CAIRO — Egypt refused to back down Wednesday in a dispute with the U.S. over Cairo’s crackdown on nonprofit groups despite Washington’s threats to cut aid, while the military deployed troops to the streets after violence and protests.
Egypt’s official MENA news agency said the army was deploying more troops to reinforce the police, restore security and state “prestige.” The move comes in the wake of a deadly soccer riot last week that sparked days of clashes between the police and protesters. At least 89 people were killed in a week of violence.
The deployment appeared to be a show of force in response to a surge in criticism of its handling of the country’s transition to democracy and rising calls for the ruling generals to step down.
