The clock is now running after Egyptian Military reportedly gave President Mohammed Morsi 48 hours to come to some accommodation with millions of protesters who’ve taken to the streets, demanding he step down.

Some of the demonstrators raided and sacked the headquarters of Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood party in Cairo, later setting it ablaze.  They are accusing Morsi and his allies of rule that has become increasingly authoritarian, unaccountable, and Islamist.

Military chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is no longer treading lightly around the public displeasure, now threatening direct involvement in the political process “if the demands of the people are not met”.  The statement implies Morsi needs to step down or at least call early elections.

Morsi views it as a threat of Coup d’Etat.  Although in comments earlier in the day US President Barack Obama seemed to stand by Morsi, or at least by the election that put Morsi in office, the mood in Cairo may already have turned:  Ten ministers quit the Morsi cabinet.  And the Military flew choppers over Tahrir Square, each carrying large Egyptian flag.  The spectacle was hard to misinterpret and brought an uproar of applause from the demonstrators.

By the way, here’s some awesome video of protesters turning their laser pointers up at a chopper flying over the square last night.