Mubarak to Address Egypt

After 17 straight days of violent and massive protests throughout Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak will soon make a major speech to the nation. According to several government officials, Mubarak will announce that he is stepping down or at least ceding much of his power. Arabic TV network Al-Arabiya reports that Mubarak will transfer his powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman, a move condoned by Egypt's constitution. The military appeared to be taking a leading role in the potential transfer of power, announcing on state TV that it will strategize how "to protect the nation and the achievements and aspirations of the great people of Egypt." Meanwhile, Obama told university students in Michigan that "America will continue to do everything we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt." Demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square have hit a fever pitch as citizens eagerly await Mubarak's address.