Travel Forum - Traveler Mania

Egypt: the wait

 For 17 days, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Tahrir Square calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, 30 years in power. They had been acting out of passion for their country and dedication for change.  They had protested and waited for a response. The response came in an address from Mubarak to the country and his people.  Mubarak would not step down.  Then almost miraculously, on the eighteenth day of protests, Vice President Omar Suleiman made a very brief statement on state television. Mubarak had stepped down. The crowds erupted "Egypt is free!" "Egypt is free!"  --  Paula Nelson  (40 photos total)

2Demonstrators say evening prayers in front of armored personnel carriers as tens of thousands gather at Tahrir Square, also known as Liberation Square. (Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images)  #

4A demonstrator waves his national flag in front of an army tank in Tahrir Square. The Egyptian army is the key player in the standoff between Mubarak and the protesters, Middle East experts say. The military, which is generally well regarded by the protesters, has largely maintained a hands-off policy during the rallies. (Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images) #

6Demonstrators kiss an Egyptian soldier in Tahrir Square. Through much of the 17 days of protests, soldiers and demonstrators have shown moments of solidarity. (Asmaa Waguih/Reuters) #

8Opposition supporters wait for President Mubarak's national address in Tahrir Square. (Goran Tomasevic/Reuters) #