Mubarak has gone, despite his desperate last minute attempts to stay in power. Eventually, even those close to him had to accept that he was part of the problem, not the solution. He did not want to go, this is the reality for all who get used to power and privilege.
Nobody in Tahrir Sqare knew the outcome of their struggle. At any moment, it could have gone terribly wrong. Throughout the 18 day occupation of the centre of Cairo, it was impossible to tell whether it would become another 'Berlin Wall' experience or a Tianamen Square massacre.
The bravery of those involved should not be underestimated. It seems to me that a violent uprising would have been an easy but entirely self defeating response. When the sniper fire killed innocents in the square, revenge would have been the simple answer, and much bloodshed would have been inevitable. But the people of Egypt, including many in the military, chose non-violence.
This gives great hope for the peoples of North Africa and the Middle East, but also for all of humanity. Inspired by this victory of non-violence, in the months and years to come, the dictators will fall, and the people will have their freedom.
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