(Apparently the military turned on him.) This is huge, but what now? Let’s hope that somewhere in that crowd is an Egyptian Vaclav Havel, Gandhi, Mandela, or George Washington to give focus to the movement. In the mean time, turn on your television and enjoy the exciting celebration in Tahrir Square. Remember that at least 200 people have lost their lives to get to this moment. MSNBC has some knowledgeable talking heads and good people on the ground.
I’m so enjoying the day! A college friend who’d been evacuated last week has rebooked his flight, leaving tomorrow. He had amazing pictures of the protests–such a beautiful moment in history. I can’t wait for him to report on the aftermath in the coming months. But a great article in The Atlantic cautioned that no one should get ahead of themselves. Regardless of who is in charge, it could take a full generation (or more) to clean up what Mubarak has spent 29 years putting in motion.
Look, right now the military is in power and I think people can be forgiven for being a little nervous about that. In the coming weeks and months it could be useful (but not absolutely necessary) to have a spokesperson. Maybe it will be this guy? (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/02/google-exec-wael-ghonim-in-egypt-says-long-live-the-revolution-20.html) I don’t know, but leaders will naturally emerge. Let’s just enjoy the day.
@Ethan
Typical of this blog. Its got its own dictator.
I’m glad you’re just as patronizing towards me as you are towards the Egyptians.
A figurehead is not a leader. Calm down.
This is in outrageously poor taste. They just toppled their ruler and now you’re immediately telling them to find a new one? They don’t need anyone to “give focus to the movement”–they have that already.