Why did the Mubarak regime turn the internet off?

That was the question I asked the attendees of a gathering recently at the Oxford Internet Institute looking at the role of the internet in the revolutions sweeping the Middle East.

The question gives us, I suggested, a route into understanding the other side of the equation, ie. How authoritarian regimes maintain their power. It therefore connects us to a long standing debate that has encompassed media studies, cultural anthropology, political science and more.

Hosni Mubarak appears to be on his way out as Egyptian President.

This is a huge moment in the modern history of the Middle East – and it is an astonishing achievement by the Egyptian people. Who can say in their lifetime that they took part in the overthrow of a dictatorship?

The Egyptian people have been incredible throughout the last two weeks, just incredible – full of huge courage, energy, and joy. I hope this brings them a brighter future of real prosperity, security and freedom.

When Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak came to power 28 years ago, the Berlin Wall still had another eight years to stand, AIDS was only just being recognized as a disease, and the Ford Cortina had another year to run on the automaker’s production lines.

Little wonder then that some people in Egypt would like to see a fresh-faced successor to take the reins in elections slated for 2011.

But not, by any means, everyone.

He’s widely tipped to be the next President of Egypt. He’s the policy chief in the ruling National Democratic Party (the NDP). And now he’s talking to Egyptians directly through the social web.

Today Gamal Mubarak, son of incumbent President Hosni Mubarak, will address questions posted on Facebook through a live video webcast.

It’s all part of an effort to build Mubarak junior’s credibility and support base, ahead of any future tussle for the presidency.