He could have gone gracefully a week ago. He could even have gone gracefully on Thursday evening. But he blew it with his televised delusions that Egypt needed him. As a result, the one-time war hero who has given Egypt great stability over the years leaves in disgrace.

It is a momentous turn of events. In 1952, it was the army that brought about change in Egypt; it has been at the center of power ever since. Today it is the people. The army has simply reacted to events. Like Mubarak, it has bowed to the wave of public pressure that swept through Egypt's cities and streets. It says everything about where power now lies. Sovereignty in Egypt is now unquestionably with the Egyptian people. This is Egypt's real revolution. The date Feb. 11 will echo in Egyptian history.

And what a wave it has been! Today in Cairo and throughout Egypt, it is carnival time. But just a day ago, no one knew how events would turn out. But throughout, the protesters acted with great dignity and remarkable self-control. They refused to be intimidated despite over 300 of their number being killed. Their determination and courage has been a wonder to see, an inspiration that has resonated across the world.

What happens next in Egypt is impossible to predict. Will Mubarak's resignation calm the situation or will the protesters, having tasted success, want more? Two of their demands are met. Mubarak has gone and power has not been handed to Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's brief vice president but to the army council. But there were two other demands from the protesters. They want a new Parliament and an end to the emergency laws.

The army council must oblige. It had already said that the laws would go once the crisis ends. As for Parliament, it can simply call for new parliamentary elections alongside a new presidential contest.

These elections are key to future stability. The army has shown itself on the side of the protesters but it now has to show its assumption of power is temporary. A new legitimacy has to be found. That can be provided only by the ballot box.

As to the date, Egyptians may well agree to wait till September as originally planned - they have been remarkably long suffering and patient, and may be willing to be patient a little longer. But there will be those who demand an earlier date - April or May - and there is no reason why not. But even as the news of Mubarak's departure is being digested, the world is asking: Where next in the Middle East?