Is Mubarak Alive?

It isn't my usual procedure to write about rumors, but this one is truly extraordinary. If it is true, it could have some truly profound repercussions on the Middle East peace process.

Neal Ungerleider of True/Slant writes that "[t]he talk of the Egyptian blogosphere right now is a fast–spreading rumor that President Hosni Mubarak has died."

I've been looking for confirmation, one way or the other, on reputable news sites, but, as of 7:45 p.m. (CDT), I haven't found any reports that Mubarak, 81, who recently had gall bladder surgery, died during his operation more than a week ago.

Ungerleider says "[t]he reports occurred after reports of Mubarak dying in a German hospital were broadcast on Russian television and on Arabic television."

If Mubarak really is dead, it will be the first time in nearly 30 years that Egypt has been without a leader. Mubarak assumed the Egyptian presidency following the assassination of Anwar Sadat in October 1981.