Which part of that two-word sentence does Hosni Mubarak not understand? I refrain from calling him president because at this stage in his dictatorship, he is a ruler in fiction. The fact is that this latter-day pharaoh, already with a 30-year rule to his discredit, has the gall to groom his son as his successor to fulfil dynastic visions. Rather than tune his ears to the vociferous supplications of the people,  he sharpens his nails to cling to power until September. His pride takes precedence over a country descending into chaos. His tenure of office is worth the exchange in blood of the population.