Egypt is one of the most fascinating places in the world, with its spectacular pyramids and other manmade marvels, as well as the Nile River flowing through what once was one of the greatest civilizations on Earth.
But Egypt is not a particularly pleasant place for foreigners, or Egyptians, these days. That's because it is mired in a revolution that has brought great uncertainty. Elections were held Monday, though it's unclear that they will bring stability. And three American college students found out the hard way recently that the middle of a protest in Cairo is a perilous place to be.
They were arrested on suspicion of throwing firebombs at security forces that have been brutalizing Egyptian protesters. They faced a scary, days-long detention.
They had a happier ending than many Egyptian protesters have had, though. They were freed and now have returned to America, with some help from U.S. diplomats in Cairo.
We understand their feelings of relief and gratitude, and we sympathize with Egyptians who remain behind in the chaos.