something's about to happen in Egypt

[headfairy]

the army have gone in to Tahrir Sq to say there will be a big announcement soon.

Unconfirmed reports Mubarak will stand down.

I am worried too BeenBeta - its a very scary situation now.

The lifting state of emergency was a partial report : should have gone on to say "when situation permits".

Pundits seem to be saying that likeliest flashpoint is tomorrow after prayers. But reporters on the ground saying the temperature is rising already.

Was I imagining it, or did I hear a report in the pre-broadcast chat, that extra military personnel had been deployed around the TV station.

Has the Army changed its stance, or is it teetering on the verge of so doing?

Listening to former Trade Minister for Egypt saying that likely within a few days the army will step in to resolve the situation.

People are extraordinarily angry - even out in the Egyptian countryside.

I fear what the army will do if the situation gets any more inflamed. They have form.

We've not seen this before have we? The consequence of Berlin Wall going is the nearest comparator? But this isn't Europe. We are much much more 'reserved'.
I was in the Poll Tax riots in London. Suspect that will look like a picnic.

The people are marching on the Presidential Palace - there are 3 million of them apparently.

This reminds me of the Ceauşescu downfall in Romania.

Ceaucescu

Tiananmen (1989)?

All depends on the Army.

This could all go very very badly.

WTF was he thinking?

Only just managed to switch on any sound - not looking good - that crowd is angry. I fear it may be a very ugly night.

It looks like the Egyptian's have had enough now.

Echoes what a poster who has intimate knowledge of curent Egypt. she indicated Mubarak hasn't met an Egyptian citizen for 20 years. He has no idea.

yep Ceaucescu, the closest deal. No idea what was going on in his own country, but thought he was a patriot.

Friday afternoon update: SKY reporting that Egyptian state TV are saying there will be another statement later today.

The demonstrations today are massive, but calm so far.

The military remain the key; although they are not acting against the protestors, they are actually supporting the orderly transition as laid out by Mubarak.

He said power has been handed to the military. I wonder what this will mean in practice?

Surely the current military leadership will include many who are in sympathy with the old regime's outlook?

Footage of crowd reaction live on SKY.

Suleiman statement was very short and basic. Ramifications far from clear.

He's resigned?!!

Very emotional response on news by Egyptians. - I really hope and pray that in years to come we can look back on the past few weeks as the the first steps of a good thing.

One commentator has described this as a military coup. It is certainly true that the Egyptian army was deeply entrenched in the politics and economics of Egypt, so they are not impartial brokers in thus. They are however the only body which has a hope of holding things together in the short term.

DH is from Middle East and we have Egyptian friends...blimey....never thought something like this could happen...
I wonder if it will spread to other countries now....uncertain times ahead I feel

The sound of the crowd is overwhelming!
I have so much respect for the Egyptian people after watching them for the past few weeks. Look what they have achieved!

< it is good Pussin :) job no longer considered at risk. I feel so very grateful but not at all complacent about the future. Thank you for asking :) >

It is quite amazing to watch!

As were the scenes from earlier today of the Friday prayers in Tahrir Square.

Have just text an Egyptian friend - she text back 'over the moon'