The Night It All Could Change

MESPers on their laptops while waiting
 for Mubarak's speech

Discovery #41: Presidents keep us waiting.

It's an exciting time here in the Middle East - especially for Egyptians and those who love Egypt.

My program landed in Tel Aviv this afternoon and we're staying just outside of Jerusalem. However, I think everyone's hearts are in Egypt. Dr. Diaa, our program administrator who is in Cairo, called us shortly after we landed to tell us to turn on the news: throughout the day, there have been conflicting reports surrounding the fact that Mubarak may step down this evening. (See this article from Al Jazeera for more details.)

Since about 5 p.m. rumors have been floating around that Mubarak is going to give a live speech this evening. Some are expecting him to step down. So, a group of us have been glued to Al Jazeera English since 7 p.m. or so. Waiting.

A few minutes ago, it was announced that Mubarak speak around 10 p.m. No one is really holding their breath though -- last time Mubarak gave a speech, he waited till midnight to do so.

Mubarak has made it pretty clear that he doesn't really care about much of anyone but himself. So, I'm pretty sure he won't be speaking till midnight again today. But it doesn't seem like the hundreds of thousands in Tahrir Square will mind waiting just another few hours -- provided the announcement is what they want to hear: that Mubarak is stepping down and handing over power to a transitional government.