It was just weeks before he left Iran forever amidst a massive nationwide demonstration against him that the Shah of Iran broadcast his last speech to the people, apologizing for his past mistakes. On November 5, 1978, he pleaded:
I heard the voice of your revolution. As Shah of Iran as well as an Iranian citizen, I cannot but approve your revolution. Let all of us work together to establish real democracy in Iran. I make a commitment to be with you and your revolution against corruption and injustice in Iran.
Not so for President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. He did not apologize for anything in his speech to the people on their day of rage today. He did not make any amends and in fact repeatedly reinforced his power and authority:
My instructions to the government stressed that they provide an opportunity to the masses to express their views.
The government committed to my instructions and this was clear in the way the police handled the demonstrators.
In my capacity as president of the republic and by virtue of all the power conferred to me by the constitution…
I address you today not only as president of your republic but also as an Egyptian citizen.
