POLITICS: 'Egypt Is Free!': Mubarak Finally Resigns!

A new sound in Tahrir Square today: jubilation. President Hosni Mubarak finally resigned as protesters incensed over his refusal to do so yesterday brought Egypt to a dangerous tipping point. The news came via a brief televised statement from VP Omar Suleiman, reports CNN: "In these difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave the position of the presidency," Suleiman said. Mubarak handed over temporary authority to the military.

The news immediately set off celebration among protesters in Tahrir Square and elsewhere with chants of "Egypt is free!" and "We have brought down the regime," notes al-Jazeera. The news came as demonstrators marched on the presidential palace and state television buildings. Mubarak had reportedly left Cairo earlier this morning.