Mubarak Steps Down in Egypt

The streets of Egypt are filled with it's citizens celebrating at the news that President Mubarak has stepped down after 18 days of mass protests and pressure by the people of Egypt.

From the AP: Vice President Suleiman — who appears to have lost his post as well in the military takeover — appeared grim as he delivered the short announcement.

"In these grave circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave his position as president of the republic," he said. "He has mandated the Armed Forces Supreme Council to run the state. God is our protector and succor."

Nobel Peace laureate Mohammed ElBaradei, whose young suporters were among the organizers of the protest movement, told The Associated Press, "This is the greatest day of my life."

The military, now in charge of the country, has vowed to move the country to great democracy.

This is serious history kids. All because people wanted freedom, democracy and a better life and risked their lives to get here. No fear kids.

Unrest and turmoil in Egypt

From CNN: crowds took to the streets today to protest President Mubarak and the present government.  The army had to be deployed to try to settle unrest that began Tuesday. Mubarak has promised to dismantle the current government but resists calls to step down as President of the country.

Although he has been pro-United States, Mubarak is considered a dictator in many circles. President Obama has called on the government in Egypt to refrain from violence and undo the limitations on internet restrictions put in place during the unrest.

Obama said he spoke to the Egyptian president after he announced plans to dissolve his government and take steps with a new cabinet to implement reforms that will revitalize the economy and create more jobs.

"I told him he has a responsibility to give meaning to those words, to take concrete steps and actions that deliver on that promise."

A protester holds an Egyptian flag as he stands in front of water canons

during clashes in Cairo.

Stay tuned to see how this affects not only Egypt but relations with that country both here in the U.S. and abroad.  U.S. stocks ended lower Friday as investors grew nervous about the political situation in Egypt.