Anger is widespread on the streets of Egypt tonight, particularly in Tahrir Square, where upwards of a quarter of a million people had gathered in anticipation of hearing President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation speech. Instead, they were left incensed and bewildered when Mubarak clung onto power. It wasn’t just the streets of Egypt that were taken by surprise by this stubborn refusal to bow to the will of his people; media stations around the world, as well as governments and intelligence agencies in the West were also expecting Mubarak to stand down.
Rumours are already doing the rounds that protestors are heading away from the square towards the presidential palace, where Mubarak may or may not be holed up. Other rumours are that the state television centre is to be targeted, although again this is unconfirmed. Whatever the rumours, the likelihood is that hundreds of thousands, if not millions will take to the streets tomorrow and in other parts of the country, and a general strike has been called. Friday is also the religious day in Egypt
How these protests develop depends entirely on how the Egyptian military react. So far they have remained largely neutral, but many now believe the military will begin to order people off the streets and back to work. However today also saw military commanders on the ground addressing the crowd, making anti-Mubarak speeches, and there are reports that many have taken off their uniforms and joined the protesters. It is highly likely though that there will be some level of confrontation, particularly if the protesters do congregate around the presidential palace. The sheer number of protesters expected will make it extremely difficult for the military to control the crowds, but if there is bloodshed then Mubarak will be held responsible and there is a possibility this could end up with Mubarak strung up from a tree or with a bullet in his head, a possibility that looked a million miles away just a few hours ago
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