise. Those who refuse to make those commitments do not deserve a seat at the table. We will continue to champion free and fair elections as an essential part of building and maintaining a democracy. Read the whole thing

Coming up in Cairo next week, "the week of resilience," by the protesters who say they will accept nothing but Mubarak stepping down and leaving the country:"

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Amanpour Talks To Mubarak Video

Christiane Amanpour talked to Egypt's Mubarak, who said he can't step down or else chaos would ensue. Well, seems chaos is already in the works, but I think he's right. We don't understand Egyptians or their culture and it seems the worst is yet to come. I've listened to reports on the Egyptian revolt, I've read stories and I still can't figure out what Egyptians want in a leader. Another thing, I've only seen men in the streets. Where are the women? What do they want or doesn't anyone care about that?

Sorry for the Horses and Camels in Egypt

This whole situation in Egypt sickens me. Why do humans (looks like it's all men in this video) always need to use violence? As I watched this clip -- and it's the only one I've watched because I refuse to be a spectator to such incredible violence -- I felt sick for innocent horses and camels.

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Obama's Statement on Egypt Feb. 1 Video

Mubarak Won't Seek Re-election

Update 6 pm eastern: Obama is set to make a statement soon. Watch at CNN.

Update: People want Mubarak out immediately.
Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak won't seek re-election, according to reports that he was urged by Obama not to run again in September.
Brian Williams talks to opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei, who could be Egypt's new leader. ElBaradei didn't have such a good relationship with the Bush administration, but apparently he is fond of Obama.

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A look at ElBaradei, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency:

Gingrich, Pawlenty and Kristof Team Up on Egypt

Little men and presidential wannabes Newt Gingrich and Tim Pawlenty on the right and journalist Nicholas Kristof on the left have unwittingly teamed up to say that Obama should come right out and push Egypt's Mubarak out the door.
Politicians and pundits chatter, while the Obama administration is actually in the trenches. As conservative Tony Blankley points out the situation in Egypt is delicate and gray:

Once in a while - as in our Revolution - the cry of the street slogans becomes the principle of the government that follows - but usually not.

If the revolution in Egypt results in the fall of the existing governmental order, what are the chances that the people will be governed subsequently by a more just system? And what are the chances that America's interests will be advanced by that result?

Will the Suez Canal no longer be open and safe for its vast commerce?

Will the Middle East tilt further in the evil direction of radical Islamist forces? Will our ally Israel be further isolated from its neighbors and its right to exist?

If the Suez Canal is threatened by an anti-Western regime, is it likely that we will find ourselves forced to occupy and protect the canal for world commerce?.... RCP

While he has the right argument, he comes to the wrong conclusion because he sees the world only through a conservative lens:

So, for both our reputation and our interests in the Middle East and beyond: Support Mr. Mubarak. Down with the revolution. Up with orderly progress. RCP

It doesn't have to be either or.
Huckabee and Santorum peddling their own misunderstanding of Egypt.

Obama Speaks to World Leaders on Egypt

Obama and his staff discussing Egypt 

From the White House: 

The President has made a number of calls to foreign leaders to discuss the ongoing situation in Egypt. On Saturday, January 29th, the President spoke to Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey, Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Today, he spoke to Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom. During his calls, the President reiterated his focus on opposing violence and calling for restraint; supporting universal rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, association, and speech; and supporting an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people. The President asked each of the leaders that he spoke to for their assessment of the situation, and agreed to stay in close contact going forward.

Hillary Clinton speaks about Egypt on This Week: "People are not going to stand by any longer and not be given the opportunity to fulfill their own god-given potential."  Watch

Hillary Speaks on Egypt on Meet the Press Jan. 30

Broadcaster Al Jazeera has been banned in Cairo. David Gregory asks the same question in different ways: What are you going to do about it? and Do you still want Mubarak in power? At about the 8 minute mark, Hillary Clinton gets politely impatient with David. Mitch McConnell, perhaps for the first time ever, agreed with Hillary's remarks. The fact that McConnell doesn't take the opportunity to get political, means the problem in Egypt is serious. If a radical regime takes over in Egypt, then Egypt's peace with Israel is over.
For all the Egyptians that are protesting it looks like there are as many who are working against them by looting:

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Egyptians Form Human Chain to Protect Cairo Museum

YOUNG Egyptians formed a human chain to protect a museum of priceless antiquities as Neighborhood Watch committees were organised to fend off looters.

Dozens of people on Saturday surrounded the Egyptian Museum in Cairo - which is home to the death mask of King Tutankhamun - where army tanks had been stationed, as anti-government protests swept the country for the fifth day running.

Egypt's opposition party, the Muslim Brotherhood, which has thrown its weight behind the protests, said it had recruited members to form Neighborhood Watch committees around Cairo to protect public and private establishments. "We have selected members to form [the] committees, and they will be stationed around the capital trying to protect property," Salah Abdelraouf said. Herald Sun

Obama administration is walking a fine line:

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Obama Speaks on Protests in Egypt Video

Obama calls on the Egyptian government to refrain from violence. Obama spoke to Egyptian President Mubarak this evening:

Meanwhile, Mubarak calls for dialogue:

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Hillary Clinton Calls on Egyptian Government and Protesters to Refrain from Violence

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Egyptians Revolt Against Mubarak

The Egyptian government has cut Internet access to its citizens. Egypt is part of Africa, but culturally, it's Middle Eastern. (Read the State Department's background on Egypt). Egyptians want President Hosni Mubarak and his authoritarian government gone. During Obama's youtube interview yesterday, he said Egypt is an ally and is at peace with Israel, but it needs to move forward with political reform. Obama spoke to students at Cairo University June, 2009. Another Nobel Peace laureate is arrested:

Tens of thousands of Egyptians were in "open revolt" against the government Friday amid violent clashes in Cairo and reports they were in control of central areas of two major cities.
The government announced a military curfew due to begin at 6 p.m. local time (11 a.m. ET) and sent troops onto the capital's streets.
Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei was put under house arrest in Cairo, Egyptian security officials said, just a day after the former U.N. nuclear watchdog had returned to the country to take part in pro-democracy protests. msnbc

The revolt is limited:

So far, despite everything, normal life is continuing in most parts of the country.

The vast majority of Egyptians are too busy scratching a living to join the protests. There is widespread anger and disillusionment with the government, but there are probably not more than a few thousand people actively expressing their anger. That will give some reassurance to the government. BBC

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Al Jazeera is the news outlet to watch:

Obama's Remarks on Peace Talks With Mideast Leaders

Here's the transcript of Obama's remarks following his individual meetings with Mideast leaders.

Obama Meets With Egypt's President Mubarak on Middle East Peace

Press conference:

Egypt, the largest country in the Arab world, is the No. 2 recipient of U.S. foreign aid. Egypt's economy is in shambles -- 40% of its people are at or below the poverty line. The question is, can peace be a goal amid big economic woes?

Obama has sought to persuade Arab nations to make concessions to Israel to move the process forward, with little success thus far. Mubarak, in an interview published Monday, said it is up to Israel to take the next step. And he said he told Obama in June, at the time of his Cairo address to the Muslim world, that Israel must stop the expansion of its settlements.

"Some Arab countries that exchanged representatives and trade offices might think of reopening these offices if Israel committed itself to stop settlement expansion and to resume final status peace negotiations," Mubarak said in an interview with the state-controlled newspaper. Egypt is one of two Arab countries that have peace agreements with Israel; the other is Jordan. WaPo