(CNN) -- As though there were not enough tumult in Egypt. A year after revolution felled a longtime dictator, a new crisis has soured its strongest Western ally and threatened to sever military aid. Egyptian authorities had been investigating civil society organizations for a while but they stunned U.S. officials by announcing this week that 43 foreigners, including 19 Americans, working for civil society organizations would face prosecution. Egyptian officials blamed ongoing unrest in their country on foreign interference. Authorities carried out 17 raids on the offices of 10 organizations including the U.S.-based Freedom House, National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. Among those going to court is Sam LaHood, son of Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary.
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Egyptian authorities crack down on foreign organizations
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Among those facing trial are 19 Americans
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Angry U.S. lawmkers threaten to cut off military aid to Egypt
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Many are surprised by Egypt's provocation but see no easy way out
Several analysts said they were surprised the @placeholder chose to provoke America at such a critical juncture in their post-revolutionary journey; to bite the proverbial hand that feeds them.