Mubarak has resigned! [Archive]

Magón

11th February 2011, 16:23

In my World Gov. class we were watching out for anything like this, and when the report came we all just went up cheering.

As for the military being in power, I think it's a 50/50 chance on what could possibly happen.

1. Egypt goes back to a military controlled government, which wouldn't last long obviously, the people would just go back to the streets and protest that government force.

2. (the best outcome) The people will create their own leaders, and remove the military council that's replaced Mubarak.

RedStarOverChina

11th February 2011, 16:28

His successor, Omar Suleiman, a card-carrying CIA man, has been his spy and excessively brutal executioner since the 1990s. So i'm not sure if this is cause for celebration yet.

11th February 2011, 16:32

rararoadrunner

11th February 2011, 16:34

I kinda figured that the capitalists wouldn't want this to fester into a general strike, for that opens the door to socialism...

...Now we shall see what we shall see. The Egyptian military has already indicated that it's uncomfortable with state power, so there will probably be elections scheduled, at least.

Will there be elections that offer real choices to the Egyptian people? Will there be a Constitutional Convention? Will El-Baradei and the Muslim Brotherhood, now waiting in the wings, be allowed to take centre stage...and if they do, what will they do? Stay tuned...

Hasta pronto, y a la victoria, siempre, MKO.

MarxSchmarx

11th February 2011, 16:34

How inspiring.

The future is unclear, and there is a real question about how much of an advance this really is.

But we should not lose site of the fact that a core demand of the protests was met so unequivocally, so quickly. A group of leaderless protesters - mostly young, unemployed and poor, with many women in an Islamic society - forced out an American-backed, western-funded military dictator who held power in a volatile country for 30 years in less than a month.

So chalk this one up for the good guys.

khad

11th February 2011, 16:36

Well, obviously, this is the first step

How inspiring.

The future is unclear, and there is a real question about how much of an advance this really is.

But we should not lose site of the fact that a core demand of the protests was met so unequivocally, so quickly. A group of leaderless protesters - mostly young, unemployed and poor, with many women in an Islamic society - forced out an American-backed, western-funded military dictator who held power in a volatile country for 30 years in less than a month.

So chalk this one up for the good guys.
Not so fast. The decision was produced in large part due to pressure by the military. Mubarak's own government was revolting against him and that's what forced his resignation. It remains to be seen how far the movement can push with this new government.

Tavarisch_Mike

11th February 2011, 16:39

I hope this wont end like may 68 ended where the people first chased away de gaulle and his crew just to let him get back later.

Anyway until then this is good news.

Princess Luna

11th February 2011, 16:39

the resigning of a politician is not something i am really interested to cheer for, i will cheer when things are in fact changed and we dont have the same result under a different name...I dont care if he is called mubarak, maradona, jordan or buigilfhb, is the system going to change?Are we stepping closer to Communism?If yes, count me in for the cheering part, if not, i think i have some better things to do...

Fuserg9:star:
A Capitalist society were Communists are allowed to speak their mind , is a hell of alot better then a Capitalist society were Communists are tortured and imprisoned.

chegitz guevara

11th February 2011, 16:59

http://ismubarakstillpresident.com/

praxis1966

11th February 2011, 17:00

Not for nothing, but I think the fact that of all the people of Egyptian descent I've seen interviewed on TV this morning, not one has failed to mention the horrendous economic conditions in Egypt. That's pretty telling if you ask me, seeing as how gross economic inequality has a way of making leftists out of people.

Of course, I'm pretty wary anytime a country's military takes over government in a situation like this. Granted, there is a requirement that all Egyptian men serve in its military so it's a pretty safe assumption that the bulk of the army's sympathies lies with the public. On the other hand, I'd be willing to bet my last dollar that the officer corps there is just about entirely comprise of socio-economic elites...

Anyway, while I think there is a possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood trying to make a move I doubt its chances of success. My understanding is that, historically speaking, they've never had the kind of widespread popular sympathy necessary for them to take power and I don't see that changing anytime soon. My primary concern at this point is whether some strongman (or strongmen) in the military will emerge and establish a military junta.

Tomhet

11th February 2011, 17:10

I'm going to wait and see what happens, I'll echo what others have said, let's hope there is a genuine systematic change here..

praxis1966

11th February 2011, 17:16

In related news, so far the EAF Supreme Council is at least saying the right things: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/world/middleeast/11egypt-military-statement.html. It is, of course, yet to be seen whether they'll actually do the right thing.

x359594

11th February 2011, 17:21

I'm going to wait and see what happens, I'll echo what others have said, let's hope there is a genuine systematic change here..

Mubarak's departure is just the first hurdle; Sulieman has to go too, and his ruling apparatus has to be dismantled for even a bourgeois democratic revolution to succeed.

Ele'ill

11th February 2011, 17:26

Any reports yet of spreading dissent?

Are the worker/community assemblies mentioned several days ago still active?

Manic Impressive

11th February 2011, 17:29

the resigning of a politician is not something i am really interested to cheer for, i will cheer when things are in fact changed and we dont have the same result under a different name...I dont care if he is called mubarak, maradona, jordan or buigilfhb, is the system going to change?Are we stepping closer to Communism?If yes, count me in for the cheering part, if not, i think i have some better things to do...

Fuserg9:star:
I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I've been wondering why I'm not as excited or enthusiastic about it as anyone else. It has been interesting to watch how it's played out but more as a learning experience of witnessing a revolution albeit an arguably bourgeois one.

Rusty Shackleford

11th February 2011, 20:08

The revolution has just begun! but, this proves that protest can have an effect to such a degree.

Magón

11th February 2011, 20:16

Any reports yet of spreading dissent?

Are the worker/community assemblies mentioned several days ago still active?

There was a story on NPR (I think, I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure it was NPR) on some worker assemblies taking to the streets with the protesters. I just can't find it now.

Lenina Rosenweg

11th February 2011, 20:18

As others have said the revolutionary process needs to continue and deepen., One tyrant leaving is not cause for relaxation. Any lull in the protest movement will rapidly be taken advantage of.Of couse its not just the elimination of Mubarak but the entire ologarchy surrounding him and beyond that capitalist property relations.Capitalism is a hydra with many heads and capable of instant limb regeneration.

The move towards industrial action is very positive.

Demands must continue.

These could be such things as putting Mubarak on trial, ending the 30 year state of emergency, accountability for companies and employers, unionization for army enlistees, reexamination of the alliance with Israel, ending ties with the Mossad, etc.

Mubarak leaving is wonderful news however.

Kassad

11th February 2011, 20:25

Statement from the Party for Socialism and Liberation:

Mubarak Ousted: The People Make History

http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/saluting-the-egyptian-people.html

We in the United States and everywhere stand in solidarity with the Egyptian people in the moment of their victory, as we do with the Tunisian people and all those struggling against other U.S.-backed dictatorships across the Middle East. This still unfolding revolution will serve as a school for revolution and social change throughout the globe.

RedScare

11th February 2011, 20:48

This is an excellent first step, but still only the first step.

The Author

11th February 2011, 20:57

Goodbye and good riddance. This is great cause for celebration, even though it's only the first of many struggles ahead for Egypt and the Egyptian people.

Sinister Cultural Marxist

11th February 2011, 20:58

Agreed with those who are calling it a first step.

We'll see if Socialists can organize and build a new republic out of the rubble.

Good news though. Heck, good news for Mubarak, being a dictator can't be good for the heart of an 82 year old (whatever little of it is left after being a tyrant for decades).

Fulanito de Tal

11th February 2011, 21:24

Good news though. Heck, good news for Mubarak, being a dictator can't be good for the heart of an 82 year old (whatever little of it is left after being a tyrant for decades).

You are out of control!

Lenina Rosenweg

11th February 2011, 21:29

We should start a retirement plan for Hosni. His wife and son are in London, where will he go? Most likely work on his tan in Saudi a bit, then on to a posh castle in Scotland maybe. We can only hope that where ever he goes, the legal system will be able to do a Pinochet on him and make his sunset years a nightmare.

Os Cangaceiros

11th February 2011, 21:41

Haha, that reminds me of this (http://www.theonion.com/articles/us-negotiating-mubaraks-severance-package,19037/)

Le Socialiste

12th February 2011, 10:38

Good news, indeed. Now, the Egyptian people have only to continue their revolution 'til all remnants of the Old Guard are gone. The military has since assumed control of the country, but the people must not mistake their authority (which is closely linked to the U.S. and its own military) for freedom. They still have a long way to go. Let's hope they can keep up the pressure.

Threetune

12th February 2011, 13:53

I think what the revolutionary upsurge in Egypt is, is a major setback for imperialism on top of its economic problems – or because of its economic problems.
The people could no longer live ‘in the old way’ with high food prices, unemployment, no future and brutality. When the workers joined in the uprising with mass strikes last Wednesday, Mubarac was finished. Yes, the capitalist ruling class are still the government, but they can no longer ‘rule in the old way’ without giving concessions, political and economic or provoke more revolution. They along with their imperialist backers are on the retreat now and they will turn and fight viciously. But the justifications and excuses for holding power are looking a bit thin now and the workers of the world can see it more clearly precisely because of the firm start that the Egyptian masses have made in just a few weeks. It's expellant new with more to come.

NGNM85

13th February 2011, 04:23

This is good news, but I'm not going to break out the party hats until we see what Mubarak's going to be replaced with. Hopefully, the Egyptian people will have the kind of government they deserve. However, from what I know of history, I find it difficult to be entirely optimistic.