Update: 8:00 AM: The army has established control in major cities. There are more people in the streets than yesterday but the protests appear to be more peaceful. This story is far from over.
The police ( a historically corrupt and brutal organization in which is not well liked by the Egyptian population) has lost control of the streets of most major cities. Reports (unconfirmed at the moment) are that many local police stations have been looted and burned.
The army ( a historically professional organization admired by the public) has been called out to attempt to restore order. Many reports indicate that the citizens who are rioting have welcomed the army and invited them to participate in peaceful demonstrations. The army generals have resisted allowing their forces to be used because of the respect the citizens have for the army - the generals do not want to see any acts of violence that could undermine the army's respect and authority.
President Mubarak has dissolved the government.
The citizens will not rest until Mubarak resigns. The country holds Mubarak responsible for the lack of democracy, the brutality of the police force, the lack of economic opportunities, and the widespread corruption in government.
Rumpole says: The citizens in the streets are mostly middle class. This is a true revolt of the entire country (compare this to the 1979 Iranian Revolution when a small minority of extremist Islamic fundamentalists were able to seize power.) President Obama was correct not to unilaterally support the Mubarak government. Even a Judge in the REGJB can see that the Obama administration has written off the Mubarak government based on the President's words earlier Friday evening.
The question is who is in line to seize power?
In 2-3 hours the sun will be rising in Egypt. If you're reading this Saturday morning then it is 7 hours later in Egypt. An entire working day (Friday was the Muslin sabbath in Egypt) will bring more people to the streets and Mubarak cannot last.
Stay tuned. Bulletins at once, and we highly recommend the BBC. You can get radio feeds from the BBC website on line.