Protesters in Egypt, rowdy with revolutionary fervor, dug in for an 18th day of demonstrations Friday, one day after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak refused to step down.
In a highly anticipated speech, Mubarak clung to the presidency but said he would “delegate powers” to Vice President Omar Suleiman according to the constitution — a major concession from the man who has ruled Egypt with an iron grip for 30 years.
His speech, however, enraged protesters in Tahrir Square, who want Mubarak to leave now. Packed in like sardines and showing no sign of giving up, many said they were spending the night in the square for the first time since the protests began. The mood of the crowd was relentlessly upbeat, even at 3 a.m..