Officials Scheme to Oust Mubarak

As hundreds of thousands of protesters continue to demand democratic change in Cairo’s Tahrir Square Friday, political elites from Egypt to the U.S. were nudging Hosni Mubarak out of office, seeking a dignified exit for the 30-year dictator. Political and military leaders have discussed limiting Mubarak’s official decision-making powers and removing him to his home at Sharm el Sheik, while allowing him to maintain the titular moniker of president for the time being. It has also been suggested that Mubarak take a well-timed medical leave to Germany, effectively removing him from the political game in Cairo and hopefully assuaging the concerns of some protesters who seek a decisive democratic transition in Egypt. “None of this can happen if Mubarak is at the center of the process,” said one official. “But it doesn’t necessarily require the president to leave office right now.”