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president steps down
As 500,000 protesters march through the capital's streets demanding Mubarak's immediate departure, the embattled president announces that he will step down -- eventually. He declares that he won't seek re-election at the next vote in September but will stay in power until then to ensure a peaceful transition. That concession again fails to win over anti-regime campaigners, who vow to stay on the streets until he quits. -
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Egypt revolution
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Mubarak,s supporters fight back
Mubarak's supporters decide it's time their voices were heard. Thousands of the president's backers -- some riding camels and horses -- rush to Tahrir Square, and fights break out between rival groups. The factions hurl rocks, sticks and Molotov cocktails at each other, while the military stands by, refusing to intervene. Fighting intensifies the following day, when gunmen open fire on anti-government protesters in Cairo. Opposition supporters argue that they have evidence that many of their at -
Obama Steps In
As protests continue to rage across Egypt, Obama urges Mubarak to consider his legacy and leave office in a way that will give peace and democracy a chance to take hold. "I believe that President Mubarak cares about his country," Obama tells reporters. "The key question he should be asking himself is, 'How do I leave a legacy behind in which Egypt is able to get through this transformative period?'" -
The strike goes on
Suleiman holds talks with opposition groups, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood -- an Islamist movement that has long been targeted by his intelligence service. The vice president pledges to institute a sweeping set of reforms, including restoring press freedoms and rolling back police powers, so long as the opposition end the demonstrations. Crucially, however, Suleiman refuses a key opposition demand: Mubarak's immediate resignation. The two sides fail to make much progress but agree t -
No Revolution
Speaking on state television, Suleiman announces that a timetable has been set for the peaceful transfer of power and that protesters would not be subjected to reprisals. The crowds gathered in Tahrir Square dismiss this latest declaration as yet more empty talk and promise they will not give up until Mubarak and his close allies are forced out. "What has happened so far is only half a revolution," Ayman Farag, a Cairo lawyer, tells Reuters. "I hope it will continue to the end." -
Military Commander gives Speech
An Egyptian military commander had told protesters, "All your demands will be met today," but at the end of a long speech, Mubarak refuses to resign, saying only that he's handing over some powers to Suleiman. Suleiman later addresses the nation and tells citizens to go home, get back to work and not listen to outside agitators. But the protesters remain in Tahrir Square and anger builds. -
Egyptian President Leaves
The morning after Mubarak's defiant and confusing speech, eyes fall on the Egyptian military, which first appears to back the government, but then issues a statement vowing to implement a transition of power "that produces the democratic society to which people aspire." Reports flood in that the president has fled Cairo. An hour later, Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman announces that Mubarak has "waived" his powers as president and "charged the high council of the armed forces to administe