Seven American NGO Workers to be Allowed to Leave Egypt

Tension between Cairo and Washington escalated rapidly when the Americans were prevented from leaving the country, with US lawmakers threatening to withhold almost $2 billion in aid scheduled to be sent to Egypt this year. Also troubling to American officials was the apparent widespread popular support for the government’s position. The stand-off had regional consequences as well, with Egypt threatening to abrogate the historic 1979 treaty with Israel if aid from the US ended. In an interview last week, Rania Al-Malky, editor-in-chief of Daily News Egypt, told The Media Line that the threats from Cairo were a reaction to “reckless statements” made by members of Congress rather than by the administration.

In another development the three judges hearing the case of the NGO's have resigned in "embarrasement."  US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said last week that she felt  more confident that the matter was moving nearer to a conclusion.