In a televised address to the Egyptian nation, President Hasni Mubarak is refusing to step down despite weeks of protest that has brought the world’s most populous Muslim country to a virtual standstill. Even though the writing is on the wall that his reign of terror has come to an end, Mubarak’s stubborn refusal puts the personal ambitions of a man before the security and prosperity of an entire people.
His announcement means two things: protestors will continue to resist Mubarak’s decision with even more fierce determination than before, while the military will mobilize to quell more unrest. This will lead to more conflict and violence in the streets of Cairo and around the nation. The ensuing bloodshed will be on the head of Mubarak. His unwillingness to listen to the people of Egypt means effectively that his regime will have to be toppled by violence. Even worse, it could lead to a military coup as the army leadership looks for ways to bring security to Egypt with as little bloodshed as possible.
President Obama should demand the immediate resignation of Mubarak for the sake of keeping the peace, and for the sake of regional stability. The people have spoken. Mubarak must go, and if he does not Egypt faces the real threat of collapsing into political violence, revolution, and military dictatorship if he does not heed their will.