Update: NOPE

Mubarak came out and gave another speech like the first one he gave, more or less affirming his love for his children, the citizens of Egypt, honoring the martyrs and saying he would help in the transition which would take place in September after the elections.  The crowd stopped listening when he got to that part and started yelling.

Tomorrow looks like a very tumultuous day.

Commentators kept asking why he made the speech: was he just out of touch?  What about the Army high council meeting without him?  Didn’t that send a signal?  I don’t suppose he could have arranged with the Army not to come, with the hopes it would send a confusing signal?  I don’t suppose he’s a wily fox, having held on to power for 30 years, believing in himself — as the saying goes, that once more he can outlast, out seduce and out muscle those against him.  Since almost no one got the morning signals right — believing he was going to resign– there isn’t much reason to believe the new chatter.  Power is all.  Until he is in danger of losing something that matters to him, why would he behave any differently?

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Internet and television sources are reporting that Hosni Mubarak will announce his stepping down as Egypt’s president within a few hours.

Shahira Amin, the Egyptian reporter who resigned from Nile TV over censorship last week, is reporting on CNN that “tonight seems to be the night!”  Tahrir Square is packed with demonstrators.  Rumors are flying…

Senior military official has told CNN that Mubarak is stepping down.

CIA Chief Panetta telling Congress it is a strong likelihood …

It seems there will some sort of military conservatorship government until elections can take place.

An hour later, new rumors are now floating that Mubarak will address the nation live, soon, but that he may NOT announce his departure.  That will ignite a firestorm if true.  Tahrir Square is celebrating as though The Egyptian Giants had just won the World Series!

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