Germany 1 : Egypt 1 (full time) UPDATED

This evening I am watching the developments in Tahrir Square. Along with millions of people around the world, I await President Mubarak's speech, the hope grows that he will step down and allow the Egyptians on the road to democracy.

I am reminded of a November night 22 years ago when my father and I sat transfixed before our television, tears rolling down our eyes at the sight of East and West Germans falling into each others' arms.

It was not really clear to me at that moment how much had gone before. Many years later, when I moved to Germany I would watch the replays of the events that preceded the fall of the wall - one of my favourite scenes is that of Heinz Dieter Genscher addressing the East Germans who had sought shelter and help in the Prague Embassy. The roar of the crowd as they realised that they would be allowed to travel to West Germany still makes me weep.

As in Egypt, the Wall did not fall suddenly. It was the result of a many weeks of protests, the Montagsdemonstations.

As I write this, Mubarak has stepped before the cameras to address his people. Sadly, not to step down but to announce that he will be staying until the new elections in September. He may well have seriously misjudged the feeling in his country - this cannot end well for Mubarak. Or for Egypt.

The Egyptian people should have their "Praager Moment". They should have their "Wende" - their change of direction.

My thoughts and prayers are with those in Tahrir Square. Stay safe.

UPDATE:

This is what we have all been waiting for.