EGYPT IS FREE!

ALLAHU AKBAR!

After 18 days of protests, finally, Egypt's President for about 30 years steps down. The people overpowers a powerful man. Egyptians are in high spirits, jubilant protesters rejoiced all over the world. Just like Tunisia's.

Egyptian protest leader Wael Ghonim told CNN Friday the real heroes of the revolution are the young Egyptians in Tahrir Square and the rest of the country. (CNN)

What's next Egypt?

But amid the euphoria, ElBaradei sounded a note of caution. "We have challenges ahead of us," said the Nobel laureate, who some believe could emerge as Egypt's next leader. "I think we need to not worry about retribution. Mubarak needs to go, and we need to look forward." (CNN)

All photos from CNN except topmost from MSN

This is not about religion

The volatile Egyptian protests are now starting to boil with the announcement that Hosni Mubarak is not going to step down despite 30 years of mean police rule.

Because of this, Muslims and Christians in Egypt joined hands to show a force Mubarak could not ignore. Not anymore! No more! Such is their deep love for their country almost everyone: children, women, laborers, professionals; everyone, went out to make one big force to show their disgust for the widespread poverty, unemployment and corruption in the government.

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"That's why we have to destroy the system, which is based on the theory that people shouldn't speak out, that this country is their country, so it's not your right to ask. No, it is my right to ask you. If you're a minister, you are a civil servant, you are an employee of the government. With all due respect, my taxes pay for your salary." ~Wael Ghonim, Google executive & Egyptian protester

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But there is one touching scene I wish would happen not just in Egypt but also around the world: Christians forming a circle defending Muslims praying in Tahrir Square. Now, in return, Muslims are doing the same favor for the Christians who decided that doing prayers in the same square is a welcome option. Both the Christian cross and the Quran are raised together without fear, without prejudice, and sharing a common goal.

What a beautiful world.

Imagine.

Photo from Getty Images/AFP thru CNN

Hosni Mubarak cares for his country?

"I was very unhappy about yesterday; I do not want to see Egyptians fighting each other."

"I don't care what people say about me. Right now I care about my country, I care about Egypt." (Mubarak in an interview with Amanpour's CNN)

 All pics grabbed from msnbc.msn.com