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The reality of how to govern from this point forward remains the big question mark. As one Egyptian journalist noted on CNN, had Mubarak not christened his VP as his chosen successor yesterday and tainted him in the eyes of the protestors, the VP may have been able to step into power today.

Instead, the military, which enjoys broad popular support, is stepping into power, but who specifically takes power and what their political sensibilities and agenda are unknown.

The hope is that this accelerates the pace to an open election and that the transition to a fully-elected government can take control soon. The fear is that an election process could be fractious and destabilizing once political faction emerge from the celebration.

LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,3072259.story

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned Friday and the military took control of the country after weeks of widespread protests and economic turmoil that have shaken this besieged nation and raised calls for democracy across an increasingly restive Middle East.

"President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down and has handed power to the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces," Vice President Omar Suleiman announced on state radio and television.

Those comments marked a stunning end to a dominating rule that spanned 30 years and saw Mubarak rise as a strategic U.S. ally in a troubled region.

Mubarak spent his presidency crushing opposition voices. But it was years of pent-up anger exploding in a protest movement that overwhelmed his police state for 18 days and forced the military to nudge him aside.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators broke into chants and song as Cairo swelled with jubilation and wonder. Many of those in the square were born under Mubarak's reign, and what unfolded was a moment of transforming history in which a popular revolt toppled an icon of Arab power.

The announcement was made hours after Mubarak and his family flew from Cairo to their home in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh.