Crisis Live Blog

Two anonymous officials involved in Egypt's diplomatic strategy have told Reuters that they believe the country's military rulers will "back down" in a confrontation with the United States over pending prosecutions of 19 American democracy advocates.

The officials said travel bans will be lifted on the six Americans who remain in Egypt and that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will "cease" the escalation. The SCAF, the officials said, wants US help in negotiating good terms for an aid package from the International Monetary Fund. 

A nearly year-old investigation into foreign funding and licensing issues with numerous NGOs in Egypt, most specifically those funded by the United States, led to indictments of 43 people this week. One of the indicted Americans is the son of President Barack Obama's transportation secretary.