A Crumbling Regime

Dima Khatib, an Arab journalist for Al Jazeera, is firing off tweets at a rapid pace:

29 days of defiance to one of the strongest regimes in the world. Regime is falling today,

People are still on the streets.. some seen hugging and kissing soldiers in joy

The family of Ben Ali has been arrested

Who will give ex president of Tunisia a safe haven

Where do you think Mr. Ben Ali is going.. Most are saying FRANCE ! Some said UAE..

President of Tunisian Parliament takes over according to constitution which gives him 60 days till new elections

Ladies and gentleman: THE TUNISIAN REGIME IS OFFICIALLY DOWN.

Scott Lucas has more:

1740 GMT: Reports say a ruling committee has been formed, headed by the Speaker of Parliament and including the Minister of Defense.

1725 GMT: Counter-Narrative. According to Al Arabiya, Speaker of Parliament Parliament Speaker Fuad Mbazaa says he is running Tunisia temporarily and will announce early elections. Under Tunisian law, those elections must take place within 60 days.

Above screenshot is from a live announcement by the Speaker of Parliament. Lucas again:

1752 GMT: Al Jazeera says fallen President Ben Ali is heading for Malta.