"The stereotype that the Arab world, or the Muslim world, is forever stuck between dictatorship on one end and Islamist extremist theocracy a la Iran on the other end has been defeated with the people saying there's a third alternative. It's called democracy and that's what we want," said Rehab.

Rally tomorrow in support of Egypt making a clean break from authoritarian rule and a swift transition to democracy. Saturday, February 12, 12:00-2:00 PM, outside the Egyptian Consulate in Chicago, 500 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today welcomed the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a "first step toward freedom" and said there must now be a clean break with authoritarian rule and a swift transition to an open and transparent civilian government.

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today welcomed the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a "first step toward freedom" and said there must now be a clean break with authoritarian rule and a swift transition to an open and transparent civilian government.

Ahmed Rehab talks to Ed Schultz about what's happening in Egypt shortly after Mubarak said he would not step down, as well as what needs to be done in the country in order for a peaceful revolution to be successful.

Ahmed Rehab talks to MSNBC from Tahrir Square as Egyptians, and the whole world, wait for Mubarak's resignation.

Ahmed Rehab talks to MSNBC from Tahrir Square as Egyptians, and the whole world, wait for Mubarak's resignation.

“He gave a 50,000-word speech that didn’t include the only word people wanted to hear, which is goodbye, said Ahmed Rehab, a democracy activist from Chicago in Egypt to join the protests. "Everybody was just sitting there not listening except for that word and when they didn’t hear it, that’s it, they were done. They didn’t want to hear anything else.”

As crowds of protesters in Egypt erupted in anger, Egyptians in the Chicago area were glued to their televisions and computers as they grappled with what they called shocking news: The president of Egypt was not stepping down, despite weeks of protests and hints that he would do so.

Chicagoans came out yet again, braving the freezing cold, to show support for democracy in Egypt. Watch our video!

"I think in order to have a true democracy, all segments of society, including the Muslim Brotherhood, including the left-wing socialists, including Copts [Egyptian Christians] who have been traditionally marginalized in national politics, need to be represented. We need to believe that democracy allows everybody to have a voice," said Ahmed Rehab regarding how the future Egyptian political system should function.

"What I can tell you is that one of the demands of this revolution was change. People want democracy. They want freedom. They want human rights," said Ahmed Rehab. "They want transparency in government. And they want an end to the politically corrupt atmosphere that really permeates many levels of government. Not just at the very top, but through all levels."

Mubarak forces in plain clothes and with horses and camels cracked down on protestors. Today's guests discuss what's happening and what may come next:Cherif Bassiouni is President Emeritus of DePaul University’s International Human Rights Institute.

Ahmed Rehab is Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago. He’s participated in the Cairo protests and blogs about his experiences at Mindful of Dreams.

Chicagoans came out in force on Saturday to show their support for Egyptians demanding democracy, and called on President Obama to urge an immediate change of the Egyptian government.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across Egypt today in the largest demonstrations yet. Ahmed Rehab spent the day in Tahrir Square in Cairo, site of one of the largest gatherings. He tells us about the peaceful day of celebration. LISTEN HERE

Let us walk in solidarity with the people of Egypt, so as to remember that the path of freedom always leads to the same place: to peace, friendship and a better world.

Ahmed Rehab gives NPR updates from the ground. He’s the executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He flew to Cairo to participate in the protests.

An uprising in Egypt intensifies as protesters risk their lives to demand that embattled president Hosni Mubarak step down.