Mubarak steps down, Egypt is free

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Dictator Hosni Mubarak resigned as Egyptian president this morning after 18 days of protests in which hundreds of thousands took to the streets.

Power now rests with the military until presidential elections begin in September.

The world has watched as hundreds were killed during conflict between pro-democracy protesters and Murbarak's supporters.

US president Barry Obama is in the running to replace Mubarak, but has been cautious to make a statement in light of rumors Australian prime minister Julia Gillard would 'stab him in the back' if he took office.

Egyptians protest, riot against Hosni Mubarak

(Image: New York Times)

Let's not send our 'hopes' and 'prayers' to anti-regime protesters in Egypt. They wouldn't want them.

Actually, they don't need them. They are breaking their pillars of national stability for change.

Change they have a right to.

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Hopes and prayers will do nothing against authoritarian president Hosni Mubarak and his supporters.

New York Times reporters said Wednesday:

"President Hosni Mubarak struck back at his opponents on Wednesday, unleashing waves of his supporters armed with clubs, rocks, knives and firebombs in a concerted assault on thousands of antigovernment protesters in Tahrir Square calling for an end to his authoritarian rule."

Mubarak said on Tuesday he would step down in September, yet remain in Egypt indefinitely.

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The spirit of Egypt's protests are being echoed across the Middle East.

For example, there are protests planned across Syria for today and Saturday, according to Al Jazeera.

Protests are illegal in Syria unless authorised by the State.