Military holds key to future of Egypt

Editor's note: Now Hosni Mubarak has gone, what does the future hold for Egypt? A Xinhua analysis examines some of the variables, which may decide whether the country will quickly regain stability or remain mired in unrest:

Egypt's dynamic political situation has entered a new phase now that Hosni Mubarak has relinquished his 30-year-old hold on power and handed the reins of government over to the military in the face of an 18-day wave of popular protests. Analysts and observers in Egypt and beyond agree that what comes next depends on three critical variables.

The nationwide protests have taken a heavy toll on the country's social stability and economic activity. Now that Mubarak's resignation has met the key demand of the protesters, will the demonstrations end anytime soon?