Why Americans should care about Egypt
By Jill Dougherty
As political turmoil engulfs Egypt, Americans are watching closely - and they should be: What happens in Egypt will directly affect Americans in many ways.
Travel: See the pyramids along the Nile - NOT
Egypt, with its 5,000-year history, the pyramids and pharaohs, was always a luxury travel destination for Americans but the political and social violence that has wracked the country for 2½ years has virtually destroyed Egypt's U.S. tourist business.
Now, the State Department is warning citizens not to travel to Egypt and U.S. citizens living in Egypt to leave. It also ordered non-emergency personnel and families of Americans working at the U.S. Embassy and consulate to leave.
Money
Egypt is America's closest ally in the Arab world and it gets $1.5 billion a year in U.S. taxpayer money for military and civilian programs. In fact, in the last 30 years, the United States has sent more foreign aid to Egypt than to any country except Israel. Now, that money hangs in the balance as the Obama administration decides whether to call the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsy a "coup."
FULL STORYStories from Gitmo
Trapped in legal limbo, detainees at Guantanamo Bay find a way to communicate with the outside world. And, as CNN's Chris Lawrence reports, the writings provide a fascinating window into their grasp of American culture (complete with references to Charlie Sheen and match.com!).
Egypt's military - made by the U.S.A.?
Money, weapons and training are among the ties that bind the U.S. and Egyptian military forces. But now there are questions about whether a "coup" by the Egyptian military could jeopardize that relationship. CNN's Chris Lawrence reports.
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