Egypt

Violence in Cairo continued to escalate as anti –Mubarak and pro-Mubarak forces clashed. President Mubarak reiterated that he would not step down from office, as protestors wanted, causing even more violence. At one point in mid-February, there was speculation that Mubarak was going to concede his power and that he would do it in a speech to the nation. Lots of pressure had been placed on Mubarak by many developed countries, especially the United States. This was a tough decision for President Obama, considering Egypt and Mubarak are our biggest allies in the Middle East and one of the reasons for the safety of the Israeli state. However, in that speech Mubarak did not speak of resigning, but said that they would begin to delegate some of his power to Vice President Suleiman. After much disappoint and more violence, Vice President Suleiman spoke the next day, announcing Mubarak’s resignation. This resulted in tremendous celebration across the country, but mostly in Tahir Square in Cairo where protestors had remained for several weeks demanding this change.

Following Mubarak’s resignation, the Supreme Court dissolved the Egyptian Parliament and suspended the constitution. The Egyptian Military then took control of the country and announced that elections for a new President and Parliament would not be held until September 2011.