US, Egypt lurch into risky limbo on NGO case

The United States hopes for a quick end to its dispute with Egypt over pro-democracy groups have been dashed, stranding both countries in a dangerous limbo as pressures build on a security partnership that is vital to Washington.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday voiced hope that the issue could still be resolved - but declined to discuss details of what she called "very intensive discussions" with the Egyptian government. "We've had a lot of very tough conversations and I think we're moving toward a resolution," Clinton said. (Reuters)