After 18 days of pro-democracy protest, Egpyt is free. President Hosni Mubarak surrendered power to the military on Friday, ending his nearly three decade rule in Egypt.
As Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak’s resignation over a state television broadcast, the streets of Cairo, lined with tens of thousands of Egyptians, broke out in joyous cheer. Some protesters danced, crying “Egypt is free” and “God is great,” while others hugged one another and wept in elation.
Since the start of the civilian uprising on January 25, many protesters called to Egypt’s powerful and well-respected army for help. Although it is unclear what is in store for Egypt in the near future, their grassroots movement was a huge success and Mr. Mubarak is no longer in control.