A more detailed German Version was published on Internet Briefing Blog

Of course, it was not entirely peaceful. But what surprises me most is, that yesterday night, no violance broak out in Egypt. And today, until the announcement of the step-down, the protests were peaceful. Usually, even though the protests as a whole try to be peaceful, there are a few loosing control & patience and starting violence. Then, counter violence, bad rumors and situation gets out of control and results in a chaotic violent mass movement.

So, why did the revolution in Egypt not turn violent?

And yes, of course, the main reason for this peaceful revolution are the people of Egypt, and no Social Media tools - But interesting is: After the insane speech of Mubarak yesterday, a theory made the round on Twitter and on Facebook: All this was planned by the regime! To fuel hope, to indicate a step-down, to make people celebrate, just to maximize the disappointment at night with Mubarak's speech. And the regime did all this, so that the peaceful protesters would loose their control and start being very violent. Like this, the army would have then a reason to step in and re-install Mubarak. I dont wana discuss, if this theory was justified or not, but the reaction & outcome on Twitter & Facebook was very remarkable:

NO WAY MUBARAK - you will NOT succeed with that! The protesters then went out, chanting "PEACEFUL, PEACEFUL, PEACEFUL ..." and prevented anyone from getting violent.

Twitter & Facebook in this situation also prevented absurd rumors, which usually lead to violence too, and served as great coordination media for the masses to stay calm & peaceful. Without Social Media, the outcome would have been certainly very different.
Good luck Egypt, hope you will continue your peaceful revolution and truly make history!

Appr Anon - 1 yea