Egypt bans travel on members of U.S.-funded groups

[maddezmom]

Reuters) - Egypt's military-led authorities have told several American pro-democracy activists, including the son of a member of President Barack Obama's cabinet, that they cannot leave the country, in what one of those affected called a "de facto detention."

Describing a travel ban that may add to strains with its U.S. ally as Egypt forges a new political structure following last year's uprising, officials at two prominent U.S.-funded non-governmental organizations which promote democracy said on Thursday that a total of 10 of their staff must stay in Egypt.

They said the orders were related to judicial investigations launched last month into a number of NGOs for alleged violations of rules relating to the registration of organizations in Egypt.

Among those targeted is Sam LaHood, Egypt director of the International Republican Institute (IRI), whose father Ray LaHood is U.S. Transportation Secretary. The order affects four IRI staff, including three Americans, and six from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), also including three U.S. citizens.

more:http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/26/us-egypt-usa-idUSTRE80P0K920120126

[MADem]

1. The billion dollar question is this--how long will these clowns keep this bullshit up?

The United States, which gives $1.3 billion a year in aid to Egypt's military, reacted sharply when the Egyptian authorities swooped in on some 17 NGOs in December. It had hinted that the military aid could be reviewed if the raids continued.

The uniforms won't be able to find the cash to buy a can of beans if they persist with this lunacy. They had better check themselves before they wreck themselves, as the saying goes.

[David__77]

2. The US will keep the funding going... almost no matter what.

Egypt has a lot of leverage. The US really, really wants Egypt to maintain the status quo with its neighbors. I think Egypt has more than enough leverage to rein in the NGOs without significant consequence.

[MADem]

3. We have more leverage. They can't get spare parts from anyone else. nt

[2ndAmForComputers]

4. Run to the embassy, folks.

Like, now.