In Egypt, a top government adviser has asserted that security forces can open fire on pro-democracy protesters. The official, Interior Ministry adviser Hamed Rashed, made the comments in response to parliamentary questions over a government crackdown on a pro-democracy protest earlier this month. Rashed said officers are authorized to fire live ammunition at crowds that attack police. In related news, Egyptian activists are raising concerns over US funding cuts to governance aid in Egypt. The Obama administration’s recent budget request included a $25 million cut in funding for Egyptian civil society groups. The State Department is also now only allowing funding for groups authorized by the Egyptian government and is considering a plan to create a separate fund that would remove future congressional oversight on US aid.