Thousands have gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square in preparation for what protesters are calling a "march of million." The Egypt Army announced last night that they would not fire on protesters, emboldening the movement.

As the political tumult in Egypt enters an eighth day, the government of authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak suffered a major blow last night when the Army announced that it would not use violence to suppress the opposition movement that has formed against him. Meanwhile, protesters are expected to engage in a massive march and general strike calling for Mubarak's ouster today.

Oil prices have been floating around $90 a barrel for weeks, but now, the turmoil in Egypt has pushed the price up. Crude oil jumped close to 4% on Friday and then 3.2% yesterday to settle at $92.19 a barrel. However, the output of crude hasn’t changed in the region, so what exactly explains the sharp rise in prices?

Jordan's King Abdullah has sacked his government following protests as thousands marched in Amman to protest rising prices and unemployment and to demand that the prime minister, Samir Rifai step down. Prince Hassan of Jordan reacts to the news and talks about the future of the Mideast and the view of Egypt from Jordan. Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland also weighs in.

The bed bug problem in the United States doesn't seem to be going away any time soon, and because of that, the Federal Bed Bug Workgroup is kicking off the National Bed Bug Summit today to try and figure out a way to rid us of these pesky pests. Lou Sorkin, an entomologist from the American Museum of Natural History details why these bugs are still a persistent problem.

David Kirkpatrick, reporter for The New York Times has an update from Tahrir Square in Cairo, where thousands are gathering in preparation for a march to call for the resignation of President Mubarak. He describes a crowd that is jubliant and peaceful, saying that protesters have brought their families and children to the Square as the fear has dissipated.

Egypt has a key role as an ally to both Israel and Gazan Palestinians. It's one of the few countries that has a relationship with both groups. As the political ground shifts yet again in the Middle East, we take a look at one Palestinian doctor and how he came to be an advocate for peace in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of people have converged on Cairo's Tahrir Square in preparation for a mrach to the Presidential Palace. President Mubarak has tried to close access to teh city, cutting down train and bus service as well as the Internet, ATMs and phone service. However, the uprising has gained in force and energy.

As thousands continue to protest in Egypt, President Mubarak's days in power may be coming to an end. The question of how long Mubarak can survive given the economics in the country. Gas is running out, supplies are not coming in, unemployment is high. Samer Sheheta, professor of Arab politics at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University weighs in. With one million protesters openly demonstrating against the government, how much longer can the Mubarak regime hold power?

In what is being dubbed the "March of Millions," hundreds of thousands of Egyptians have taken to the streets in the eighth day of protests against President Hosni Mubarak. Demonstrations have vowed to remain on the streets until Mubarak, who has held his position for more than 30 years, quits. Protests are taking place in Tahrir Square, which translates to Liberation Square.

Another judge has struck down the Obama administration’s sweeping health care reform law. So far two federal judges have ruled in favor of the law’s legality, while two have ruled it unconstitutional. Twenty-six states' attorneys general brought this latest lawsuit and it’s unclear how the ruling will be interpreted in each of them. This time Judge Rodger Vinson, of Federal District Court in Pensacola, Florida ruled that the mandate to buy health insurance was so intertwined with the rest of the law that the entire act was unconstitutional.

Protesters are witnessing a historic moment in Egypt. We go into the crowd in Tahrir Square where hundreds of thousands have gathered. BBC correspondent Lyse Dousset describes the scene, where Egyptians are jubiliant as they continue to call for the resignation of President Mubarak.

The United States is performing a difficult balancing act in how to respond to the tumult in Egypt. The Obama administration was quick to show support for protesters who are pushing for democratic reform in the Middle East, but hasn't forcefully called for the end to Mubarak's regime.

Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland responds the news that Jordan's President has dismissed his government following protests in his country. King Abdullah has asked an ex-army general to forma new Cabinet.

There are concerns that the Muslim Brotherhood may try to take over if Mubarak cedes power. The group advocates a return to Sharia law and is banned in Egypt. However, according to Mohammad Mursi, an MP for the Muslim Brotherhood from 2000-2005 insists that the Brotherhood simply wants democracy.

"We believe in democracy," says one protester standing in Tahrir Square. The crowd has hit more than a hundred thousand and has been jubiliant. Voices have come together to talk about change peacefully. The BBC's John Sudworth has been reporting from the Square.

Welcome to the premier edition of a brand new special podcast from The Takeaway, covering the mass protests in Egypt and its consequences for the wider Arab World.

This episode features a recap of the day's events with New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof; a "face in the crowd" interview with Egyptian actor and protester Amr Waked; a deep look at the difference between the police and the Army in Egypt and a Takeaway from this morning's show.

Thousands of people have been demonstrating in the streets of Egypt for more than a week, and the army has backed them all the way. That's in stark contrast to the protesters' relationship with the police which has been strained for the past few decades of President Mubarak's regime.

Actor Amr Waked is best known to Western audiences for his role in the George Clooney oil movie Syriana, but this week, he has been protesting along with millions of his countrymen in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in Cairo, as the Egyptian people rise up in an attempt to overthrow President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled the country for 30 years.